CSR
Back to Life Tsunami Housing Project
Thanamalvila school CSR Initiative
NKAR Travels and Tours (Pvt.) Ltd handed over Playground equipment, books, paint, printers and cupboards to a rural school in Thanamalvila as a CSR initiative.
Rural school makeover CSR Initiatives
CSR project was launched by NKAR Travels and Tours (Pvt.) Ltd at Pallansena Primary School, Kochchikade (Negombo) where the school walls were color-washed by our enthusiastic team. Moreover, the swings and seesaws in the school play area were given a new look as a part of this project.
Flood Relief
NKAR Travels is pleased to announce its support towards victims of the recent adverse weather conditions that swept through the island in May. The organization – as a part of its responsibility towards a fair society – donated sleeping mats, medicine, candles and drinking water which were essentials to affected individuals in Eheliyagoda (Sabaragamuwa Province) who cherished these donations with delight!
Building small house in knuckles mountain range as tourist rest stop
Supporting local weavers of Dunagaha
NKAR has handpicked Dunagaha, a remote village in the Negombo District, known for its exceptional craftsmanship in weaving. Our goal is to provide our groups with an enriching experience centered around the village and its renowned industry.
Upon arrival, our clients are treated to an immersive village experience, where they can explore the local surroundings and witness the intricate art of weaving firsthand. To enhance their cultural immersion, we delight them with traditional sweetmeats and a cup of Pure Ceylon Tea, creating a truly authentic atmosphere.
As a gesture of appreciation, each client receives a traditionally woven shawl, thoughtfully pre-purchased in bulk from the village by NKAR. This valuable souvenir not only serves as a token of remembrance but also contributes to the social well-being of the villagers and supports the long-term economic sustainability of the industry and the village itself.
This initiative aims to offer our clients a truly unique and immersive experience before embarking on their round tour of Sri Lanka, while simultaneously fostering the welfare of the local community and promoting the growth of the village’s industry.
World tourism day awareness campaign
NKAR launched an Awareness Campaign marking the World Tourism Day 2017 and the brand involved Trishaw Drivers who were directly in touch with many tourists visiting Sri Lanka. The awareness campaign featured instructions on ‘Why A Tourist Should be Protected’ while an instruction manual was distributed among addressed participants with a confirmation sticker placed on the back of each vehicle as an assurance to a traveling tourist
Eliminating plastic water bottles from round tours
NKAR has taken an initiative to distribute 19L PET bottles (recyclable) and a hand-pump each to the touring buses whereas clients are requested to bring their personal water bottles in order to refill them in the bus accordingly. Using smaller (500ml/1L) bottles are strictly discouraged by local tour leaders and Foreign Tour Operators.Â
As a result, the wastage of plastic during NKAR’s group tours are minimal to nonexistent while the brand has actively maintained elements of the Triple Bottom Line through environmental conservation, social well-being (ground level awareness across stakeholders) and economic sustainability (strong cost savings to the organization).
Day-out in the big city for kids in touristic areas
NKAR has an initiative to support children from touristic areas (often from rural or estate sectors) by providing them an opportunity to visit Colombo – a city many haven’t visited before. This also includes a visit to the beach which is another ‘first’ to many rural/estate children whose parents are mostly the suppliers of NKAR.Â
The objective of this initiative is to offer a unique and memorable opportunity to children of our suppliers to visit the commercial capital of Sri Lanka in an ‘All Paid’ getaway! The initiative is concluded by adding value to the educational journey of these children as NKAR gifts a Sinhala-English dictionary to each child wrapped in NKAR branding so that brand name goes a long way together with the memories of visiting Colombo.
- 29.11.2018 – 38 school children from grades 10 – 11 of Ginigathhena Vidyalaya, Ginigathhena were selected by their Principal to take part in this initiative supported by 03 teachers
- 15.03.2019 – A total of 52 school children from grades 7 – 9 of Katuwattewela Primary School, Kuliyapitiya were selected by their Principal to take part in this initiative supported by 04 teachers.
Developing the livelihood of oversighted villagers
NKAR was looking for a village lunch supplier 15 years ago and instead of finding an existing supplier, we decided to improvise in creating a new supplier from the grass root level. That’s how NKAR found ‘Kalu’ – a simple farmer residing in a rural village off Giritale. Hesitant at first due to our requirement of catering to ‘white people’ Kalu took up a journey and has become one of the most sought out lunch suppliers in the cultural triangle.Â
His once thatched house now stands as a complete house built with bricks and roofing sheets with the generous support of NKAR’s visiting clients, local tour leaders and NKAR’s management. The objective of this initiative was to develop the livelihood of a poor farmer, offer our clients an experiential traditional lunch.
Sustainable tourism experiences in Hasalaka
Situated near the captivating Knuckles Mountain range and in close proximity to Mahiyanganaya Town, Hasalaka is a stunning region that we carefully curate for our tour programs. Here, we handpick a range of experiences and sustainable tourism practices to enhance our guests’ journey.
Village Pottery Making experience.
In our quest to support local communities, we have chosen a remarkable family whose livelihood revolves around the art of pottery. What makes this particular selection even more special is that the talented potter has a hearing disability, exemplifying our belief that some of the most creative individuals are differently abled.
Witnessing the potter’s ingenuity firsthand, our clients will have the unique opportunity to engage in the pottery-making process themselves. By participating, they can appreciate the patience, serenity, and skill required to create a beautiful pot. Additionally, through our involvement, we aim to improve the quality of life for this deserving family.
Products from Rush and Reed
During our journey, we make a delightful visit to a village house where our clients can observe the fascinating process of crafting a variety of products using rush and reed. This immersive experience allows them to gain valuable insight into the creation of the very lunch boxes and plates used to serve their meals.
Moreover, we offer our clients the chance to contribute to the local community and foster sustainable tourism by purchasing unique souvenirs made from rush and reed. By supporting these talented locals, we collectively encourage responsible travel practices and help sustain the cultural heritage of the region.
'Orange Plantation Project’ as a solution for human elephant conflict
The human-elephant conflict has emerged as a significant issue in Sri Lanka, stemming from various causes. As a company, we hold nature in high regard and prioritize its well-being.
Wasgamuwa National Park stands as one of Sri Lanka’s protected areas, known for its large herds of elephants. Along the southern border of Wasgamuwa National Park lie numerous small villages, approximately 30 in total, which face this ongoing conflict. Over time, various approaches have been attempted to mitigate the human-elephant conflict, ranging from modern solutions such as electric fencing to traditional and innovative methods.
Among these innovative methods, we have come across the Orange Plantation Project, which aims to address the human-elephant conflict in the aforementioned area of Wasgamuwa. This project, initiated by NGOs, caught our attention, prompting us to conduct a thorough study.Â
Subsequently, we have incorporated this activity into our tour programs, allowing our clients the opportunity to contribute by purchasing orange plants and planting them in dedicated areas identified as elephant corridors leading to the villages.
Farmer’s Breakfast in Mapakada.
We have chosen a location in Mapakada village where we can offer a village-style breakfast experience in a farm hut. To reach this secluded farm hut, a 750-meter walk through the jungle is required. From there, our clients can enjoy the scenic view of the farm overlooking the Mapakada lake while the farmer prepares breakfast.Â
Clients also have the unique opportunity to participate in the traditional village-style breakfast preparation process. This initiative has positively impacted the farmer’s livelihood. Prior to implementing this project, we made several enhancements to the farm hut and walking path to elevate the overall standards. As part of our commitment to both the farmer and our clients’ well-being, we sponsored these improvements.
Nelumwewa Gini Damana Village experience
We have curated a series of experiences in a remote village near Polonnaruwa that foster sustainable tourism and provide benefits to the local community. The program unfolds as follows:
In the morning, clients will have the opportunity to visit a village fair where they can engage in bargaining and purchase items for the upcoming lunch preparation. They will then actively participate in the cooking process, taking place in an authentic village house. Once the meal is ready, the clients will proceed to the temple to engage in the traditional act of alms giving, presenting the food they have prepared.Â
The chief monk of the temple will graciously bestow blessings upon them, after which the clients can return to the location where they cooked the food and delight in their lunch. This immersive experience not only provides a unique glimpse into village life but also contributes to the well-being of the local community, creating a mutually beneficial experience for both the villagers and the clients.
Village Lunch in Rathna Ella
Rathna Ella, the tallest waterfall in the Kandy district, is situated in the remote village of Hasalaka within the Mahiyanganaya area. We have chosen this village as a site for implementing several sustainable tourism practices. Within this area, there are two waterfalls from which the waterfall walk originates, starting in Hasalaka village. The longest trail to Rathna Ella spans 7 kilometers round trip.
To enhance the visitor experience, we have identified a quaint dwelling in close proximity to Rathna Ella. This small house, constructed with mud walls and surrounded by picturesque paddy fields, serves as the venue for preparing a traditional village lunch for our clients.Â
The locals at this place diligently follow our instructions to create an authentic village meal. In addition to generating income for the community, we are also providing support for the development of a designated area where a group of 12 to 15 people can comfortably gather and enjoy their lunch.
Ahangama Village Tuk tuk Tour
In Ahangama, we have introduced a unique tuk-tuk village tour that allows clients to explore the enchanting low-grown tea plantations and cinnamon farms in the southern region. Traveling by tuk-tuk, we offer an immersive experience where clients can witness the beauty of these plantations and learn about the production processes.
As part of the tour, we also visit a local village house where clients can enjoy a cup of tea accompanied by delightful local sweets. This program not only provides an authentic cultural experience but also extends benefits to various stakeholders involved. The tuk-tuk drivers, workers in the tea and cinnamon plantations, and the local villagers all reap the advantages of this initiative, contributing to their livelihoods and the overall well-being of the community.
NKAR Blood Donation Campaign
NKAR is committed to giving back to society. This time, we focused on donating blood and saving lives. The National Blood Bank relies on maintaining a certain blood stock to assist those in need. To support this cause, Team NKAR organized our Annual Blood Donation Campaign. We aimed to encourage both team members and outsiders to join us in this noble cause by donating blood.Â
Additionally, we provided support to first-time donors, helping them overcome any fears or hesitations they may have had. At NKAR, we believe in supporting individuals to overcome challenges and participate in good deeds, not only in travel and adventure but also in various aspects of life.
NKAR Adopts Motherless Baby Elephant
A baby elephant and her mother fell into a well in Sri Lanka. Wildlife officials rescued them, but the mother elephant wouldn’t accept the baby back.
The baby elephant, named Adira, was then taken to the Elephant Transit Home, which cares for orphaned baby elephants until they can be reintroduced to the wild. Adira was weak and had trouble adjusting to formula milk, but with care from the staff she recovered.
In March 2024, Adira began spending time with the other elephants at the home. This is an important step in preparing her for life in the wild. Eventually, she will spend all her time with the herd and have minimal contact with humans.
NKAR has taken up the responsibility of being the foster parent of little Adira. Read more about Adira’s story here.
