Jetwing St. Andrew’s and Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve, shine at the Presidential Environment Awards 2026, securing a Gold Award, and Merit Award respectively.
Organized by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, these awards recognize outstanding environmental practices by organizations and individuals, in the areas of green management approaches, sustainability reporting and disclosure mechanisms, pollution control, solid waste management and carbon emissions management.
Jetwing St. Andrew’s and Jetwing Vil Uyana stood out among a highly competitive field at this year’s ceremony, following a rigorous evaluation process that assessed over 1,000 applications from across a wide range of sectors. The selection process included on-site verification visits by a distinguished panel comprising representatives from the CEA, academia, and government institutions, ultimately recognising 193 winners for their outstanding environmental contributions.
The recognition of Jetwing St. Andrew’s reflects the property’s long-standing commitment to responsible hospitality in Sri Lanka’s hill country. The hotel has invested in renewable energy through a 60kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system and utilizes a biomass boiler powered by responsibly harvested cinnamon wood for hot water generation. Further sustainability measures include an effluent treatment plant that biologically treats wastewater, the use of reusable glass water bottles to reduce single-use plastics, and an onsite organic garden that supplies fresh produce to the kitchens.
Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve, renowned as Sri Lanka’s pioneering man-made wetland resort, provides a thriving habitat for species such as the slender loris, fishing cat, otter, and numerous bird species, while its interconnected lakes support groundwater recharge and water table stabilization. Sustainability initiatives at the resort include a 115kW solar photovoltaic system, onsite biogas generation for renewable cooking energy, wastewater treatment facilities, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, reusable glass bottles to reduce plastic consumption, and an organic garden that supplies fresh produce to its kitchens.
Beyond environmental stewardship, both properties also contributes to local socioeconomic development through the Jetwing Youth Development Project (JYDP), equipping young people from underserved communities with valuable hospitality skills and employment opportunities, the ‘Second Careers’ initiative that empowers economically marginalized women, and the ‘Thrive’ programme, which supports the growth of local micro and small-scale enterprises.
Jetwing St. Andrew’s and Jetwing Vil Uyana add their names to the prestigious list of Jetwing Hotels properties recognized at the Presidential Environment Awards, joining Jetwing Kandy Gallery, Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, Jetwing Lake, Jetwing Yala, Jetwing Lighthouse, Jetwing Kaduruketha, and Jetwing Blue, which have also been honoured in previous years.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Central Environmental Authority of Sri Lanka, which reflects the dedication of our teams and the sustainability-driven ethos that guides our operations. As we look to the future, we remain committed to advancing environmental conservation and setting new benchmarks for responsible hospitality in Sri Lanka,” said Hashan Cooray, Director of Marketing and Development.
With a legacy spanning over half a century in the tourism industry, Jetwing Hotels has established itself as a pioneer in curating unique experiences and offering the best of legendary Sri Lankan hospitality, with the values of passion, humility, tenacity, and the spirit of family being at its core. As a family-owned brand, Jetwing Hotels continues to be a leading advocate for sustainability and responsible tourism, with ongoing initiatives focused on community upliftment, environmental conservation, and resource efficiency. With over 35 properties across the island, the brand’s diverse portfolio includes a range of Luxury Reserves, Premium Hotels, Select Hotels, and Essentials, each offering a unique perspective on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.