About Sarana
Telling the Sri Lankan story
Sarana connects you with the Keepers — the artisans, healers and cooks who hold Sri Lanka’s living traditions — and lets you spend a few hours with them, directly.
~1,600
guests in the past 12 months
30+
Keepers across the island
Nov 2024
when we started
Local-led
community-based experiences
Our story
Omaya and Urvashi started Sarana in November 2024, with one aim: to protect and revive Sri Lanka’s arts and crafts by putting the people who keep them alive at the centre.
Every experience sends more of what you pay to the Keeper, and gives their craft a reason to carry on. The traditions stay living because people still come to learn them.
“In an aim to protect and revive Sri Lanka’s arts, we put the Keepers first.”
How it works
Meet a Keeper
Every experience is led by a Keeper — a batik maker, a healer, a village cook — in their own place, at their own pace.
Pick a date, or ask for your own
Join a scheduled session with other guests, or ask for your own date for a private group.
Come with a Host, or on your own
Hosted: one of our Hosts comes with you for introductions and translation. Or book directly with the Keeper.
How we work with Keepers
How Keepers are chosen, how they’re paid fairly for every session, and how we keep their craft front and centre — not a backdrop.
Meet the Keepers →Our team
Four women run Sarana. Omaya and Urvashi started it in November 2024. Dilini looks after our Keepers, and Kavindi looks after bookings and guests.
Omaya
Co-founder
Co-founded Sarana with Urvashi in November 2024. Spends most weeks with the Keepers, sitting in on workshops and learning each craft before it goes on the site.
Urvashi
Co-founder · Experience manager
Dilini
Keeper relationships
Kavindi
Bookings and guests
Our Hosts
Sarana is run by a small team. On Hosted experiences, one of our Hosts comes along to handle introductions and translation, so you can be fully present with the Keeper.
Sashika
Host · Kandy
Hosts Curated experiences around Kandy. Sashika translates, explains, and makes sure nobody is left standing at the edge of the room.
Poorvika
Host · south coast
Ziggy
Host · families
Piyumi
Host · hill country
What guests say
“This is the Sri Lankan experience.”
“I have traveled around the world and watched performances but never had someone explain and tell the story like you girls just did.”
Whether you're visiting or live here, the Keepers are a short drive away.
Planning a retreat or group trip? Personalised Experiences →
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