Sun Siyam Pasikudah, located on Sri Lanka’s unspoiled eastern shores offering guests a unique blend of luxury and sustainability, has been awarded the prestigious Travelife Gold Certification in recognition of its exemplary sustainability practices including eco-conscious tourism and community empowerment.
Travelife is a non-profit flagship program that supports tourism destinations, businesses, and travelers in implementing innovative solutions for the continuous development of sustainable tourism. To achieve Travelife Gold Certification, a resort must meet 163 sustainability criteria, including minimizing waste and energy use, addressing social issues, supporting employee welfare and wildlife protection, and supporting the local community and local businesses. With this remarkable milestone, Sun Siyam Pasikudah demonstrates its commitment to providing “better places to stay” while fostering positive impacts on the environment and society.
“By integrating eco-friendly practices, community engagement, and cultural authenticity, the resort delivers an unparalleled experience that aligns with the values of today’s conscientious travelers and achieving the Travelife Gold Certification is a proud milestone for us here at the resort,” says Arshed Refai, General Manager at Sun Siyam Pasikudah.
Chaminda Upul Kumara, Sustainability Project Manager at Sun Siyam Resorts added, “It reinforces our dedication to sustainable travel, supporting local communities, and protecting the environment. With this latest accreditation, all our properties in Sri Lanka and the Maldives are now 100 percent Travelife certified—a remarkable achievement for our group.”
Some of the notable efforts at Sun Siyam Pasikudah includes prioritizing recycling, composting, and the use of eco-friendly cleaning products, solar-powered lighting, LED technology, and water conservation measures among others. Guests are also invited to participate in these initiatives through in-room recycling options and informational guides that encourage sustainable practices during their stay.
Biodiversity conservation is a key pillar of the resort’s sustainability agenda. The CarePhant project, an initiative supporting a young elephant at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, underscores its dedication to wildlife preservation. Through partnerships with organizations like the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the resort contributes to the protection of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. The resort’s recent renovation incorporated locally sourced cane materials, celebrating the craftsmanship of Sri Lankan artisans while reducing its carbon footprint. Surrounded by lush greenery, each of the 34 rooms is designed to harmonize with nature, offering guests a tranquil escape that prioritizes eco-conscious living.
Nearly 90 percent of Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s staff are drawn from nearby towns, fostering local economic growth, including training and development programs and community engagement initiatives such as beach cleanups, tree planting projects, and educational workshops on conservation and environmental stewardship.
The resort’s gardens produce fresh, organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs, ensuring guests enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences. Signature offerings like the Ambarella welcome drink, crafted from organically grown ambarellas, highlight this commitment to local, sustainable sourcing.
Guests can also participate in authentic cultural activities, including cooking classes, traditional dance performances, and visits to nearby historical landmarks, fostering a deeper connection to the island’s heritage.
The Sun Siyam Cares program drives sustainability across all Sun Siyam properties, focusing on reducing environmental impacts, supporting local communities, and preserving cultural heritage. Initiatives such as minimizing single-use plastics, investing in renewable energy, and promoting local sourcing exemplify the group’s commitment to responsible tourism. For more information, please visit https://www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-cares/.
