Blue Lanka Tours wins sustainability award for community impact

Blue Lanka Tours has been honoured with the Sustainable Community Impact Initiative Award at the Sri Lankan Sustainability Awards 2026, in recognition of its long-standing commitment to supporting education, healthcare, disaster relief and community development across Sri Lanka.

The award was presented at the Sri Lankan Sustainability Awards 2026, organised by the Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) in association with the 14th World Construction Symposium. The awards recognise organisations and individuals demonstrating excellence in sustainability, innovation and leadership while contributing to the country's social, environmental and economic development.

The recognition reflects Blue Lanka Tours' continued efforts to ensure that tourism creates lasting benefits for local communities while showcasing Sri Lanka to thousands of international travellers each year.

Among the company's flagship community initiatives is Blooming Smiles, which provides essential educational supplies and supports improved learning opportunities for children in rural schools. The programme has benefited schools in Galle, Monaragala, Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya and Matara, assisting students, teachers and local communities.

Blue Lanka Tours also supports the Little Hearts Project, contributing US$10 from every tour booking towards life-saving treatment for children with congenital heart disease. As of June 2026, the company had contributed more than Rs. 1.29 million to the initiative.

Its corporate social responsibility programmes also include donating rescue boats for flood relief operations, launching the Api Yamu Pansal programme to support rural temples and surrounding communities, and implementing several other initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of people across the country.

Founder and Managing Director Dinesh N. Perera said giving back has always been central to the company's values.

"Whether it's supporting children's education, helping families through healthcare initiatives or standing with communities during difficult times, we believe businesses have a responsibility to make a positive contribution," he said.

Picture: Dinesh N. Perera receives the Sustainable Community Impact Initiative Award