This World Tourism Day, Browns Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with the National Crafts Council, launched Crafting Journeys — a long-term initiative dedicated to celebrating Sri Lanka’s artisans and creating new opportunities for their crafts to thrive.
Across Sri Lanka, age-old traditions such as beeralu lace weaving, Dumbara mats, batik, pottery, brassware, mask carving, Sesath, and handloom reflect the island’s cultural richness. Yet, while these art forms are admired worldwide, the artisans behind them often face declining demand, lack of visibility, and limited access to sustainable livelihoods. Crafting Journeys was created to change this by providing stronger platforms and connections to international tourism.
Eksath Wijeratne, CEO of Browns Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the vision behind the initiative:
“Tourism must be more than leisure — it must uplift communities. With Crafting Journeys, we are proud to create a bridge between culture and traveller. By partnering with the National Crafts Council, we are giving artisans a platform to share their skills with the world, while offering our guests authentic, memorable encounters that go beyond the ordinary.”
The initiative transforms Browns Hotels & Resorts properties across the island into cultural hubs, hosting rotating craft villages where artisans demonstrate their skills, conduct workshops, and connect directly with tourists. These interactive experiences create new income opportunities for artisans, while giving tourists from across the world a rare chance to engage with Sri Lanka’s living heritage.
The first Crafting Journeys event took place at Hotel Sigiriya, where more than 20 artisans showcased pottery, wood carving, and handloom against the backdrop of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Tourists not only witnessed the artistry but also engaged directly with the creators, discovering the stories and techniques behind each piece.
Dr. Ayesha Wickramasinghe, Chairperson of the National Crafts Council, added:
“This partnership with Browns Hotels & Resorts is a milestone for Sri Lanka’s craft industry. Our artisans have carried forward traditions for centuries, but they need modern platforms to sustain their livelihoods. By integrating crafts into hospitality, we are bringing heritage into the everyday travel experience and ensuring these traditions continue to flourish.”
As Crafting Journeys rolls out across Browns Hotels & Resorts’ properties in the Cultural Triangle, the South, and the East, each hotel will become a stage for Sri Lanka’s timeless crafts — ensuring that tradition remains a living, breathing part of the nation’s tourism story.
