The towering strong, dark and textured trunk extends toward the clear blue skies. Its cascading crown of leaves bloom and spread, casting playful shadows across the ground beneath. The ‘tree of life’ as we call it, the coconut tree, is inextricably entwined with the lifestyle of our island people. From the water, milk and oil giving nuts to the fibrous husk and leaves, there is no part of the tree that goes to waste.

While Mr Fernando’s contribution and devotion to building a global tea brand has been highlighted by a multitude of tributes, his contribution to hospitality has been remarkable in so many ways. Along with his family, Dilmah created Ceylon Tea Trails, and 18 years later, the resort reached a pinnacle of being listed on the Condé Nast Traveller Gold List. Similarly, his faith in Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge have demonstrated his confidence in the growth of the tourism industry. We are all incredibly proud to have been part of that journey.

Celebrate the magic of Christmas and the wonder of the New Year at our Resplendent resorts. Set against diverse backdrops, each destination offers a unique perspective to the festive season. The teams at our resorts have curated a festive calendar with a host of quintessential activities, surprises, holiday traditions and more. Envision gourmet fine dining, curated stays and seasonal treats. Arrive and experience the spirit of the season with Resplendent.

Spend time with the family experiencing Chinese delicacies and some of our own local activities at our three resorts. The Chinese Golden Week is an opportunity to break away from routine, and embrace a change of pace and scenery.  

Sri Lanka’s pottery industry has survived for centuries; the first identified pot dating as far back to the year 900 BC and 1120 BC. Communities and villages of these times originated this craft by preparing earthenware which were then used for their day-to-day purposes including domestic utensils, religious activities and other household chores. 

It is the ultimate test of innovative efforts and labours – will those giving eye and ear to their offerings, embrace them for further development so that the world would be Sri Lanka’s oyster for the humble jackfruit and gotukola (pennywort) and the hardly-noticed seaweed?