As travellers increasingly look beyond accommodation to discover the places they visit through authentic experiences, stories, people and nature, Thema Collection continues to develop experiences that allow guests to connect more deeply with Sri Lanka. 

Speaking at a media evening held in Colombo, Chairman Chandra Wickramasinghe highlighted the changing expectations of today’s travellers and the importance of creating experiences that go beyond simply staying at a hotel. 

“Travellers today are looking for more than just a room. They want to explore, experience and understand the destination. At Thema, we have been creating experiences that allow our guests to discover Sri Lanka through its people, culture, nature and stories,” he said. 

With 17 properties across Sri Lanka, Thema Collection brings together accommodation, excursions, local communities, nature and culture to create a more meaningful and authentic way of experiencing the island. Its experiences cater to a wide range of travellers, from those seeking wildlife and nature experiences to families looking for family-friendly holidays, as well as travellers interested in Sri Lanka’s culture, heritage and local way of life. 

Sustainability at the heart of the experience 

Speaking at the event, Maxime Wickramasinghe, Director – Marketing & Business Development, highlighted the important role sustainability continues to play in the journey of Thema Collection. 

From supporting biodiversity research through the BERI Initiative, which provides opportunities for students to conduct research at Thema properties, to strengthening community engagement through ReV IT & Language Centres, where more than 6,500 children from local communities have received free education, Thema continues to integrate sustainability into both its operations and guest experiences. This is further supported through resource-efficiency initiatives and responsible tourism practices across its properties. 

“Sustainability for us is not simply about reducing our environmental impact. It is also about how we work with communities, protect biodiversity, preserve culture and create value for the destinations in which we operate,” said Maxime Wickramasinghe. 

The collection continues to explore ways of making sustainability more visible and meaningful to guests, while supporting local communities and encouraging responsible engagement with Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage. 

Bringing Sri Lanka’s stories to life 

The evening also marked the launch of Rendez-vous with Yasmin & Kumar by Thema Collection, a new video series that goes beyond conventional travel storytelling to uncover the people, places, heritage, nature and experiences that make Sri Lanka truly unique. 

Yasmin Rajapaksha, one of the voices behind the series, introduced the programme and shared the inspiration behind the new initiative. 

“Through Rendez-vous with Yasmin & Kumar, we want to tell the stories behind the places we visit — the people, the culture, the experiences and the little details that make each destination special,” said Yasmin Rajapaksha. 

The first episode takes viewers to Deewara, Mawella – Tangalle, offering a glimpse into the coastal retreat, its surroundings, local community and the experiences that make the destination distinctive. 

The series will be available on the Thema Collection YouTube platform, bringing a different perspective of Sri Lanka to travellers and audiences looking to discover the island through its authentic stories and experiences. 

From wildlife and nature-based travel to cultural exploration and family-friendly experiences, Thema Collection continues to bring together different ways of discovering Sri Lanka while connecting guests with the stories and communities behind each destination. 

The media evening brought together members of the media and travel community for an evening of conversations, networking and cocktails, while offering a first look at the new digital series and the continuing journey of Thema Collection. 

Discover more about Thema Collection, its hotels, resorts and experiences across Sri Lanka at www.themacollection.com 

Thema Collection – Stories. Experiences. Sustainability.