Heritance Kandalama has once again brought pride to Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry by being recognised on the global stage at the 2025 International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Global Responsible Tourism Awards. As the only Sri Lankan hotel honoured this year, it received the Silver Global Responsible Tourism Award for Climate Adaptation and Resilience—an accolade that celebrates pioneering contributions to sustainable travel. This prestigious recognition places the property among leading organisations worldwide that demonstrate measurable, innovative, and scalable solutions to today’s tourism challenges. Leaders in the field, including Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, have praised awardees for their commitment to delivering real, fact-based impact in responsible tourism practices.
A masterpiece of tropical modernism designed by Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa, Heritance Kandalama continues to lead the region in regenerative and resilient hospitality. Its sustainability model integrates architecture, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement, maintaining over 200 acres of land as a conservation forest supporting more than 170 bird species and diverse flora and fauna. With Sri Lanka’s longest continually certified Environmental Management System (ISO 14001 since 1996) and a Travelife Gold certification recognised by the GSTC, the hotel exemplifies climate-conscious design and eco-exclusivity. As highlighted by Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, this achievement reinforces the brand’s longstanding commitment to responsible, world-class hospitality.