TikaWeeks #19/2026: Sri Lanka update
Posted by John on 8th May 2026
We first met Maulie in 2010 when Galkadawala Forest Lodge near Habarana in the island’s Cultural Triangle was still in its infancy. Immediately recognising a kindred spirit, we started promoting Galkadawala and the rest is history! It is a firm favourite of our customers and remains one of our top places to stay.
Here is a recent missive from Maulie to Tikalanka celebrating Galkadawala and introducing her short film to us:
“This year marks a quiet milestone for us at Galkadawala, we are now in our 20th year. It feels both humbling and meaningful to pause and reflect on how this place has grown, slowly and gently, over time.
I wanted to share with you a short film we’ve recently made about Galkadawala.
The video offers a glimpse into what lies at the heart of Galkadawala – a way of living rooted in sustainability, simplicity, and a deep respect for the land. Much of this is not new, but rather a continuation of a way of life that is part of our heritage. It also tells the story of the reforestation work that has been quietly unfolding here over the past two decades.
We are sharing this with you in particular because Galkadawala has been sustained, in no small part, by those who have chosen to visit us over the years.
John, your presence has played a very important role in allowing this place, and its ideas, to continue and grow.
You are the very first foreign national to visit us soon after Sri Lanka’s 30-year war was over. Ever since you have had the confidence in us to keep sending your guests to Galkadawala. For that, we are deeply grateful.”
The reason we connected all those years ago is due to the sharing of core values and beliefs. We hope that Galkadawala and Tikalanka will continue on the ‘middle path’ together!
This week, we celebrate Maulie’s awe-inspiring achievements. We are privileged to be involved and honoured that we are considered influential to the development and success of Galkadawala.
Categories: Accommodation, News, Sri Lanka, Sustainability
« All articles
