Thema Collection brings Sri Lanka’s stories, experiences and sustainability to life

• Launch Rendez-vous with Yasmin and Kumar by Thema Collection a new video series that goes beyond conventional travel storytelling

As travellers increasingly look beyond accommodation to discover the places they visit through authentic experiences, stories, people and nature, Thema Collection is continuing 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, Marketing and Business Development Director Maxime Wickramasinghe, 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 and 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 and 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 Rajapakse, one of the voices behind the series, introduced the program and shared the inspiration behind the new initiative. “Through Rendez-vous with Yasmin and 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 Rajapakse.

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.

Thema Collection – Stories. Experiences. Sustainability.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola