JETWING HOTELS
Biodiversity Means Business:
A Decade of Impact,
A Future of Action
“Jetwing’s sustainability strategy is supported by data driven planning and deepened integration of biodiversity goals across its operations”
Manager – Sustainability
Sustainability at Jetwing Hotels goes beyond commitment – it’s a defining force behind the brand’s evolution and impact. Through visionary projects such as Jetwing Vil Uyana, the hospitality group has redefined how tourism and conservation can coexist, setting a benchmark for ecological restoration in Sri Lanka and beyond.
“One of our flagship biodiversity initiatives is the transformation of Jetwing Vil Uyana,” says Manager – Sustainability Sashika Kaluwahewa, describing the remarkable journey of turning degraded agricultural land near Sigiriya into the country’s first privately owned, man-made wetland sanctuary.
The project was born from a desire to restore degraded land, reintroduce native biodiversity, revive traditional agriculture and establish a sustainable tourism experience that is deeply connected to the land.
She explains: “The team worked with environmental architect Sunela Jayewardene, conservation experts and local partners to reforest parts of the land with dry zone native species, introduce traditional paddy farming and build a wetland that now supports a thriving ecosystem.”
Today, this sanctuary is home to over 140 species of birds, 74 species of butterflies, 22 species of fish and 30 species of mammals including the elusive grey slender loris. The reintroduction of native flora and the natural return of fauna have created a vibrant ecological hub.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES The success of Jetwing Vil Uyana was made possible through strategic partnerships. Jayewardene drew from Sri Lanka’s ancient cascade systems to design the property. Raised chalets styled after traditional farmer watch huts were constructed on stilts, blending naturally into the landscape.
Equally pivotal was the guidance of expert in man-made lakes Dr. Chris Panabokke, who helped assess the land’s potential. The team navigated a complex approval process, taking time and effort to do things the right way
Jetwing’s impact however, extends beyond environmental restoration. “The Jetwing Youth Development Programme (JYDP) was launched in Sigiriya, offering hospitality training, language skills and career opportunities to local youth,” Kaluwahewa says. Today, over 1,500 youth across Sri Lanka – many of whom have stayed on with the Jetwing family – have trained through this programme.
TRACKING GAINS Jetwing Vil Uyana’s commitment to science based conservation is evident in its long-term ecological monitoring. She avers: “In 2005, a baseline biodiversity survey was conducted with Dr. Sriyanie Miththapala to evaluate existing species and habitats.”
Fast forward to 2025 and the results of a follow-up study by Prof. Sampath Senevirathne paint a compelling picture: a significant increase across all flora and fauna groups.
Notably, sightings of rare and threatened species such as the fishing cat, otter and loris have increased while no local extinctions have been recorded – a powerful indicator of successful ecological restoration.
Building on this success, Jetwing extended its biodiversity footprint to properties such as Jetwing Kaduruketha where 50 of its 60 acres are dedicated to heirloom rice farming using organic, traditional methods. Other efforts include organic tea gardens in Ambewela and Welimada, all designed to support biodiversity while preserving cultural and agricultural heritage.
PARTNERSHIP AND PURPOSE “Nature doesn’t follow a project timeline,” Kaluwahewa avers, adding: “It took years for the wetland to take shape and even longer for wildlife to return. But we stayed the course, trusting that if we created the right conditions, nature would respond. And it did – beautifully.”
Crucial to the journey was a collaborative spirit. Jetwing’s willingness to listen to experts, engage local communities and remain flexible throughout the process proved critical to its success.
NATURE A STAKEHOLDER Looking ahead, Jetwing’s sustainability strategy is supported by data driven planning and deepened integration of biodiversity goals across its operations.
Jetwing’s legacy of conservation began with the belief of its founder Herbert Cooray, who envisioned a model of hospitality intrinsically connected to both the environment and community. That belief continues to shape the company’s identity.
Telephone 2345700 | Email sustainability@jetwinghotels.com | Website www.jetwinghotels.com
