Jetwing Hotels hosted an insightful panel discussion on climate-friendly travel at their city hotel, Jetwing Colombo Seven. Moderated by Sashika Kaluwahewa, Manager of Sustainability at Jetwing Hotels, the panel featured distinguished guests, including Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB); Mr. Harsha Wickramasinghe, Deputy General Director of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA); Mr. Sampath Jayawardena, Senior Director of Climate Change and Sustainability Services at Ernst & Young; and Mr. Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing Symphony PLC and The Lighthouse Hotel PLC.
This illustrious gathering brought together the public and private sectors to explore the future of sustainable and responsible tourism in Sri Lanka; driven by the escalating demand for eco-conscious travel experiences. The conversation was enriched by insightful questions from a diverse audience comprising public sector officials, media representatives, academics, travel industry partners, and representatives from development agencies.
Hewawasam advocated for a collaborative approach, emphasising the critical need for all stakeholders from hoteliers and travel agents to suppliers and local communities to work in unison. He stressed the importance of resource sharing and knowledge exchange to foster a truly integrated and sustainable tourism ecosystem. The Chairman of SLTDA and SLTPB alluded to a comprehensive marketing strategy designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings, effectively positioning the nation as a premier travel destination.
Wickramasinghe outlined a vision for Sri Lanka to achieve carbon neutrality in the near future, contingent upon strong public-private sector collaboration. He highlighted existing and forthcoming regulations, alongside available climate financing mechanisms to support industry transition.
Jayawardena underscored the urgency for businesses to abandon traditional, unsustainable practices, warning of the dire consequences of inaction. He emphasised the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly in key markets like the European Union, and stressed the imperative for Sri Lankan businesses to embrace climate action to maintain relevance and competitiveness.
Veteran hotelier, Cooray, championed the positioning of Sri Lanka as a global leader in sustainable travel, with a unique focus on luxury and experiential travel. He highlighted the tourism industry’s pivotal role in driving sustainable development while showcasing the nation’s rich cultural and natural heritage. He also underscored the importance of Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in promoting “slow travel” and encouraging exploration of lesser-known destinations within the island. Amidst growing global uncertainty regarding climate commitments, Cooray stressed the opportunity for Sri Lanka to emerge as a beacon of climate action.
The event celebrated several key milestones in Jetwing Hotels’ sustainability journey, including the recent investment to expand their solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity by 1.6 megawatts (MW) across their hotels in 2024. Since introducing its first 20-kilowatt (kW) solar PV system in 2010, Jetwing Hotels has steadily grown its renewable energy footprint to 925 kW across its properties and corporate office. The recent investment boosted the company’s solar PV capacity to 2.6 MW, tripling its solar energy contribution to 24% of total electricity consumption. This significant achievement brings Jetwing Hotels closer to its goal of reducing its carbon footprint and aligning with Sri Lanka’s ambitious renewable energy targets. Jetwing Hotels’ renewable energy strategy extends beyond solar power, incorporating biomass boilers, innovative steam-powered vapor absorption chillers, solar thermal systems, and biogas digesters into its operations which has enabled the company to generate 66% of its energy demand from renewable sources.
Jetwing Hotels’ recent solar PV expansion has garnered international acclaim, receiving accolades from both the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the International Centre for Responsible Travel (ICRT) for their climate action initiative. The global achievement from ICRT follows regional recognition within the Indian Subcontinent, further solidifying Jetwing’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism. These accolades not only enhance the brand’s reputation but also elevate Sri Lankan tourism and the nation’s image on the global stage.
With a legacy spanning over half a century in the tourism industry, Jetwing Hotels has established itself as a pioneer in curating unique experiences and offering legendary Sri Lankan hospitality. As a family-owned brand, Jetwing continues to be a leading advocate for sustainability and responsible tourism, with ongoing initiatives focused on community upliftment, environment conservation, and resource efficiency. The brand’s diverse portfolio includes a range of luxury hotels and villas, each offering a unique perspective on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Media Relations – Jetwing Hotels
For any queries regarding this press release, please contact us:
Hashan Cooray (Director – Marketing and Development) – hashan@jetwinghotels.com
Piumi Kapuruge (Assistant Manager – Media Relations) – piumi@jetwinghotels.com
