Working for a better future
Sustainability at Waraka
A charming boutique Udawalawe resort in the serene tropics, embraced by lush greenery and offering picturesque views of a tranquil waterway, all enveloped by a cluster of majestic Jack trees. Our commitment to sustainability extends to protecting the environment and enhancing the well-being of local communities, making your stay both eco-friendly and socially impactful.
Our Philosophy
At Waraka, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life ingrained in every aspect of our operations. From the initial construction phase, where we ensure that not a single tree is cut down, to using eco-friendly materials throughout the building process, we prioritize environmental stewardship. Our dedication to sustainability goes beyond construction; it permeates into every project we undertake, aiming to make a lasting positive impact on both the local community and the environment.
Waraka’s holistic approach to sustainability encompasses various initiatives. We actively promote local employment opportunities, striving to empower individuals and contribute to the economic development of the region. Additionally, we prioritize waste reduction strategies, harness renewable energy sources, and actively participate in environmental conservation efforts. By aligning our values with actions that benefit society and the planet, Waraka stands as a beacon of responsible and conscientious development in our community.
Our Commitment, Certified!
Awards & Accreditations
Sustainability Rising Star – Thema Collection
Our Chain, Our Commitment
Sustainability Across the Chain
Awareness Creation, Capacity-building & Knowledge Sharing
BERI Initiative
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Linen Re-Use Programme
Reconstruire et Vivre – R.e.V
Reduction of Single-Use Plastics
Sustainable Energy Consumption
Our Property, Our Pride
Sustainability at Our Property
Amie the Orphan Elephant
BERI
Eco-friendly Construction
Local Community Engagement
Solar Energy
Green Moments in Every Square
Sustainability at Thema Digital Space
Looking back at an afternoon of conversations on sustainability and wellness tourism in Sri Lanka.
Thema Collection, together with Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) brought representatives from government, the tourism industry and development partners for “Sustainability and Wellness Tourism: Positioning Sri Lanka for the Future.”
The afternoon included perspectives from Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Deputy High Commissioner Ruth Baird, and industry representatives, followed by a panel discussion on “Unlocking Wellness Tourism Opportunities in Sri Lanka.”
Here’s a glimpse of the conversations and moments from the day!
#wellnesstourism #srilankatourism #sustainabletourism #themacollection #mdf
The Minneriya Elephant Gathering is coming to an end for another year, leaving behind a collection of moments!
This year, our naturalists had the privilege of observing elephants as they gathered, fed, rested and interacted with one another. It is during occasions like this that so much of their behaviour comes to life: the bond between mothers and calves, playful moments among the young, social interactions within herds, and the quiet ways elephants communicate with one another.
And while the Gathering may be over, the wilderness around Minneriya continues to offer incredible encounters. If you are staying at Aliya Resort, Ayurvie Sigiriya and Amba Yaalu Kandalama by Thema Collection can explore the region through safari experiences in Minneriya, Kaudulla and Hurulu Eco Park, each offering a different window into Sri Lanka’s dry-zone wildlife.
Because every safari has a story to tell.
📸: @achintha92
#elephantgathering #srilankawildlife #srilankasafari #minneriya #themacollection
Thema Collection has been recognised at the ICRT 2026 Indian Subcontinent Awards at BLTM, New Delhi!
Amba Yaalu – Kandalama received the Gold Award in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category.
Wild Glamping Gal Oya received the Gold Award in the Regenerative Tourism category.
Ayurvie Weligama was recognised as a One to Watch in the Nature Positive Tourism category.
It was a wonderful gathering of responsible tourism champions from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, coming together to celebrate the people and places shaping a better future for tourism. Our Chairman, Mr. Chandra Wickramasinghe, was there to represent Thema Collection and share in this special moment.
We’re grateful to see the work of our teams, our communities and our commitment to nature recognised at ICRT 2026. These awards encourage us to keep doing what we believe in, building a more sustainable future for tourism, thoughtfully, responsibly and together. 🤍
#ThemaCollection #ICRT2026 #ResponsibleTourism #SustainableTourism #SriLankaTourism
@themacollectionsrilanka & @connaissance.de.ceylan joined hands with @vetsforfuture and @eraeliya_villas to support a community dog sterilisation and vaccination programme in the Weligama area, reaching 34 community dogs.
The initiative was carried out with the aim of supporting the welfare of community dogs while contributing to a healthier and more responsible environment for the communities they share.
Following the procedures, the dogs were cared for in the field until they had recovered sufficiently. Food, shelter and post-operative care were provided before each dog was safely returned to the location where it was originally found.
A shared effort, made possible through collaboration and care, for healthier communities and better lives for the animals that are part of them.
#themacollection #connaissancedeceylan #animalwelfare #responsibletourism #communitycare
Our Naturalists at Waraka Udawalawe spent an evening with local kids, sharing why elephants matter to our forests, our community and our future.
Because conservation begins with the next generation. 🌿✨
#warakaudawalawe #udawalawe #elephantconservation #communityconservation #ecotourism
On 21st August, Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) and Thema Collection brought together government, industry and development partners for a dialogue on Sustainability and Wellness Tourism: Positioning Sri Lanka for the Future.
The session explored how Sri Lanka can build on its rich Ayurvedic heritage, natural assets and unique cultural experiences to tap into the growing global wellness tourism market.
The keynote address by Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, highlighted the Government’s vision for strengthening wellness tourism as part of Sri Lanka’s tourism offering. Deputy High Commissioner Ruth Baird shared Australia’s perspective, highlighting the role of private sector innovation and new markets in strengthening Sri Lanka’s tourism competitiveness.
The programme also brought together perspectives on sustainability in practice, the case for wellness tourism and policy, leading into a panel discussion on “Unlocking Wellness Tourism Opportunities in Sri Lanka”, followed by an open-floor Q&A and networking.
A valuable afternoon of ideas, perspectives and conversations on where wellness and sustainability can take Sri Lankan tourism.
#wellnesstourism #srilankatourism #sustainabletourism #tourismindustry #themacollection mdf ayurveda mindfulness
There’s something special about having fresh vegetables on your plate, knowing they were picked just moments ago from the farm. 🌱
At Tea and Experience Factory by Thema Collection, enjoy fresh, organic vegetables grown in the cool, misty climate of Mandaramnuwara. And if you’re up for a little journey through the farm, join our team and experience where it all begins.
#teaandexperiencefactory #mandaramnuwara #farmtotable #organicfarming #themacollection
The 6th session of Thema Talks Season 2, “De-Seasonalising Sri Lanka: Spreading Demand without Spreading Damage,” brought together voices from across the tourism industry and academia to explore how Sri Lanka can make better use of its year-round tourism potential.
A heartfelt thank you to all the speakers who made this session meaningful:
Professor Iraj Ratnayake, Professor in Tourism at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
Daham Rajasekara, Director / General Manager at Connaissance De Ceylan
Mizra Dane, Manager – Business Development at Exemplary Voyages
Chathura Gamage, Senior Ranger Specialist at Hilton Yala Resort
Ramitha Pathirana, Lecturer/ Head of the Department of Tourism Management at SLTC – Sri Lanka Technology Campus
Sithumi Dananjala Devindi, Senior Naturalist at Amba Yaalu – Kandalama
Umayangana Alawatte, Lecturer – Centre for Communication Skills Development at SLTC – Sri Lanka Technology Campus, for moderating the conversation.
And a special thank you to SLTC – Sri Lanka Technology Campus for collaborating with us on this session, and to everyone who joined and contributed to the discussion.
The conversation doesn`t end here. Thema Talks will be back soon with another informative session and another topic worth talking about. Until then, let`s keep the conversation going.
#thematalks #themacollection #deseasonalisation #sustainabletourism #responsibletourism
