The Revitalising Effect
- EcoFocus Sri Lanka
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
The Revitalising Effect of Sustainable Hotels on Rural Areas and Villages in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has long been a key driver of economic growth, particularly for rural communities. However, traditional tourism models have not always been environmentally or socially sustainable, often putting pressure on local ecosystems and communities. In recent years, the rise of sustainable hotels has shown a transformative effect on rural areas and villages, creating a new model of tourism that fosters environmental protection, community development, and long-term economic sustainability.
Economic Empowerment of Rural Communities
Sustainable hotels in Sri Lanka focus on integrating local communities into their operations, providing jobs, training, and support for small businesses. These hotels often source food, materials, and services from nearby farms and artisans, thereby boosting local economies. This contrasts with conventional hotels that may rely on imported goods, bypassing local markets.
Properties like Jetwing Vil Uyana in Sigiriya have partnered with local farmers for organic produce, benefiting both the hotel and the village economy. At Jetwing Vil Uyana, four acres of land are dedicated to traditional paddy cultivation, where both planting and harvesting are carried out in collaboration with the local community. Villagers actively participate, using age-old methods that have been passed down through generations, preserving the region’s agricultural heritage.
In addition, its onsite farm produces a variety of fresh local fruits, vegetables, and herbs, all of which are used in the kitchens to create the exquisite dishes served to guests. This farm-to-table approach ensures that the food served is both fresh and sustainable.
In keeping with its commitment to sustainability, all glass water bottles used on the property are sourced from the hotel’s own bottling plant at Jetwing Lake, reducing plastic waste and supporting eco-friendly practices.
Jetwing Vil Uyana’s environmentally conscious design is also a defining feature. Each dwelling is constructed using locally-sourced natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and thatch. Additionally, the hotel uses an innovative plastering mixture of clay and cement, which eliminates the need for paint. This not only reduces maintenance costs but also prevents the emission of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aligning with Jetwing’s eco-friendly vision.
Environmental Conservation and Rehabilitation
Sustainable hotels are often built with eco-friendly designs that minimise environmental damage, from using renewable energy sources to incorporating water conservation systems. Importantly, many of these hotels engage in conservation projects that rehabilitate damaged ecosystems.
A standout example is Jetwing Kaduruketha in Wellawaya, which operates as a luxury agro-tourism property. As an agro-luxury hotel nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s fertile paddy lands, Jetwing Kaduruketha offers a unique experience that blends luxury with sustainability. The property thrives amidst lush fields where traditional farming practices, passed down through generations, produce bountiful harvests during both cultivation seasons. The hotel proudly cultivates a variety of organic rice, including the nutritious pachchaperumal and kahawanu varieties, which not only feed guests but are also shared with other hotels in the chain when there’s an excess.
Its commitment to sustainability extends to its on-site organic farm, where vegetables such as capsicum, brinjal, and lettuce are grown. These crops are harvested and prepared in kitchens as part of its Field to Fork initiative, ensuring that the meals guests enjoy are fresh, nutritious, and responsibly sourced. To maintain its eco-friendly practices, the hotel relies entirely on compost produced on-site and uses slurry from its biogas plant as a natural liquid fertiliser, without any chemical additives.
Promotion of Cultural Heritage and Local Identity
Sustainable hotels in rural areas of Sri Lanka are particularly focused on preserving and promoting local culture. They offer guests unique cultural experiences, from learning traditional crafts to participating in local festivals, ensuring that local traditions are kept alive and appreciated by visitors.
For example, in places like Gal Oya Lodge, a hotel deeply rooted in the local community, guests are invited to explore the nearby national park with indigenous Vedda guides. At Gal Oya Lodge, guests can immerse themselves in the rich cultural and natural heritage of the area.
One of the unique experiences offered is a village cooking class with Chef Premarathna in the hotel’s outdoor jungle kitchen, where participants learn to prepare traditional local dishes such as thalapa, thumba, river fish curry, spiced yams, forest salads, and kankun.
Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to walk alongside the indigenous Vedda tribes, one of Sri Lanka’s last remaining forest-dwelling communities. With the village chief as their guide, guests can explore the ancient jungles of his ancestors, gaining fascinating insights into the tribe’s use of medicinal plants, their ancient hunting grounds, and cave dwellings.
Finally, guided jungle drives through the nearby Nilgala section of Gal Oya National Park offer an exciting adventure led by resident naturalists, showcasing the area’s unique flora, including prized medicinal plants. This combination of culinary and cultural experiences highlights Gal Oya Lodge’s commitment to connecting guests with the local community and environment.
Infrastructure Development
Sustainable hotels often act as catalysts for infrastructure development in rural areas. Their presence typically leads to improved roads, better water management systems, and increased access to electricity – resources that benefit the broader community, not just the hotel.
In addition to physical infrastructure, sustainable hotels frequently invest in educational programmes and healthcare services for local populations, further enhancing the quality of life in these areas. These investments create long-lasting change, enabling rural villages to develop independently of tourism over time.
In the wake of the devastating 2004 tsunami, Jetwing Lighthouse undertook a collaborative initiative to enhance rural infrastructure by building a community swimming pool aimed at imparting essential aquatic life skills to local residents. With the support of SOS Velsen from the Netherlands and Adopt Sri Lanka, founded by tsunami survivor Geoffrey Dobbs, the project was realised through the vision of renowned architect Channa Daswatte. The technical guidance for this initiative was provided by Julian Bolling, a former Sri Lankan Olympic swimmer, along with Christina Fonce, who had previously established a women’s swimming project in Weligama.
The Lighthouse Community Pool continues to host free swimming lessons led by professional coaches, serving both schoolchildren and the broader community. This initiative has not only equipped locals with vital swimming skills but has also fostered a culture of safety and confidence in the water.
Minimising Over-tourism and Fostering Responsible Travel
By focusing on sustainability, these hotels help prevent the negative impacts of over-tourism, which can lead to overcrowding, resource depletion, and the commodification of local culture. Sustainable hotels often operate with a lower density of visitors, creating a more intimate, responsible travel experience. This helps prevent rural areas from being overwhelmed by mass tourism and preserves the integrity of local ecosystems and communities.
By adopting eco-friendly practices and limiting the environmental footprint of tourism, sustainable hotels contribute to the long-term preservation of Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage. They promote a model of tourism where the local environment and culture are not seen as disposable resources but as invaluable assets that must be protected for future generations.
Ella, a once-sleepy village in Sri Lanka’s hill country, has seen a rapid transformation into a top tourist destination. Although the influx of tourists has brought economic benefits, the region also faces challenges such as waste management issues and over-commercialisation. However, the rise of sustainable hotels in the area has been pivotal in addressing these issues.
Hotels like 98 Acres Resort & Spa have focused on promoting eco-tourism by adopting green building techniques, using solar energy, and working closely with local communities.
Ella’s sustainable tourism model is now considered a success story in balancing tourism growth with environmental conservation. By encouraging mindful travel and supporting local enterprises, sustainable hotels in Ella demonstrate the potential for responsible tourism to enhance rather than harm rural areas.
Sustainable hotels in Sri Lanka can have a revitalising effect on rural areas and villages by promoting economic empowerment, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and responsible tourism practices. As Sri Lanka continues to recover from recent economic and social challenges, the development of eco-friendly, community-centric tourism models holds great potential for fostering sustainable rural development.
By prioritising the well-being of local communities and the environment, sustainable hotels are not just places to stay but are integral to the future of rural Sri Lanka. They embody the principles of sustainable development, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared by all.
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