TFG

How Sri Lanka’s Youth are Leading the Charge for Marine Protection

CreatorTech — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:36:27 +0000

Answering the Ocean’s Cry for Help

“I remember that day like it was yesterday,” recalls a core member of the Pearl Protectors. “We found a net wrapped around a coral bed. If we hadn’t removed it, it would have killed everything in its path.” His voice carries exhaustion, but there’s something else, too—pride.

Moments like this fuel their fight. Because to them, the ocean doesn’t have a voice—but they do. And they’ll keep fighting for it.

Young Protectors Making Waves

For years, marine conservation in Sri Lanka was left to government bodies and large organisations. Young people were rarely seen as key players in the movement. Pearl Protectors set out to change that.

“We wanted to prove that young people can make a real difference in protecting our oceans,” they say. What started as a small group of passionate divers has transformed into a formidable force for change. Armed with determination, they take on threats most people never even see.

The fight for a healthier ocean starts where few dare to venture—deep underwater. The group recognised a hidden menace: marine debris suffocating the seabed. Their solution? The ‘Cleaner Seabeds’ project. The mission is gruelling. Divers navigate through murky waters, pulling out plastic bags wrapped around delicate coral, fishing lines tangled in rock formations, and discarded nets that spell doom for marine creatures.

“Seeing the sheer volume of plastic was heartbreaking,” recalls a volunteer diver. “But it also fuelled our determination to make a difference.”

Inspiring a Movement

In 2021, disaster struck. A shipwreck off Sri Lanka’s coast unleashed an avalanche of plastic nurdles—tiny pellets used in plastic production—into the ocean. It was an ecological catastrophe, with nurdles washing up on beaches, embedding themselves in the sand, and endangering marine life

The Pearl Protectors didn’t hesitate. “We knew we had to act fast.”

The team mobilised volunteers, scoured coastlines, and developed innovative tools to sift through the sand. Over two years, they removed over 2,000 kilograms of microplastics. Their relentless work didn’t just clean up the beaches—it sparked a global conversation about plastic waste and the urgent need for stricter regulations. But cleaning the ocean is one battle; preventing pollution is another. The Pearl Protectors understand that true conservation is rooted in community action. Their beach cleanups aren’t just about removing trash—they’re about igniting change.

“We wanted to show people that everyone can play a part in protecting our environment.”

In 2023 alone, their efforts cleared over 10,000 kilograms of waste from Sri Lanka’s beaches.

But the real impact is seen in the people who join. Young volunteers leave with more than just a sense of accomplishment—they leave with a mission. “Seeing the amount of plastic we collected really opened our eyes. It made us realise that we need to make changes in our own lives to reduce plastic.”

A New Wave of Ocean Warriors

Pearl Protectors have proven that conservation isn’t just the work of scientists, policymakers, or seasoned activists. It’s the work of anyone who loves the ocean enough to fight for it. And they’re just getting started.

“It’s not written anywhere that young people can’t, or shouldn’t, lead the charge in protecting the ocean,” they say. “If you have the passion, you can do it. In fact, you can probably do it better.” As the sun sets over Sri Lanka’s coastline, the fight continues. The tides are rising, but so are its defenders.

Founded in 2018, the Pearl Protectors are Sri Lanka’s leading youth-led marine conservation initiative. Their mission is to protect marine biodiversity through hands-on action, research, and education. From organising large-scale cleanups to pioneering underwater conservation efforts, they have mobilised thousands of volunteers in the fight against ocean pollution. Their work extends beyond Sri Lanka, shaping policies and sparking international conversations about marine conservation.

Tracking Leopards in Yala: A Conservationist’s Journey

CreatorTech — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:29:08 +0000

From Galle’s Shores to Safari Wilderness

Growing up in Galle, surrounded by the beauty of nature, Dhanula was inspired by “the vibrant birds and rich wildlife of the area,” sparking a lifelong fascination with Sri Lanka’s unique fauna. That fascination evolved into a professional calling for Dhanula, blending scientific expertise with a deep-seated love for the wild.

With a degree in Zoology from the University of Peradeniya, Dhanula ventured into the safari industry, transforming safaris into storytelling adventures.

“Deciphering these unique behaviours has become the key to unlocking the hidden world of leopards,” says Dhanula. This approach turns every safari into a front-row seat to nature’s mysteries, making conservation an immersive experience for visitors.

Decoding Leopard Mysteries through Whisker-Spot Patterns

Dhanula’s work at Leopard Trails brought groundbreaking innovation. Using whisker-spot patterns, he led a project identifying individual leopards in Yala and Wilpattu National Parks. The result? A robust database and a dynamic website—Leopards of Yala.

“It was exhilarating to witness the unique personalities and behaviours of individual leopards up close,” shares Dhanula shedding light on how this research deepens our understanding of leopard dynamics.

Some leopards are elusive, melting into the shadows at the faintest human presence, while others exude fearless confidence. Among them, the Pan Wala 2:2 Male (aka YM 16/Lucas) stands out. Unbothered by the throng of vehicles that often surrounds him, Pan Wala male is the epitome of indifference. Whether hunting with precision, sleeping on busy roads, or even courting a mate, Lucas lives on his own terms, oblivious to the curious eyes watching his every move.

He’s probably the most photographed leopard in Yala National Park over the past five years, perhaps even in all of Sri Lanka. According to Dhanula, Lucas’ striking presence and captivating aura has turned him into a living icon, immortalised through countless lenses.

A Matriarch’s Legacy: Shaping Yala’s Future

Equally fascinating is the legacy of Siyambalagas Wala 3:3 Female, described as “more than a mother; she was a kingmaker of Yala Block 1.” This remarkable matriarch raised cubs that would go on to dominate the region, solidifying her dynasty in the wild.

Although she disappeared in 2021, her lineage thrives, a living testament to her resilience and strength. Siyambalagas Wala 3:3 Female’s legacy is one of perseverance and power, shaping Yala’s ecosystem in profound ways.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservation Through Storytelling

For this conservationist, inspiring the next generation is key. “I believe the future of wildlife conservation lies in inspiring the younger generation through education. And what better way to ignite their passion than through storytelling?”

Through tracking and documenting leopards, they craft powerful narratives that captivate and educate, ensuring these magnificent creatures remain a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.

At The Fabulous Getaway, we believe that stories like this are worth celebrating. They remind us that conservation is more than just science; it’s about connecting with the natural world on a personal level. These stories inspire us to travel with purpose and contribute to preserving the beauty that makes our planet extraordinary.

Dhanula is a Sri Lankan wildlife biologist with a passion for leopards. He graduated from the University of Peradeniya with a degree in Zoology and now works in the safari industry, guiding others in exploring Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Dhanula’s fascination with leopards led him to a project with Leopard Trails Pvt Ltd to identify individual leopards in Yala and Wilpattu National Parks based on their unique whisker-spot patterns. This project, a highlight of his career, culminated in the creation of a website documenting these leopards.

Guradians of the Forgotten Felines:Anjallee Sivarajah’s Mission With SCAR

CreatorTech — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:23:52 +0000

Forgotten Felines of Sri Lanka

In the shadow of Sri Lanka’s celebrated leopards roam three lesser-known but equally remarkable felines – the fishing cat, the rusty-spotted cat, and the jungle cat.

These elusive creatures navigate an increasingly challenging landscape, their stories often untold and their struggles unseen. For wildlife biologist Anjallee Sivarajah, these forgotten wildcats have become the focus of an inspiring conservation journey.

“My devotion to wildlife conservation began in Wasgamuwa National Park,” Anjallee explains. “I was studying human-elephant conflict, but I soon realised that many smaller species were being overlooked.” This realisation led her to Small Cat Advocacy and Research (SCAR), which since 2017 has been writing a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s conservation story. Their mission: to protect and preserve the island’s small wild cats through a blend of scientific inquiry, community partnership, and passionate advocacy.

Urban Cats Among Us

As a wildlife biologist with SCAR’s Urban Fishing Cat Conservation Project, Anjallee works in one of the organisation’s most fascinating initiatives. “Colombo is the only large city in the world with a known population of fishing cats,” she notes with pride. “These remarkable creatures have adapted to life in urban wetlands, using canals, ponds, and paddy fields as their highways and hunting grounds.”

Anya Ratnayaka (Project Lead), Anjallee and the team work tirelessly to understand these urban wildcats. “By monitoring fishing cat populations, studying their diet through scat analysis, and tracking their movements through GPS collaring, we’re piecing together their untold stories,” she shares. This research is vital, but equally important is SCAR’s collaboration with local communities and government agencies like the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation and the Department of Wildlife Conservation to ensure these urban wetlands remain protected.

Beyond Colombo, with Project Lead Ashan Thudugala, SCAR’s Save Fishing Cats Conservation Project focuses on the hill country, where fishing cats face different challenges. “Human-carnivore conflict is a significant issue in these areas,” Anjallee explains. “We’re not just studying the problem – we’re engaging with communities to find solutions that work for both people and wildlife.”

What Anjallee finds most rewarding about SCAR’s approach is their commitment to citizen science. “Our Small Wild Cat Distribution and Roadkill Monitoring project invites everyone to participate in conservation,” she says. “When people report sightings or roadkill incidents, they’re helping us identify critical areas for protection while becoming personally invested in the cause.”

Renewal Through Research

In addition to her work with fishing cats, Anjallee leads her own research initiative in southern Sri Lanka. “The Regenerated Forest Mammal Monitoring Project is particularly close to my heart,” she admits. “In Ahangama, we’re studying how mammal communities return to naturally regenerated forests. It’s proof that conservation isn’t just about preservation – it’s about renewal.”

These regenerated forests provide vital habitat for wildlife while offering surrounding communities benefits like improved air quality and water regulation. “When we protect these ecosystems, everyone wins,” Anjallee observes. “These small wild cats aren’t just beautiful creatures – they’re indicators of environmental health that benefit all life on the island.”

After five years as a wildlife guide, Anjallee has found her true calling in research and conservation. “Working with SCAR has allowed me to combine scientific rigour with genuine community engagement,” she reflects. “Conservation is about people as much as it is about wildlife.”

Through her unwavering dedication and that of her colleagues at SCAR, Anjallee has become more than a biologist – she is a storyteller illuminating the lives of creatures that thrive in the margins, a guardian protecting Sri Lanka’s natural heritage, and an architect designing a future where wildcats and humans flourish together.

In a world where conservation narratives often focus on charismatic megafauna, Anjallee and SCAR remind us that sometimes the most important stories come in smaller packages. The fishing cat navigating Colombo’s urban waterways, the rusty-spotted cat slipping through highland forests, the jungle cat patrolling the boundary between wilderness and farmland – these are the untold tales of Sri Lanka’s wild heart, and through Anjallee’s work, they’ll be told for generations to come.

With a BSc in Wildlife and Conservation Biology and a heart firmly rooted in the wilderness, Anjallee Sivarajah transforms passion into purpose. Her journey began in Wasgamuwa National Park studying human-elephant conflict before dedicating herself to Small Cat Advocacy and Research. Now a wildlife biologist with the Urban Fishing Cat Conservation Project, she balances five years of wildlife guiding experience with pioneering research on terrestrial mammals in Ahangama’s regenerated forests.

Meet the Freshwater Guardian: Hiranya’s Journey in Conservation

CreatorTech — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:18:43 +0000

Into the Rainforest

Deep in the heart of Sri Lanka, where emerald rainforests unfold and ancient mountains pierce the sky, a hidden world thrives. A world of cascading streams and tranquil rivers, teeming with an incredible array of freshwater fish—some so unique, they exist nowhere else on Earth.

Over here in the lush rainforests of Sinharaja or Kanneliya, the air is thick with humidity, carrying almost a melodic gurgling of hidden streams. As your hand dips into the cool, crystalline water, a school of fish scatters playfully, a fleeting glimpse of the vibrant life beneath the surface.

This is where you’ll find Hiranya, a dedicated explorer and protector of Sri Lanka’s freshwater ecosystems. With a twinkle in his eye and an infectious enthusiasm, Hiranya transforms every scientific encounter into an unforgettable journey of discovery.

Encounters with the Extraordinary

Among the remarkable inhabitants of these waters is the Ceylonese Combtail (Belontia signata), a small but extraordinary fish. This resilient species has a secret weapon—a labyrinth organ that allows it to breathe air. The males are exemplary fathers, meticulously constructing intricate bubble nests to safeguard their offspring—a rare trait in the fish world.

Found only in Sri Lanka, the Ceylonese Combtail shares a surprising connection with its distant cousin, the Malay Combtail, separated by vast oceans and aeons of evolution. Hiranya calls these fish “living fossils,” a testament to the power of adaptation and the enduring mysteries of the natural world. Nearby, the forest takes on a new rhythm. At a waterfall’s base, a gentle sensation tickles your toes.

These are the Ceylon Stone Suckers, natural exfoliators and masters of survival. Their suction-like mouths are perfectly adapted to cling to rocks in the fast-moving waters, a testament to the ingenuity of life in even the most challenging environments.

Hiranya’s eyes sparkle with fascination as he describes these remarkable adaptations. “They’re tiny titans of resilience,” he exclaims, “a constant reminder of the extraordinary ways nature equips its creatures to thrive.” In the serene pockets where streams meander slowly, Hiranya introduces us to the Pearly Rasbora. These tiny fish shimmer like living jewels, their scales catching the sunlight in dazzling bursts of orange, yellow, and blue. Unique to Sri Lanka, they’re a living symbol of the island’s unmatched biodiversity.

“They may be small,” Hiranya says, his voice hushed with reverence, “but they play a vital role in the intricate web of life. Each species is a thread in the tapestry of this ecosystem.” As dusk falls, the streams come alive with a different kind of magic. Among the nocturnal hunters is the Walking Catfish, a creature that seems almost mythical. With its whisker-like barbels and air-breathing abilities, it’s perfectly suited for navigating the darkness. During the monsoon season, these fish can even “walk” short distances over land, wriggling their way to new territories.

Hiranya marvels at their resourcefulness. “They’re the ultimate survivors,” he says, “a testament to the power of adaptation in the face of adversity.”

A Call to Conservation

Sri Lanka’s freshwater ecosystems are breathtakingly beautiful, but they’re also incredibly fragile. The southwestern wet zone, where most of these unique species thrive, faces mounting pressure from human activity. Hiranya explains that conserving these habitats isn’t just about protecting fish. It’s about safeguarding clean water, healthy forests, and the delicate balance of life itself.

Sri Lanka’s freshwater havens are alive with vibrant colours and incredible stories. Thanks to people like Hiranya, these stories continue to unfold, offering a glimpse into a world where nature’s wonders continue to inspire awe for generations to come.

Hiranya’s journey began as a wide-eyed child, exploring the freshwater streams that snaked through his homeland. That childhood curiosity blossomed into a lifelong passion for understanding and protecting Sri Lanka’s natural wonders. Today, Hiranya tirelessly works to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater conservation. Through his captivating guided explorations and unwavering dedication, Hiranya hopes to inspire others to appreciate and protect these hidden treasures.

Finding Beauty in the Everyday: Nazly’s Journey Through Colombo

CreatorTech — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:04:35 +0000

Accidental Artist, Intentional Vision

In the beating heart of Sri Lanka’s capital, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, photographer Nazly discovered that the most extraordinary stories often hide in plain sight. This is a tale of finding beauty in the everyday streets of Colombo.

It began unexpectedly in 2006 with nothing more than a modest 1.3 MP camera phone. What started as casual snapshots gradually transformed into a way for Nazly to see the world through a new lens, finding beauty even in the ordinary. “I never set out to become a photographer,” he confesses. “Photography found me.”

A few years later, Nazly upgraded to a tiny digital camera, and by 2012, he had purchased his first DSLR. While many of his friends reserved their cameras for trips and special occasions, Nazly chose a different path – taking his DSLR on daily commutes and through the neighbourhoods he grew up in. The streets of Colombo became both canvas and muse.

“With street photography, you can’t plan; each moment holds a story, but you don’t know what that story will be until it happens,” Nazly explains.

This unpredictability became the allure. Nazly’s transition to street photography wasn’t immediate, he first explored landscapes and architecture, but the spontaneous nature of the streets always fascinated him. Around this time, photography became his creative escape from the repetitive nature of his desk job.

Streets as a Living Canvas

Walking through Colombo’s vibrant streets, camera in hand, offered both liberation and a way to unwind. “Colombo’s streets hold endless stories,” Nazly notes, “and capturing these untold narratives allowed me to see my city and life in a richer, more colourful way.”

Without formal training, YouTube tutorials and countless hours on Colombo’s streets became his classroom. “Every photo was a chance to refine my skills, to better understand angles, shadows,
and the way light interacts with people and places,” he reflects. Through practice and experimentation, he learned to capture those fleeting instances of perfect imperfection that make street photography so deeply rewarding.

Today, Nazly’s process has evolved into something much more meaningful than simply taking photos. “When I head out with my camera, it’s not just about taking photos. I immerse myself in the scene, getting to know the people and the place. I wait, observe, and let the story reveal itself.”

There’s profound beauty in capturing a tea maker at his stall or commuters on a crowded train, moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed but that Nazly believes are worth cherishing.

Social media played a significant role in sharing his work. Though he started on Flickr, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter eventually took the lead. “I never consciously promoted my photos,” he admits. “I simply posted what I felt connected to, and over time, people who resonated with these scenes began to follow along.”

Beyond Pixels to pages

After years of documenting Colombo’s vibrant energy, Nazley’s images found a home beyond digital screens in “Colours of Colombo,” a book co-authored through the words of Kris Thomas. “Initially, the book was just a way to preserve these images, but it became so much more – a tribute to Colombo and its people, a way for others to see the city as I do.”

Looking back, Nazly’s journey into photography has been one of discovery, growth, and gratitude. “Street photography taught me to find beauty in the every day, to see the extraordinary in the mundane, and to appreciate my city more deeply. If there’s one thing I hope my photos convey, it’s this: life is filled with moments worth savouring, and sometimes, all it takes is a second glance.”

Nazly Ahmed transforms the mundane into the magnificent
through his lens. After eight years of exploration, he discovered street photography as his true calling, a perfect detox from his desk job and a way to see Colombo differently. His acclaimed book “Colours of Colombo,” co-authored with Kris Thomas, showcases eight years of capturing everyday heroes and fleeting moments that might otherwise go unnoticed, proving that beauty often hides in plain sight.

From Paradise, With Love: The Story of Ceylon Soap Company

CreatorTech — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:59:19 +0000

Nestled in the lush, tropical heart of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Soap Company was born from one woman’s deep love for luxurious bath rituals and a goal to create products which are nourishing to both people and Mother Nature.

Like many of us, the founder Sam was drawn to the allure of scented bath products – velvety lathers, rich aromas, and the promise of soft, pampered skin. But the appeal quickly wore off when she looked more closely at the harsh chemical ingredients, synthetic ingredients and preservatives which not only damaged the skin but harmed our environment, too.

Sam’s curiosity was sparked and after much research, she created Ceylon Soap Company with a clear mission: to offer luxury and quality without compromise. Seeking out all natural ingredients and using the ancient wisdom of cold-process soap making, the company produces soaps which are totally free of parabens, artificial additives and preservatives.

Plastic packaging has no place here – instead they produce solid soap bars for everything from shampoo and face scrubs to shaving and even pet shampoo. Instead, bars are wrapped in biodegradable paper which are completely compostable.

What makes Ceylon Soap Company truly shine, though, is its commitment to empowering local women. They consider themselves a social movement, far more than just a soap company.

As the owner Sam says, “Everything we do is by the community, for the community—and always in harmony with Mother Earth. We believe sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. That’s why our processes are gentle on the planet, our packaging eco-conscious, and our vision bold: to take the pure, powerful essence of Sri Lanka to the world.”

The company has created a space for local women, often overlooked in the Sri Lankan workforce due to their roles as mothers, wives, and caregivers, to learn, create, and earn. Many of these women live in areas where employment is scarce, and opportunities even scarcer. Today, CSC’s whole team is female, priding itself on paying decent wages and located in the village of Matale. Sam points out “By bringing the work to the women, we are creating a ripple effect of empowerment, independence, and community support.”

Each soap bar is a tribute to Sri Lanka, our paradise island. From the sun-drenched coconuts to fragrant spices, healing herbs, and cooling botanicals, they harness the best of our land in every bar. Their unique recipes have been perfected over time, using traditional methods that preserve the natural goodness of each ingredient.

Mineral micas are used to gently colour the soap, while 100% natural essential oils add fragrance and healing properties. Many of the ingredients are homegrown in Sam’s gardens, from wild jasmine, hibiscus and coffee beans. Knowing every element that goes into each bar allows them to adapt and customise to suit even the most sensitive skins and conditions, creating a wonderfully loyal following as a result.

We celebrate this company and its wonder-woman team, where every bar is a love letter to nature, to Sri Lanka’s people, and to a cleaner, kinder future.

Working a corporate job in London, founder Sam Helm had a long-held love for indulgent bath products, before turning her vision of 100% natural products into a business. She returned to live in Sri Lanka, creating organic, nourishing products that protect people and planet, whilst uplifting women in rural communities. Today, Ceylon Soap Company’s products fill not just homes in Sri Lanka but many hotels and spas, too.

Saving Elephants by Helping People

CreatorTech — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:49:25 +0000

Elephants have played a significant part in Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and religion for thousands of years. Largely found in protected reserves and national parks, their ancient migration routes between these areas have become filled with villages and roads as human populations have grown. Human – elephant conflict (HEC) is the result when elephants are forced to roam in search of sustenance and new territories and clash with villagers, resulting in injury and even loss of life for both the elephants and the people they encounter.

A true champion for both elephants and the communities that live beside them is Ravi Corea, who has dedicated the past thirty years of his career to finding solutions to HEC to create a sustainable future for both the people and wildlife of Sri Lanka.

A native Sri Lankan, Ravi grew up with a fascination for nature and wildlife, watching birdlife, snakes, and turtles in a nearby marsh. However, in his teenage years, the marsh was overtaken by building development. He pinpoints this as a pivotal moment that inspired him into his career as a conservationist who would balance the needs of ecosystems with the needs of communities that live alongside them.

Ravi has lived in the USA for over thirty-five years, gaining a degree in Conservation Biology from New York’s Columbia University, and working at the Herpetology Department of the American Museum of Natural History as a Curatorial Assistant and Scientific Consultant. During this time, he founded the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) in 1995 to find a new way to balance ecosystem protection for elephants and other species with sustainable economic development for rural communities.

Based in Wasgamuwa in the North Central Province, Ravi and his team have worked over the past twenty-five years alongside the communities that share their existence with elephants, making them part of the solution. In the early days of conservation, this was unheard of, as Ravi says, “most conservation efforts at the time completely overlooked this very important element, which was the communities who had the biggest impact on wildlife.”

In 2002, the SLWCS began to monitor the human and elephant interactions along one of Wasgamuwa’s ancient elephant corridors, supported by international volunteers. Two observation tree huts along the route were built for the researchers to be based whilst collecting data, as well as providing a lifeline for villagers walking through, as a place to seek shelter when aggressive bull elephants were present.

With growing human populations, by 2014, this route was heavily used by pedestrians, and the number of human elephant conflict situations was spiraling down; and solutions were needed urgently. The SLWCS learnings in this region inspired them to establish the world’s first EleFriendly Bus service, which drastically reduced human elephant conflict situations by 90%.

This is just one example of the forward-thinking and creative solutions the SLWCS has delivered in the region. Others include Project Orange Elephant, using elephants’ natural dislike of citrus fruits to build citrus groves as a trophic deterrent to protect farmers’ home gardens from being raided. During the pandemic, when the support from international volunteers stopped overnight, Ravi and his team created an E- Volunteer programme so conservation-minded travellers across the globe could still contribute time, expertise, and funds to support the SLWCS team on the ground.

Today, responsible travel creates a new vision of hope for Ravi and the work of the SLWCS, with more and more travellers asking deeper questions and engaging with the work of conservation programmes as part of their itineraries to understand Sri Lanka in more depth. Tourism is not without its challenges, though, including fake elephant sanctuaries where wild elephants end up shackled to draw tourist dollars. Ravi encourages travellers to do their research to avoid inadvertently supporting these, but is heartened that “fortunately, there is an increase in global awareness and recently several reputable international travel and tour companies have denounced certain activities such as elephant riding by not offering them in their itineraries”. (Editor’s note: The Fabulous Getaway has a strong code of conduct around wildlife-based activities).

Today, the worlds of science, conservation, community outreach, and responsible travel work hand in hand, thanks to the efforts of people like Ravi and his dedicated team at the SLWCS, creating a positive future for wildlife and people living alongside wild places in Sri Lanka.

Ravi Corea transforms childhood passion into lifelong mission, dedicating his career to protecting vulnerable ecosystems. With a degree in Conservation Biology from Columbia University and two decades at the American Museum of Natural History, he founded the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society in 1995. His pioneering community-based approach to human-elephant conflict resolution has earned UN recognition and created innovative solutions like the world’s first EleFriendly Bus Service, establishing SLWCS as a leader in sustainable conservation that benefits both wildlife and local communities.

A Journey Woven with Purpose

CreatorTech — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 13:23:44 +0000

From a humble handloom workshop to a community of more than one thousand artisans producing beautiful Sri Lankan woven handicrafts which are sold across the globe. Selyn’s vision has always been clear – empowering women, preserving traditional craft and creating opportunities where none existed.

Where it all began

In 1991, founder Sandra Wandruragala began Selyn with one weaver, a loom and a vision to uplift rural women through dignified work. Their workshop in Kurunegala (northwest of Kandy) was small and simple, resources were few and the challenges were many in those early days. But their strength of purpose carried them through, with every woven product carrying the story of women reclaiming their independence, families building stability and a craft finding its pride once more.

Sandra says “Selyn was not built overnight; it was woven, patiently and purposefully, by women whose hands held both skill and courage. That foundation remains our greatest strength.”

Uplifting Women’s Lives

To Sandra and the Selyn team, empowerment means providing rural artisans, particularly women, with the choice to create a better life for herself and her family. It is not enough to simply create jobs and financial stability, their goal is to create an environment where they will truly thrive. Selyn provides continuous training to learn skills far beyond weaving – they provide life skills programmes, leadership training and access to child care facilities and health camps.

This holistic approach also includes fair trade wages, flexible work models and safe production spaces. Selyn is Sri Lanka’s only Fair Trade- certified handicrafts companies, and one of the country’s largest social enterprises.

One To One Thousand

Today, Selyn employs more than 1,000 artisans, 85% of whom are women. Many are mothers, grandmothers and daughters carrying forward a craft which shapes livelihoods as much as it shapes fabric.

As global consumers and businesses began to seek out ethically produced products with a transparent and sustainable approach, Sandra realised Selyn had a story worth sharing with the wider world. Representing Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, colour and spirit through their fabrics and handicrafts, Selyn goods are now sold in more than 20 countries across the globe, from Europe to Asia to North America.

Partnering with ethical retailers, global toy brands and humanitarian supply chains, they have remained true to their Fair Trade values and low-impact production ethos. International press has taken notice, from Forbes Asia to the British Fashion Council, Sandra proudly says “this is affirmation that our local craft has a global voice”.

Innovation Rooted In Tradition

Looking to the future, Selyn is taking heritage crafts passed down hand to hand through generations and integrating modern technology and innovations across their business. Improved sustainable dyeing techniques are one such example, as well as finding new ways to generate income through corporate partnerships and homeware.

“We innovate, but we never forget our roots”, says Sandra, “Our creativity is inspired by the women who continue to weave stories into every fabric, and by a world that is constantly evolving. Above all, we are overwhelmingly grateful for the women who trusted us, the communities that grew with us and the customers who carry our colours into their homes and lives.”

Editor’s note: At TFG we encourage travellers to visit Selyn during their travels, to meet the women behind the craft, witness how every colour and thread comes to life and hear the rhythm of the looms.

Founder Sandra Wanduragala originally worked as an attorney at law, before founding Selyn in 1991. Beginning as a small initiative from her garage and a handful of village women in Kurunegala, Selyn has become one of Sri Lanka’s most inspiring community-uplifting businesses, creating Fair Trade handicrafts, fabrics and homewares. She works alongside her brother Hilary and daughter Selyna, after whom the company was named.