Famed Sri Lanka Site Goes Green

Famed Sri Lanka Site Goes Green

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 and referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited destinations. The Sustainable Tourism Unit of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority explains how the destination is evolving into a national beacon for responsible practices in tourism businesses.

Sigiriya strives to become a national citadel of best business behavior

Long before modern travelers arrived at its gates, the ancient rock-top fortress called Sigiriya was a royal citadel and monastery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, Sigiriya has been recognized for its unparalleled blend of archaeology, artistry, and ecosystem diversity.

Today, the country’s famed historic landmark has taken on a new role – model for sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited destinations.The ancient structure sits atop a thick, massive granite tower rising from the plains in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. It is surrounded by forest reserves, water gardens, and rural communities deeply connected to its cultural legacy. While the site itself offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s fifth-century civilization, the neighboring region presents authentic experiences – from village tourism and eco-farming to guided nature trails and local crafts. This unique intersection of heritage, nature, and people makes Sigiriya more than a monument. It is a living destination.

Toward Sustainability

In 2023, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, with support from the United Nations Development Programme, commenced a multi-year initiative to elevate Sigiriya as Sri Lanka’s first certified Sustainable Tourism Destination.

The process was guided by Green Destinations and evaluated against the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Destination Standard. In March 2025, Sigiriya won the Green Destinations Bronze Award at ITB Berlin, a significant milestone in the country’s sustainable tourism journey. This recognition celebrated the destination’s achievements in areas such as waste management, energy efficiency, biodiversity protection, cultural preservation, and community-based tourism.

Empowering Local Tourism Businesses

An integral part of the initiative has been the Good Travel Seal Program, which employed a second-party assessment approach to support 200 micro-, small-, and medium-sized tourism enterprises across Sri Lanka. The Founding Chairman of Sustainable Tourism Initiatives and Green Destinations Country Coordinator, Chinthana Duminduhewa, says, “the businesses join the program for training in sustainable tourism practices and use the knowledge for their businesses.” Here are two examples:

The Barnhouse Studio – This wedding and event planner has hosted numerous carbon-neutral events, demonstrating that elegance and environmental responsibility can coexist without compromise. Duminduhewa notes that these introduced to Sri Lanka the concept of international verification. The Barnhouse Studio was honored with the national award for Best Sustainable Small and Medium Tourism Enterprise in Sri Lanka. Their eco-conscious celebrations embody a simple, powerful truth: Adapt to nature rather than alter it, and it will create experiences that are not only beautiful, but meaningful and future focused.

Earthbound Creations – This business makes products from eco-friendly recycled paper. Says Duminduhewa, “They empowered more than 500 women from the community, opening doors for them to join in the craft.” Earthbound Creations says it is deepening its positive impact across every facet of operations — from ethical production practices to the creation of immersive, eco-conscious tourism experiences.

Conclusion

In all, over 500 local stakeholders have benefited from the Good Travel Seal Program’s training and capacity-building efforts. These included:

• Site guide and area guide training
• Skills development for Central Cultural Fund staff
• Local auditor training
• Awareness programs for tuk-tuk drivers
• Awareness programs for schoolchildren
• Awareness programs for stakeholders from government organizations
• Tourism impact assessments and policy reviews

By helping businesses adopt environmentally and culturally sensitive practices, the program created more competitive and responsible tourism offerings and contributed to income generation, skills development, and inclusive economic opportunities for local communities. That makes the Sigiriya area an increasingly attractive choice for responsible travelers drawn to destinations that embody sustainability, authenticity, and supportive social values.