Islander Centre - Rajanganaya, Anuradhapura
Background
Islander Centre started on 50 acres of land bordering the country’s biggest wild life sanctuary, Wilpattu National Park in Anuradhapura District, in the late 1990s. For the first 10 years, the focus was on re-establishing the native dry zone vegetation, improving soil fertility, clearing water ways, establishing 35 acres of certified seed paddy, and building ties with the neighboring communities and producer groups. Within ten years, the abandoned vast land was turned into a great biodiversity hot spot with vegetation, water and array of wildlife. Many expert conservationists, who visited the facility, commended it on what a rare biodiversity model it is.
In 2005, the center started organic cultivation and now produces traditional rice varieties, field crops, vegetables, fruits, coconuts, and dairy products. Residential facilities have been established and the Centre can host up to 70 overnight guests and 300 guests for day programs.It later expanded operations to the other adjoining 85 acres. This land is used for expansion of commercial organic production and organic seeds production with a strong “out grower” network.
Islander’s buildings are modeled after traditional monastic schools called pirivena and are perfectly suited to local climatic conditions. These ancient designs maximize airflow and passive cooling.The main facility includes classrooms, meeting areas, spaces for yoga or meditation and a library with a growing collection of books and films from Sri Lanka and around the world.
A portion of the land is being kept as a forest reserve and wildlife corridor to link; farm forest and wetlands with the wildlife areas of nearby traditional tanks and Wilpattu National Park. This area also includes nature trails and bird watching sites for sustainable tourism programs.
Training Facilities
Islander has grown very popular among International and Local NGO’s as well as Government, private sector, in having their training / retreat programs at the Centre. The facilities provided were found to be conducive to a wide array of training / exposure requirements, hence making the location convenient and efficient.
The Islander also offers special programs for school children – environment camps, nutritional food camps (as Islander has a fully equipped and a traditional-style kitchen and an organic garden), and other children’s camps and workshops specially designed for school children and youth.
Tourism and Facilities
Its doors have been opened to local and international guests who want to enjoy the beautiful environment of this unique organic farm .
Accommodation
The guesthouse offers comfortable private rooms with shared adjoining bathrooms.
Food and Drinking water
Healthy, traditional Sri Lankan food is available for all meals. Fruits, vegetables, rice, eggs and dairy are fresh from our organic farm or from our network. Drinking water is available on water dispensers provided by reputed water companies.
Getting around and onward travel
Several tours within the premises can be organized that could be done by foot with a guide. If visiting Wilpattu or Holy City the center can arrange a vehicle. If the center vehicle is not available can arranged reliable trusted hiring vehicle.
Activities and things to do
Guests can enjoy walking and biking trails around the farm, river bathing, boat rides and bird watching. There are peaceful sitting areas overlooking the reservoir that are ideal for writing, creating or simply sitting back and enjoying the wildlife. For guests who want to explore more of , Islander is an ideal base for visiting the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya, the wildlife of Wilpattu national park, and the beaches and sand dunes of Kalpitiya.
Please contact priyankara@sevalanka.org for further details and booking inquiries.
Islander Centre started on 50 acres of land bordering the country’s biggest wild life sanctuary, Wilpattu National Park in Anuradhapura District, in the late 1990s. For the first 10 years, the focus was on re-establishing the native dry zone vegetation, improving soil fertility, clearing water ways, establishing 35 acres of certified seed paddy, and building ties with the neighboring communities and producer groups. Within ten years, the abandoned vast land was turned into a great biodiversity hot spot with vegetation, water and array of wildlife. Many expert conservationists, who visited the facility, commended it on what a rare biodiversity model it is.
In 2005, the center started organic cultivation and now produces traditional rice varieties, field crops, vegetables, fruits, coconuts, and dairy products. Residential facilities have been established and the Centre can host up to 70 overnight guests and 300 guests for day programs.It later expanded operations to the other adjoining 85 acres. This land is used for expansion of commercial organic production and organic seeds production with a strong “out grower” network.
Islander’s buildings are modeled after traditional monastic schools called pirivena and are perfectly suited to local climatic conditions. These ancient designs maximize airflow and passive cooling.The main facility includes classrooms, meeting areas, spaces for yoga or meditation and a library with a growing collection of books and films from Sri Lanka and around the world.
A portion of the land is being kept as a forest reserve and wildlife corridor to link; farm forest and wetlands with the wildlife areas of nearby traditional tanks and Wilpattu National Park. This area also includes nature trails and bird watching sites for sustainable tourism programs.
Training Facilities
Islander has grown very popular among International and Local NGO’s as well as Government, private sector, in having their training / retreat programs at the Centre. The facilities provided were found to be conducive to a wide array of training / exposure requirements, hence making the location convenient and efficient.
The Islander also offers special programs for school children – environment camps, nutritional food camps (as Islander has a fully equipped and a traditional-style kitchen and an organic garden), and other children’s camps and workshops specially designed for school children and youth.
Tourism and Facilities
Its doors have been opened to local and international guests who want to enjoy the beautiful environment of this unique organic farm .
Accommodation
The guesthouse offers comfortable private rooms with shared adjoining bathrooms.
Food and Drinking water
Healthy, traditional Sri Lankan food is available for all meals. Fruits, vegetables, rice, eggs and dairy are fresh from our organic farm or from our network. Drinking water is available on water dispensers provided by reputed water companies.
Getting around and onward travel
Several tours within the premises can be organized that could be done by foot with a guide. If visiting Wilpattu or Holy City the center can arrange a vehicle. If the center vehicle is not available can arranged reliable trusted hiring vehicle.
Activities and things to do
Guests can enjoy walking and biking trails around the farm, river bathing, boat rides and bird watching. There are peaceful sitting areas overlooking the reservoir that are ideal for writing, creating or simply sitting back and enjoying the wildlife. For guests who want to explore more of , Islander is an ideal base for visiting the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya, the wildlife of Wilpattu national park, and the beaches and sand dunes of Kalpitiya.
Please contact priyankara@sevalanka.org for further details and booking inquiries.
