Thema Collection Sets a New Standard with Sri Lanka’s First Carbon-Neutral Stall at Sancharaka Udawa 2025

A proud annual participant of Sancharaka Udawa, Thema Collection made history this year by unveiling Sri Lanka’s first-ever carbon-neutral exhibition stall—a bold step that reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.

Driven by a vision to showcase not just its unique travel experiences but also its values, Thema Collection meticulously offset all carbon emissions related to the stall’s design, construction, and operation. This groundbreaking initiative was certified by Control Union Sri Lanka, a recognized body specializing in sustainability certifications aligned with global benchmarks such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Green Globe, Green Key, and Green Choice.

At the official certification ceremony, Mr. Maxime Wickramasinghe, Director – Marketing and Business Development of Thema Collection, remarked “Thema Collection has always been a strong advocate for responsible tourism in Sri Lanka. This achievement is another meaningful step forward, and we are eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to drive this movement ahead.”

Mr. Ashan Karunananda, General Manager – Sustainability, added “Across our properties, we have implemented systems to quantify and verify our carbon emissions through third-party audits. This initiative at Sancharaka Udawa is an extension of that commitment, demonstrating how sustainability can be integrated into every aspect of tourism.”

The stall’s core theme centered on empowering local communities through tourism, with immersive displays highlighting sustainable grassroots initiatives supported by Thema Collection—from traditional cinnamon cultivation and artisanal pottery-making to heritage preservation. The space served not only as a promotional platform but also as a storytelling hub, emphasizing how tourism can uplift communities, protect cultural traditions, and safeguard the environment.

This year’s event was particularly significant as it marked the first-ever presidential visit to Sancharaka Udawa. His Excellency, the President of Sri Lanka, Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, graced the opening ceremony and visited the Thema Collection stall. During his visit, he witnessed firsthand the innovative initiatives that exemplify tourism’s transformative power—not only as a driver of sustainable travel but also as a catalyst for reviving local industries and promoting Sri Lankan heritage on the global stage.

With this milestone achievement, Thema Collection continues to lead by example, inspiring the tourism industry and travelers alike to embrace sustainability, authenticity, and community empowerment as the foundation of responsible tourism.