Leopards, birds, whales, and forests — Sri Lanka’s wild heart beats in every corner. Naturalist Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne shares how this tiny island rivals the world’s great biodiversity hotspots. 

In this episode of “Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot,” I speak with Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, one of Sri Lanka’s leading naturalists and authors. Together, we explore the island’s extraordinary biodiversity — from its ancient forests to its unique evolutionary story. Gehan reflects on his early inspirations, his career fusing business acumen with wildlife tourism, and his deep passion for photography. The discussion offers insight into Sri Lanka’s approach to balancing wildlife tourism, conservation, and sustainable growth, highlighting how the nation can welcome more visitors while preserving its precious natural heritage.

00:00 Introduction to Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives

01:17 Meet Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Sri Lanka's Foremost Naturalist

03:36 Gehan's Early Inspirations and Journey

13:24 The Rich Biodiversity of Sri Lanka

16:09 The Ancient Origins of Sri Lanka's Wildlife

29:06 Challenges and Solutions in Wildlife Tourism

37:17 Photography and the Esoteric Experience of Sri Lanka's Nature

51:09 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

Photo and Soundscape credits Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne

1. Leopard, Wilpattu

2. Shama and Jerdons Nightjar, Sigiriya

3. Koel n Tailorbird, Colombo

About Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne
Regarded as one of the most high-profile wildlife personalities in Sri Lanka, his work helped raise awareness of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and turned nature-tourism into a more viable proposition in the country.  Gehan has an ability to bridge science, photography, publishing and business (tourism). He has written over 20 books and is credited as being Sri Lanka's foremost naturalist.  

Major Publications (Selected)

A Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka | 2019 (First Edition)  | Covers all 468 bird species recorded in Sri Lanka including 34 endemics
A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Sri Lanka | | Field guide for mammals of Sri Lanka; includes checklists & top mammal-watching sites.
A Naturalist’s Guide to the Butterflies & Dragonflies of Sri Lanka | Focuses on ~280 species of butterflies & dragonflies, with photographs and field-use info.
Wild Sri Lanka | | More general overview of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, biodiversity and nature-tourism.
Birds of Sri Lanka | | A photographic guide to Sri Lanka’s avifauna (with co-authors in some editions).
Mammals of Sri Lanka | | A photographic guide to mammals of Sri Lanka.

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

In this episode Hotelier, Designer and Podcaster Dee Gibson explores the effects of Sri Lanka’s urbanisation on humans and elephants. Guest Juliet Coombe discusses her passion for Sri Lanka and her project 'Elephant Story Trails’ aimed at resolving human-elephant conflicts through sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. 

On this island shaped by monsoons and memory, the elephant is more than an animal. It is a living rhythm — a pulse that has echoed through Sri Lanka for centuries. You see them in the ancient chronicles, carved in stone beside kings and monks. In the forests of Minneriya, they move like rivers of memory — wise, deliberate, powerful. The Sri Lankan elephant is the largest of all its kind — darker, quieter, more introspective. Only a few males bear tusks, rare and sacred, like silver crescents beneath the moon.

In temples, the elephant carries the Tooth Relic of the Buddha — a bearer of faith. In villages, it ploughs the earth, hauls timber, shares water. And in our stories, it stands for patience, for strength, for grace. Yet today, its journey is uncertain. Forests shrink, fields expand, and where jungle once met paddy, conflict now brews.

Still, when you meet an elephant in the wild with quiet eyes you feel the island’s soul looking back at you. A reminder that wisdom is not always human, and that co-existence is an old Sri Lankan art.

The conversation sheds light on the challenges and solutions related to urbanization and wildlife preservation in Sri Lanka.

Episode Highlights

Meet Juliet Coombe: A Prolific British Author

Juliet's Life in Sri Lanka During the Civil War

The Galle Fort Community and Literary Festival

The Elephant Crisis and Conservation Efforts

Royal Interest and Charcoal Drawings

Elephants' Intelligence and Emotional Depth

The Holistic Elephant Conservation Project

The Importance of Biodiversity and Local Wildlife

About Juliet Coombe

Photojournalist & book author, Juliet Coombe is an inspiring storyteller who has written, while based in Asia, numerous books about Sri Lanka, including the first guide to the North and the East Sri Lanka’s Other Half, Around The Galle Fort in 80 Lives, Generation Tea, Colombo City Guide, The Power Of Sri Lankan Art, and a ground breaking environmental guide, Paradise Exorcised, for Premium brand Jetwing Hotels & Travels. 

Her work has appeared in Lonely Planet books, Insight Guides, Metro travel sections, Get Lost Travel Magazine in Australia, Connoisseur Magazine and through Getty images who represent her worldwide. Her travel portfolio of images is used in magazines, newspapers and online. 

LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/elephantstorytrails/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Around-Fort-80-Lives-Merchant

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Donald-Trunk-Crabzilla-Juliet-Coombe

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

Nimmi Harasgama: From Shy Child to Award-Winning Actress and Writer

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Nimmi Harasgama, a celebrated Sri Lankan actress, writer, and producer with a diverse career spanning continents. We delve into Harasgama's early years of overcoming extreme shyness, her break into acting, and her impactful roles in productions like TV drama 'Good Karma Hospital' and the film 'Funny Boy.' The episode covers Harasgama's experiences as an immigrant in the UK, the challenges of navigating cultural identity, and her dramadedy 'Brown Girl Panic.' The episode also discusses significant moments from Harasgama's life, including a deeply personal connection portraying a key moment at the dawn of the Sri Lankan Civil War.  

00:39 Meet Nimmi Harasgama

01:37 Nimmi's Early Life and Career Beginnings

04:53 The Impact of Drama on Nimmi's Life

13:00 Cultural Identity and Immigrant Experiences

22:00 Brown Girl Panic and Creative Works

26:45 Serendipitous Friendships and Life Stories

29:25 Experiencing Racism in School

30:34 Landing the Role in Good Karma Hospital

31:40 Developing the Character in Good Karma Hospital

35:19 The Impact of Funny Boy

42:21 Personal Reflections on Sri Lanka's History

51:32 The Importance of Creativity and Representation

53:22 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

About Nimmi Harasgama

A charming multi award winning actress, writer, and producer. The British National Television Awards nominated her for best "Drama Performance" for her portrayal of a much loved character Nurse Mari in ITV's The Good Karma Hospital.[1] She made her screen-debut through the English movie Mother Teresa in 1997 and Her first appearance in Sri Lankan cinema.[2]was as the lead in the Sinhalese movie Ira Madiyama for which she won Best Performance/Best Actress at  award ceremonies including International Film Festival of Las Palmas in Spain.

In 2020 she played the female lead in Oscar nominated director Deepa Mehta's film Funny Boy based on Shyam Selvadurai's book. 

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

Exploring Cultural Displacement and Creative Narratives in Sri Lanka with Filmmaker Shaun Seneviratne. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the cultural layers of Sri Lanka through the eyes of Shaun Seneviratne, also known as Brown Shaun, an American Sri Lankan filmmaker and educator. Shaun discusses his debut feature film 'Ben and Suzanne: A Reunion in Four Parts,' which explores themes of cultural displacement and modern perspectives in Sri Lanka. The conversation covers Shaun's journey from growing up as the only Sri Lankan in a Southeast Asian community to becoming a filmmaker who brilliantly layers media and multiple perspectives. Additionally, Shaun provides insights into the essence of filmmaking, the importance of cultural heritage, and the broader implications of globalised culture on Sri Lanka's identity. A fascinating episode that sheds light on lesser-known Sri Lankan narratives and the importance of celebrating diversity in storytelling.

00:39 Meet Shaun: Filmmaker and Educator

01:14 Discussing 'Ben and Suzanne'

03:20 Shaun's Teaching Journey

04:36 The Art of Filmmaking

08:01 Future of Film and Technology

10:44 Shaun's Background and Inspiration

16:30 Exploring Cultural Displacement

23:00 Perceptions of Sri Lanka

26:08 Exploring Cultural Perspectives in Travel

27:26 The Story of Suzanne and Her Job

31:05 Economic Challenges and Social Issues in Sri Lanka

33:58 Future Projects and Personal Stories

37:17 Identity and Names: A Personal Journey

41:10 Highlighting Sri Lankan Creativity and Culture

About Shaun Seneviratne

Shaun Seneviratne is a filmmaker and educator based in New York. His first feature Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts premiered at SXSW and will be in theaters and streaming this summer. He’s also the host of RohmerCast, a podcast dedicated to filmmaker Eric Rohmer.

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

This episode is about Forest Bathing and Indigenous Wisdom with Sri Lankan guest and Forest Bathing expert Susan Joachim. We explore the benefits of forest bathing with Susan who is living in Australia and is the president and founding member of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance. INFTA). 

The episode covers the history and science behind forest bathing, its origins in Japan, and its benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. Science has finally caught up with what indigenous people have know for eons. Trees and nature and our planet are healers, and in fact the very act of forest bathing can activate cells in our body whose sole purpose is to kill disease. In some parts of the world, Governments are recognising this simple way of staying healthy 

The conversation delves into how urbanisation is leading to biodiversity loss and the necessity for sustainable urban planning in Sri Lanka. Susan envisions a future where forest therapy becomes an integral part of public health and wellness tourism in Sri Lanka.

00:00 Welcome to Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives

00:40 Introduction to Forest Bathing

00:54 Guest Introduction: Susan Yoko

01:05 Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Research

03:36 The Concept of Six Seasons

06:12 Similarities Between Aboriginal and Sri Lankan Traditions

10:36 The Importance of Biophilia

15:20 The Birth of Forest Bathing in Japan

19:47 The Healing Power of Nature

26:36 Urbanization and Biodiversity in Sri Lanka

31:07 International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance

39:50 Empowering Women Through Education

41:53 Final Thoughts

About Susan Joachim

Susan V. Joachim is the President and Founding Member of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) as well as a Founding Member of INFTA (Germany). The focus of this role is fostering and promoting Nature and Forest Therapy as a preventive and therapeutic public health practice. In this role, Susan draws on over 20 years of professional and international career experience in human resources development, education, women’s empowerment, and lifelong learning.

As the President of INFTA, she promotes Forest Therapy as an affordable and accessible practice to address preventable lifestyle diseases and increasing anxiety and mental health illnesses. Susan also advocates for Forest Therapy to be made available in suitable urban parks to alleviate feelings of loneliness, foster community well-being, and encourage pro-environmental behaviours. 

Susan is a Chartered Secretary and Associate Member of The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland. She commands extensive work experience in professional roles at international organisations such as USAID and GIZ and can draw on her wide network of key stakeholders and organisations in Australia, as well as stakeholders, researchers, and government representatives abroad, particularly in Germany, the USA, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka.

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

Why Sri Lanka Must Address Textile Waste: Insights from Lonali Rodrigo

In this episode of 'Sri Lanka, Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot,' host Dee Gibson interviews fashion entrepreneur Lonali Rodrigo, discussing the pressing need for Sri Lanka to address textile waste. Lonali highlights the country's history in garment production and the growing challenge of pre- and post-consumer waste. Through her brand, House of Lonali, she exemplifies sustainable practices by up-cycling textile waste into new products, collaborating with local artisans, and engaging in educational initiatives. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the environmental and economic reasons driving Sri Lanka to tackle textile waste head-on.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:00 Meet Lonali Rodrigo: Fashion Entrepreneur

02:52 House of Lonali: Sustainable Fashion

04:45 Sri Lanka's Textile Industry

08:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Fashion

17:45 The Upcycling Process at House of Lonali

21:44 Collaborations and Projects

36:31 Educational Initiatives and Oxford Fellowship

43:22 Future Outlook

About Lonali Rodrigo

Founder & Lead Designer, House of Lonali

Lonali Rodrigo is a designer, changemaker, and the visionary behind House of Lonali, a conscious designer brand and social enterprise rooted in ethical fashion. With a deep commitment to people and planet, Lonali creates uncompromisingly stylish designs that champion circularity, creativity, and entrepreneurship, all aligned with her mission to Design a Better Future.

She holds a First Class Honours degree in Fashion Design from Northumbria University and a Master’s in Sustainable Management from the University of Bedfordshire. Lonali’s work and values are further shaped by her experience as a Chevening CRISP Fellow (Research, Science, and Innovation Leadership Programme) at the University of Oxford.

Through House of Lonali, she continues to inspire a new generation of conscious consumers and creators by proving that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible.

https://www.lonali.com

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

This episode features Selyna Peiris of Selyn Textiles, a prominent fair trade handloom and social enterprise in Sri Lanka.  Founded by Selyna's mother nearly 35 years ago with the aim of providing work for women, Selyna shares her journey from aspiring diplomat and UN-hopeful to taking over the creative legacy business. She discusses the importance of collaboration, fair pay, and sustainable business practices. Additionally, Selyna talks about launching Femcare, a project to produce reusable sanitary pads and its potential global impact. This conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of running a Sri Lankan social enterprise and the vital role of community and collaboration.

00:38 Meet Selena Paris: The Story Behind Sailing Textiles

01:06 A Personal Journey: From Politics to Creative Legacy

01:30 Inside the Factory: Craftsmanship and Quality

02:12 Balancing Roles: Entrepreneur, Activist, and Mother

04:17 The Origins of Sailing Textiles

06:25 Challenges and Triumphs: Building a Fair Trade Enterprise

10:28 Selena's Early Life and Career Aspirations

13:27 Returning to Sri Lanka: A Shift in Focus

20:05 Collaboration and Competition: A New Business Model

30:52 Blockchain and Transparency in Supply Chains

40:47 The Pad Project: Empowering Women Through Innovation

47:56 Conclusion: The Future of Social Enterprise in Sri Lanka

About Selyna  Peiris

Selyna Peiris (Attorney-at-Law) is a social entrepreneur and development practitioner driving several women-led social enterprises in Sri Lanka. She is the Director - Business Development at Selyn, the country’s only Fair Trade guaranteed textile craft company, and the Founder CEO of FemmeCare, a leading provider of sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions. As Director of the Selyn Foundation, she also co-leads the #BleedGood Movement, a multi-stakeholder platform dedicated to ending period poverty in Sri Lanka. Selyna serves on multiple national and international boards and committees, including the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the World Fair Trade Organization. With a background in law, government, and grassroots advocacy, she is a passionate champion for equitable development and women’s empowerment across South Asia.

Links

Websites: www.selyn.lk,  www.selynfoundation.org, www.femme-care.com,  

Facebook & IG: @selynfairtrade; @selynfoundation; @femmecareglobal; @selpeiris

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SelynaPeiris

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/selynapeiris   

TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ZKUw46PJ8

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

In this episode we delve into the fascinating journey of Rehan Mudannayake, a Sri Lankan Actor, Director, and Writer who made his screen debut in the film 'Funny Boy' directed by the acclaimed Deepa Mehta. Rehan recounts his unique path into acting, the influence of his diverse upbringing, and his commitment to changing the narrative around brown people in film. He discusses his creative processes, his life in Brixton, and his latest projects, including a comedy series called 'Cougar' and an upcoming film in LA. A charming guest who shares generously, tune in to hear how Rehan blends personal experiences with his professional work, bringing  a lightness to deep themes.

00:39 Meet Rehan: Actor, Author, and Director

01:24 Rehan's Creative Process and Life in Brixton

07:42 Rehan's Upbringing and Education

16:55 Breaking into Acting: The Funny Boy Story

21:33 The Challenges and Impact of Funny Boy

23:19 Bringing Personal Elements to the Role

24:22 The Three-Day Workshop Experience

25:01 Challenging Exercises and Emotional Depth

26:43 Physical and Emotional Impact of Acting

28:59 Handling Love Scenes 

31:46 Reception and Impact of the Film in Sri Lanka

33:47 Career Growth and New Opportunities

35:51 Creating the Comedy Series 'Cougar'

41:36 Exploring Familial Obligations in 'So Long Farewell'

46:17 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

About Rehan Mudannayake

Rehan Mudannayake is an award-winning filmmaker and actor, based in London. He stars as Shehan Soyza in Oscar-nominated director Deepa Mehta’s Netflix film Funny Boy, based on Shyam Selvadurai’s acclaimed novel.

As writer-director, his films have screened at multiple international film festivals. His most recent short – So Long, Farewell – had its World Premiere at the 2024 Academy Award-qualifying Pan-African Film Festival in LA, followed by its International Premiere at the London Indian Film Festival, and its US East Coast Premiere at the Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying Rhode Island Film Festival. 

Mudannayake is a graduate of University College London (UCL), where he was a Chevening scholar.

Links

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rehanmudannayake

Website: https://www.rehanmudannayake.com/

FILM Cougar: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBtTqVLosqA/?hl=en

FILM So Long, Farewell Official trailer: https://www.rehanmudannayake.com/so-long-farewell

FILM Took It To The River: https://www.rehanmudannayake.com/took-it-to-the-river

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

In this episode Dee chats to Rangi Fernando, a Sri Lankan-born dancer and dance movement therapist who has recently returned to Sri Lanka after living in Germany. Rangi shares her journey of transitioning back to her homeland and her passion for Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), which she believes is a powerful tool for self-expression and therapy. She discusses her first major community performance project, 'Spotlight,' aimed at empowering women through dance. The episode delves into the origins and benefits of DMT, Rangi's unique career shift from accounting to dance, and shares insights on the connection between mind and body, the potential for movement to enhance well-being, and her initiative 'Sync and Move.' 

She also talks about her plans to expand her work in Sri Lanka, including corporate sessions, one-on-one therapy, and working with marginalized communities. The episode highlights the richness of Sri Lankan culture and the importance of representing it globally.

SUMMARY

00:58 Meet Rangi Fernando: A Journey of Dance and Movement

02:23 The Challenges of Transitioning Cultures

05:52 Understanding Dance Movement Therapy (DMT)

09:44 The Art and Science of Movement Therapy

13:35 Rangi's Personal Journey: From Accounting to Dance

18:16 The Birth of Sync and Move

21:42 Practical Tips for Enhancing Wellbeing Through Movement

23:19 Practicing Stillness and Sensory Awareness

24:18 Tapping into the Nervous System

24:44 The Power of Posture and Confidence

26:43 Journey to Germany for Dance Movement Therapy

30:00 Spotlight: Empowering Women Through Performance

38:58 Future Plans and Community Engagement

43:28 Cultural Identity and Global Representation

46:37 Final Thoughts

About Rangi Fernando

Rangi is a Sri Lankan dance movement psychotherapist and movement artist based in Germany, dedicated to community growth and the empowerment of women. As the visionary behind the globally recognized Sync & Move method, she has inspired over 1,500 practitioners across India, Singapore, Germany, the UK, Turkey, France, and Sweden. Seamlessly blending the artistry of Sri Lanka and Europe, Rangi creates transformative experiences through movement, dance, therapy, yoga, and performance.

Her Sync & Move method has expanded to over 100 workshops in seven countries, uniting over 170 dancers in four large-scale showcases and impacting more than 5,000 individuals worldwide.

As the pioneer of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) in Sri Lanka, Rangi is celebrated for introducing a fresh perspective on dance, making it accessible to everyday people. Her ground-breaking work continues to bridge Western cultural integration with Sri Lankan practices, enriching the therapeutic landscape with new possibilities.

Instagram : rangi.f 

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.

In this episode Dee speaks with Revatha Shah, founder of Vedda Teas and co-founder of Sarana, a cultural centre in southern Sri Lanka. Revatha shares his journey from Western upbringing in Colombo and the UK to reconnecting with his Sri Lankan roots through promoting indigenous herbs and teas. The episode includes moving accounts on the existential threats to the indigenous Vedda population, the effects of colonisation and modern tourism, and the pressing need to support local Sri Lankan businesses. 

The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in balancing tourism with preserving Sri Lankan cultural heritage, and Revatha’s efforts to create meaningful cultural experiences for travellers at Sarana, including workshops and that delve into Sri Lanka’s rich history, arts, and ancient customs.

This is a timely reminder that travel can be enriching and a force for good. We could all take more responsibility to think about how and who we travel with, a consideration for regenerative travel.  

Episode Summary

00:42 Meet Revatha: Advocate of Indigenous Sri Lankan Culture

03:24 The story behind Vedda Teas

05:12 Exploring indigenous Teas and their cultural importance

10:00 Reviving indigenous practices and connection to the land

15:54 Tourism vs. Travel: Authentic experiences in Sri Lanka

29:02 Sarana: A Cultural hub for authentic Sri Lankan experiences

43:06 Future vision for Sarana and Sri Lankan cultural preservation

46:29 Conclusion and Gratitude

About Revatha Shah

Revatha is the founder of Vedda Organics, an enterprise that offers natural medicines sourced directly from rural communities across the Island of Sri Lanka, including its marginalised indigenous groups. He is also the Co-founder of Sarana, a space in Ahangama Sri Lanka, that tells the Sri Lankan story by providing a platform for local art, wellness and culture through it’s many experiential offerings at its peaceful sanctuary, in the fast evolving and modernising coastal town. 

Revatha grew up near Colombo, Sri Lanka’s metropolitan capital city, he received a private school education and studied economics in the UK, a privilege afforded to very few in Sri Lanka. He went on to work in corporate finance roles, venture capital and then private equity for a large American multi-national before finally cracking and realising the westernised bubble that he had been living in his entire life. He then embarked on a journey to connect to his roots and the abundance of the island he calls home, he has now dedicated his life to creating community centric business models that celebrate the Sri Lankan identity.

Links

Vedda Teas

Sarana 

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.