Sri Lanka's Great Reset

Sri Lanka has the opportunity to turn its worst post-independence economic and political crisis into a global example for normalising conscious consumption and establishing a climate-forward business environment.

We caught up with tourism advisor and Sri Lankan local, Chalana Perera, the Founder of RETRACE Hospitality, for this special report.

Despite Sri Lanka making global headlines for mass protests and an ailing economy, it recorded nearly half a million foreign arrivals in the first seven months of 2022. Contrary to media sensationalism, the island remains open and safe for travellers.

While remaining safe and inviting of tourists, Sri Lanka still battles multiple crises. Corruption, gross negligence, and incompetence through successive governments has led the once prosperous nation to bankruptcy. This translates to severe shortages of imported “essentials” such as fossil fuels to fuel powerplants and transportation, imported food, medicines and other “essentials” such as paper and books for schools.

Some Sri Lankans, however, are advocating for a much needed conscious awakening. They recognize the crisis and hardships as a much-needed wake-up call to redirect the debt-ridden path of a once booming economy. Why has a nation rich with renewable energy sources become so dependent on fossil fuels? Why import food to a fertile tropical island? Why order processed paper when there are digital and sustainable methods of teaching? The answer lies in conscious consumption and a more regenerative economy.

Chalana suggests that Sri Lanka’s tourism sector (reflective of much of the island’s wider economy) faces a timely and brilliant opportunity to embrace regenerative models and circular practices that ensure long-term financial gains are aligned with gains for people and the planet.

"We must right much of the wrong that Sri Lanka tourism has been built upon since Sri Lanka’s civil war ended in 2009”

In the case of tourism specifically, Chalana believes that industry veterans in Sri Lanka must “right much of the wrong that Sri Lanka tourism has been built upon since Sri Lanka’s civil war ended in 2009”. There was a boom in tourism development, and now a bust in the economy. Issues like waste management, water treatment, pollution, wildlife park and resource management, illegal construction, corruption, carrying capacity and guest experience management have to be addressed by the crisishit tourism industry.

Chalana never valued the idea of “building concrete resorts with imported, extractive materials.” He is somewhat critical of the development of “internationally branded sky-scrapers dotting the once pristine coastline.” “Why would I want to stay in a skyscraper or concrete block on a palm-fringed beach?” he asks, challenging some in the industry. Such resorts incur massive development costs, and are often built on borrowed money with imported raw materials. Chalana suggests large buffets, multiple swimming pools and thousands of air-conditioned rooms are a strain on resources and the environment. They also reflect outdated tourism products that are easily experienced and replicated worldwide.

“When I travel long-haul, I don’t particularly want to stay at an internationally branded, concrete resort behind high walls, served by people in stiff uniforms and welcomed by security guards. That’s not my take on a high-quality travel experience. That’s old news, done and dusted. You don’t need to fly to Sri Lanka for that experience. We’ve got something more meaningful on offer”.

In order to deliver real economic and monetary value in the long-term, Chalana encourages Sri Lanka’s tourism sector to transform from being “numbers-minded and air-conditioned big-building obsessed” to an industry that is driven by “quality, impact and well-being for people and the planet”. He believes that “far more revenue can be generated in the long-run” if Sri Lankans manage and market the destination and industry intelligently.

The entire supply chain for tourism can reset itself, by becoming more conscious and adding more value. Sri Lanka’s crisis is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to create smarter local products and industries to supply tourism businesses. This could be in-room amenities, furniture, fixtures, equipment, non-extractive construction materials, non-toxic cleaning products, natural-fiber linen and upcycled uniforms, high-quality food and beverage or local artwork. This would counter the expense at which large international chains and big brands “gentrify” or “commoditize” the market. Mega tourism development projects carry unnecessary financial strain, jeopardize the island’s authenticity and incur severe environmental consequences.

Chalana envisions a truly regenerative island destination where tourism is a force for much needed systemic transformation, for visitors, local businesses and residents alike. This means Sri Lankan businesses must regenerate themselves to better align their purpose with the planet, people and their profits.

As the current crisis forces many Sri Lankan tour operators and hotels to operate on a resource-constrained basis, some are fast becoming more environmentally conscious – not by design, but by (financial) default.

Nature-based experiences and digital-detox holidays can and must take centre stage

Sri Lanka has long been Asia’s favored destination for wildlife enthusiasts, including bird watchers. There are 26 national parks on the island and several more protected forest reserves and nature conservation areas. A lush network of 103 rivers and thousands of lakes provide great opportunity for lowfootprint, fossil-fuel free inland water activities alongside the sea-based kite-surfing, windsurfing and regular surfing.

The Pandemic-induced demand for holistic wellness experiences and local, nutritious food offerings will only continue to grow. Spiritual and mindfulness retreats, meditation and yoga or the native angampora martial art, do not require any of the resources that are currently scarce or rationed in the country. Sri Lanka’s return to more traditional and healthy forms of regenerative agriculture suggests that travellers and locals alike can be nourished with a diverse range of fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood and organic meats- it’s not all just spicy curries! On top of all this, Sri Lanka can now be explored fossil-fuel free.

You can hear the full interview with Chalana in this podcast episode which we recently recorded: https://lowseasontraveller.com/podcast/sri-lanka-the-ultimate-regenerative-tourism-destination/

And you can learn more about Chalana and his work here: www.retracehospitality.com