The future of tourism in Anuradhapura 

• And exploring Forest Rock Garden Resort

This past weekend, we visited the famous Forest Rock Garden Resort, an architectural marvel lauded for its eco-friendly and innovative design concept.

In what is essentially the recreation of the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, the property is built almost entirely above ground so as to not invade the natural habitats of the wildlife beneath them. 

Resting above ground level, the property has a network of intertwining, long-winding bridges leading visitors to and from the 24 different rooms within the property – six of which are suites with attached pools and ample space. While the number of rooms may indicate a boutique-style feel, the massive property really tells a whole different story. 

It is also important to note that the property was originally intended as an entirely vegetarian hotel with a religious concept; however, due to growing demands by its foreign guests, they now offer a diverse array of cuisines. 

The property is serene and secluded and – due to the sheer size of the property and the bridges that interconnect each of the rooms, restaurant, spa, pool, etc. – everyone remains connected, but at a distance – absolutely perfect for an off-the-grid style getaway. 

During our stay at the hotel, we had a brief chat with Forest Rock Garden Resort Managing Director/Chairman Baladurage Chandrasiri, who is also known for his other Anuradhapura properties: Palm Garden Village Resort and Purana Gama. 

The international award-winning hotelier shared his plans for his properties and also for developing tourism in Anuradhapura. 

He noted that having opened Forest Rock Garden Resort in March 2013, and together with his other two investments at Palm Garden Village Resort and Purana Gama, what he has created is an overarching concept – to recreate the ways of the ancient Anuradhapura kingdom. 

Palm Garden Village’s palace-like motif, Forest Rock Garden’s more spiritual ambience, and finally the authentic village experience and chalets at Purana Gama were all constructed in such a way that is able to offer a visitor an immersive experience of Anuradhapura. 

Having started in tourism during a time when the tide was changing and there was a new age in hotels and properties that heralded the advent of eco-tourism, he noted that it all really inspired him to adapt his properties to fit this new bill, as it was ideal for the way in which he envisioned tourism in Anuradhapura would become. 

He stated: “I strongly believe that tourism as an industry must be forever changing.” 

This passion for constant growth and improvement is borne from Chandrasiri’s desire to contribute to the Sri Lankan tourism industry. 

He added: “I think that Sri Lanka’s brand must be clearly defined, and that its signature must go hand in hand with what we call the tourism industry in this country. They cannot be two separate entities.” 

He also added that tourism should not be a competition amongst hoteliers or restaurateurs, as an industry cannot be developed that way; all must assist one another. 

Finally, Chandrasiri shared that tourists who come to our country are simply not free to explore as they see fit. Often, the way that we have structured our “traditional” tourism packages are such that there is no sufficient flexibility and no room for customisation, and that is simply not what people want anymore. 

He also noted that there is a lack of quality control when it comes to service and execution; however, he believes that things are changing and that we can most certainly change – to create more open dialogue about what our industry needs, to be as inclusive as possible, and to allow hoteliers of all calibres to take part and learn from these conversations. 

He concluded that just as we emerge on the other side (post-Covid-19) and with the lessons we have all learned which signify the importance of going “back to nature”, he shared that he truly believes Sri Lanka can make a difference in tourism.