Empowering the lives of local communities
Local Community Engagement
At Waraka, our commitment to supporting local communities goes beyond mere words; it is ingrained in every facet of our operations. From the outset of construction, we prioritize collaboration with local communities, fostering partnerships that benefit both parties. Approximately 40-50% of our staff is sourced locally, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the economic growth of the community. This approach not only strengthens the bond between Waraka and the residents but also promotes mutual growth and prosperity.
Moreover, we extend our support to the local economy through guest experiences. We prioritize using jeeps and tuk-tuks from the community, offering our guests an authentic and immersive experience while simultaneously supporting local transportation services. By incorporating these elements into our operations, we aim to create a symbiotic relationship that enhances the overall well-being of the communities in which we operate. This holistic approach reflects our deep-seated commitment to responsible tourism and sustainable development, ensuring that our presence leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the local populace.
Green Moments in Every Square
Sustainability at Thema Digital Space
Have you ever wondered why hundreds of wild elephants gather at Minneriya every year? 🐘🌿
It all begins with the dry season.
From July to September, the waters of the ancient Minneriya Tank gradually start to dry up, revealing fresh green grass that elephants love to feed on. One by one, herds emerge from the surrounding forests until the grasslands are home to one of the largest gatherings of wild Asian elephants anywhere in the world.
It`s not a migration, it`s nature following a rhythm that has existed for centuries.
Experience this unforgettable moment with our naturalists at Aliya Resort & Spa by Thema Collection. Go beyond the safari as they share the fascinating stories, behaviours, and conservation significance behind the Elephant Gathering, making your journey through Minneriya National Park even more meaningful.
#aliyaresortandspa #themacollection #minneriyanationalpark #elephantgathering #wildlifesrilanka
Cycle through Kalkudah and Valaichchenai, where lagoon views, fishing traditions, local flavors, and everyday village life come together with our naturalist at Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa by Thema Collection.
#maalumaalu #themacollection #eastcoastsrilanka #villageexperience #srilankatravel
Last month, our resort manager, Jeewanthi Adhikari, naturalist, Sithumi Devindi, and maintenance executive, Samadhi Dasanayaka from Amba Yaalu Kandalama had the opportunity to take part in the Women in Travel Collective Members` Day as speakers under the theme "Women Driving Change in Hospitality."
Listening to them share their journeys, experiences, and the paths that brought them to where they are today was a proud moment for all of us. Their stories reflected the passion, resilience, and dedication that so many women bring to this industry every day.
A heartfelt thank you to the @womenintravelcollective for creating this space and for inviting our team to be part of such a meaningful conversation.
#womenintravel #womeninleadership #ambayaalukandalama #themacollection
Thema Collection has successfully completed and verified its 2024 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory across all properties and the Head Office. Verified by Control Union Sri Lanka, the assessment covered Scope 1 emissions, Scope 2 emissions, and a wide range of Scope 3 emission categories, providing a comprehensive understanding of our carbon footprint across operations and the value chain.
The certificate presentation, held at Thema Collection, brought together representatives from both organisations to celebrate this milestone and further strengthen the partnership. Together, we look forward to advancing transparency, accountability, and responsible tourism through continued collaboration.
#themacollection #carbonfootprint #sustainability #responsibletourism #controlunion
Protecting the environment goes beyond a single action. Our team at Maalu Maalu Resort and Spa cleaned the shores of Elephant Rock for World Ocean Day, removing over 15 kg of waste from the coastal environment, we also engaged with the students of Nagamal College, Kalkudah, through a Climate Change awareness programme focused on the challenges facing our planet and the role each of us can play in creating change.
Because lasting impact comes from both caring for the environment today and empowering future generations to do the same.
#worldoceanday #oceanconservation #environmentaleducation #maalumaaluresort #themacollection
This World Environment Day, Thema teams came together to make a positive impact on the environment.
At Tea & Experience Factory, staff conducted a clean-up campaign from the hotel to Pichchamal Ella Waterfall, collecting and properly disposing of waste from the surrounding area.
At Kithala Resort, a snake awareness and coexistence session educated staff on Sri Lanka’s snake species and their important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
At Mountbatten Bungalow, staff planted trees, including fruit-bearing species, to support local birdlife and enhance biodiversity.
Together, these efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to protecting nature, conserving biodiversity, and creating a more sustainable future.
#worldenvironmentday #sustainability #biodiversity #conservation #themacollection
A visit to Wild Glamping Gal Oya by Thema Collection offers more than a glimpse into a culture; it’s an opportunity to spend time with the Vedda community, sharing stories, tasting traditional food, and learning about a way of life that has been passed down through generations.
Our guests at Wild Glamping Gal Oya recently experienced this meaningful encounter, gaining a deeper connection to the people and traditions that make this region so unique.
#wildglampinggaloya #themacollection #veddaculture #communitytourism #srilanka
The Amba Yaalu – Kandalama team spent International Biodiversity Day where it matters most: with the next generation. We conducted an awareness session at D. S. Senanayake College, highlighting Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and explaining why protecting wildlife, ecosystems, and our natural heritage cannot wait.
#internationalbiodiversityday #natureconservation #sustainability #amabayaalu #themcollection
