Sun Siyam Pasikudah: A blend of Sustainable luxury and community empowerment

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, nestled in the gorgeous Eastern region of Sri Lanka, has recently undergone a transformative renovation highlighting its commitment to sustainable luxury. Reopened in the latter part of last year, the resort now features locally made cane materials in its elegant décor and lush tropical greenery surrounding each of its 34 rooms. According to Chaminda Upul Kumara, Sustainability Project Manager at Sun Siyam Resorts, and Arshed Refai, General Manager of the Pasikudah property, the resort offers a unique blend of luxury and eco-conscious living.

Renovation Centered on Sustainable Travel

Sun Siyam Pasikudah's renovation underscores its dedication to sustainable practices, illustrating how luxury and eco-responsibility can harmoniously coexist. By incorporating even the tiniest details into the guest experience, the resort has achieved numerous eco-centered and social sustainability goals. This approach aligns with the growing trend of sustainable tourism, positioning the resort as an eco-conscious hospitality destination.

The lush greenery surrounding the rooms fosters a natural environment for guests, reducing the need for extensive artificial landscaping and promoting relaxation in harmony with nature. The use of locally sourced, hand-crafted cane materials supports the community and preserves traditional skills, contributing to the social and economic well-being of the Eastern region. Today's travelers, increasingly conscious of their travel choices, appreciate these efforts, recognizing the resort's commitment to responsible practices.

Growing Its Own Produce for a Sustainable Food System

A standout feature of Sun Siyam Pasikudah is its dedication to a sustainable food system. The resort grows its own produce, ensuring fresh, local ingredients are used in its culinary offerings. The dedicated gardening team meticulously cultivates a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs within the resort's premises. Guests enjoy the signature Ambarella welcome drink made from organically grown Ambarellas, providing a refreshing and nutritious start to their stay.

The resort’s gardens yield a bounty of seasonal fruits like mangoes, which are used in culinary creations and welcome fruit baskets in guest rooms. This focus on local and fresh ingredients enhances the dining experience and supports sustainable food practices.

Community Engagement and Local Employment

Sun Siyam Pasikudah employs around 90 percent of its staff from surrounding towns, fostering a strong sense of community and loyalty. The resort believes in empowering its staff through various training and development programs, equipping them with the skills to excel in their roles and grow their careers within the vibrant hospitality industry. This approach not only supports the local economy but also ensures exceptional service for guests.

The resort’s commitment to local talent extends to community development projects such as beach cleanups, tree planting programs, and educational workshops on environmental conservation. These initiatives foster a sense of environmental stewardship within the community and contribute to the overall well-being of the region.

Positive Societal Impact and Energy Efficiency

Sun Siyam Pasikudah continuously implements energy-efficient practices throughout the resort. This includes the use of solar and LED lighting, energy-saving appliances, and water conservation measures. These efforts minimize the resort's environmental impact and promote sustainable living. In addition to growing its own produce, the resort sources other ingredients and supplies from local vendors, strengthening the local economy. The staff actively participate in community initiatives, showcasing their commitment to the region’s development.

Integrating Local Culture and Traditions

Sun Siyam Pasikudah seamlessly weaves Sri Lankan culture and traditions into the guest experience. The resort’s design incorporates elements of Sri Lankan architecture, using natural materials and traditional design motifs. Guests can enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and participate in cultural activities such as cooking classes, traditional dance performances, and visits to nearby historical sites.

Locally sourced artwork and handicrafts adorn the resort, showcasing the talents of Sri Lankan artisans and adding cultural authenticity. The resort’s boutique shop offers guests the opportunity to purchase these unique items, supporting local artisans.

Sustainable Practices at Heart

Recently, Sun Siyam Pasikudah proudly announced the launch of the CarePhant project, an initiative to foster the well-being of a young elephant named Kalo at the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) in Udawalawe, Sri Lanka. Supported by Sun Siyam Pasikudah and in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) of Sri Lanka, this project embodies a profound commitment to biodiversity conservation and responsible tourism practices. The CarePhant project reflects the company's broader sustainability efforts under the Sun Siyam Cares program, which focuses on reducing environmental impact, supporting community development, and preserving local heritage.

The resort employs a holistic waste management policy, contributing significantly to waste reduction, recycling, and composting whenever possible. This minimizes the amount of waste sent to landfills. Additionally, the resort uses eco-friendly cleaning products that are biodegradable and non-toxic, reducing environmental impact. Guests are encouraged to participate in eco-friendly practices during their stay through information provided in-room and around the property, including recycling and composting initiatives.

For guests, the resort offers convenient recycling and composting bins in their rooms and public areas, making it easy to contribute to the resort’s sustainability efforts. Guests can also choose to reuse towels and linens, reducing water consumption needed for laundering.

Sun Siyam Resorts is dedicated to operating sustainably and responsibly in the Maldives and Sri Lanka while offering authentic guest experiences. The group-wide Sun Siyam Cares program prioritizes sustainability through initiatives such as reducing energy and water use, managing waste to reduce plastic use, supporting community development, and investing in renewable energy. It also focuses on conservation efforts and work to preserve local heritage and cultural practices. By following these sustainability practices, the resorts aim to minimize the environmental impact, carbon footprint and contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the communities in which they operate. For more information about Sun Siyam Cares and its sustainability initiatives, please visit the website at www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-cares/