The Barnhouse Studio Panadura’s recognition underscores its commitment to sustainable practices, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly tourism in Sri Lanka. This accolade not only highlights the Barnhouse’s dedication to sustainability but also reinforces the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies and the private sector in advancing sustainable tourism.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector marked a significant milestone as over 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were honored under the National Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme (NSTCS). In a ceremony attended by key figures such as Hon. Minister Harin Fernando, Ministry of Tourism, Lands, Youth Affairs, and Sports; Mr. H.M.B.P. Herath, Secretary, Minister of Tourism and Lands; Ms. Azusa Kubota, UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka; Mr. Priantha Fernando, Chairperson – SLTDA; Mr. R. Sariffodeen, Director General – SLTDA; and other high-level dignitaries, The Barnhouse Studio Panadura was distinguished as the Best Sustainable Tourism SME Project of 2023.

Established in 2018, the NSTCS is a collaborative initiative between the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) in Sri Lanka, in partnership with the UNDP. The scheme promotes environmental, social, and economic sustainability within the tourism sector, aligning with national priorities. After a successful pilot phase in 2019 targeting the accommodation sector, the certification was expanded in 2023 to include applications from SMEs in the sector.

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