Biography of Charitha A. Hettiarachchi: Founder of saraii village -Entrepreneur
Biography of Charitha A. Hettiarachchi:
From Corporate World to Entrepreneurial Vision
Charitha Abeyratne Hettiarachchi’s career began in the
corporate sector, where she gained substantial experience working with global
companies like Virtusa and MAS Holdings. After completing her education in
Business Information Technology with a first-class degree from the University
of Staffordshire, she joined these organizations, where she honed her skills in
strategic enterprise solutions, business development, and technological
innovation. Yet, despite the promising corporate trajectory, Charitha felt an
inner calling to pursue a path that would allow her to blend business with a
deeper sense of purpose. This desire to create something meaningful in the
world would eventually guide her towards entrepreneurship.
The Fulbright Scholarship and Pursuing Sustainability
Charitha’s journey took a significant turn when she was
awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, an honor that made her one of
just four Sri Lankans to receive the scholarship that year. With a deep
interest in sustainability and social enterprise, Charitha sought out Colorado
State University’s exclusive Global Social Sustainable Enterprise MBA program.
Only 25 individuals worldwide are selected for this program, and Charitha was
proud to be the only Sri Lankan chosen. This experience equipped her with a
solid foundation in sustainable business practices, focusing on social impact,
rural development, and creating enterprises that would positively affect both
people and the planet.
The Launch of Saraii Village
In 2011, Charitha took the leap into entrepreneurship by
founding Saraii Village, a sustainable tourism brand that offers unique,
off-the-beaten-path experiences for travelers from around the world. Saraii
Village is more than just a resort—it’s an immersive experience that allows
guests to engage with Sri Lanka’s rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty.
The resort is built with eco-friendly practices, incorporating traditional Sri
Lankan architecture, such as wattle-and-daub homes, and offering luxury tent
accommodations. By blending sustainability with adventure, Saraii Village
reflects Charitha’s vision of providing travelers with enriching experiences
that connect them to the environment and local culture in a meaningful way.
Fostering Authenticity and Eco-Tourism
What sets Saraii Village apart is its commitment to offering
an authentic Sri Lankan experience. Guests are invited to partake in activities
such as jungle safaris, elephant rides, farm education, hiking, biking, and
immersion into indigenous culture. These activities go beyond tourism—they are
designed to educate visitors about sustainable practices, conservation, and the
importance of preserving Sri Lanka’s unique ecosystems. The emphasis on local
culture and environmental consciousness aligns perfectly with Charitha’s belief
that tourism should not only provide enjoyment but also educate and promote
sustainability for future generations.
Saaraketha Organics: A Foundation for Social Responsibility
Before establishing Saraii Village, Charitha co-founded
Saaraketha Organics, a socially responsible company that focuses on organic
farming and agroforestry. Saaraketha became a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s organic
agriculture movement by offering eco-friendly products and services while
promoting sustainability. As Director and Head of Business Development,
Charitha played an instrumental role in shaping the company’s growth.
Saaraketha was built around the triple bottom line approach, balancing social,
environmental, and financial impact. Under her leadership, the company expanded
its focus to include eco-tourism, renewable energy generation, and carbon
sequestration, cementing its position as a leader in the sustainable business
space in Sri Lanka.
Navigating Early Challenges with Determination
The journey to establishing Saraii Village wasn’t smooth.
Charitha faced numerous challenges, particularly during the early stages when
many of her colleagues left the project. Despite these setbacks, she remained
determined to push forward. Charitha's perseverance, along with her deep
passion for the vision she had, kept her going. As she often says, "The
ones who succeed are those who jump over the hurdles and keep moving
forward." This attitude of resilience has been essential in helping Saraii
Village survive and thrive, despite the difficulties faced during its
inception.
The Importance of a Strong Support System
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Charitha has often
emphasized the importance of having a solid support system. Her husband has
played an integral role in her success, providing the encouragement and
practical support that allowed her to focus on her work. Additionally, her
parents have always believed in her potential, offering unwavering support
without pressuring her to follow a conventional career path. Charitha
acknowledges that this positive environment, full of encouragement, has been
essential for her to realize her dreams and has played a pivotal role in her
personal and professional growth.
Perseverance and Patience: The Keys to Success
Charitha’s story is a powerful testament to the importance
of perseverance. In the face of rejection, difficulty, and isolation, she
learned to stay committed to her goals and beliefs. She admits that many people
around her initially doubted her vision, but she never let these doubts deter
her. "It’s important to keep going, even when others don’t believe in
you," she advises aspiring entrepreneurs. Charitha believes that true
entrepreneurs are those who learn from failures and continue moving forward,
always refining their approach and staying true to their purpose.
A Mother and an Entrepreneur: Living the Dream
Charitha is now a mother to a young son and balances the
responsibilities of motherhood with running her business. Despite her busy
schedule, she describes herself as "living the dream," enjoying the
fruits of her hard work and dedication. However, she acknowledges that her
current success is just the beginning. Saraii Village, in its current form, is
only the first phase of a larger vision for sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka.
Charitha dreams of expanding the brand and replicating the Saraii Village model
in different locations across the country, creating an even greater impact.
Biography of Charitha A. Hettiarachchi: Founder of saraii village -Entrepreneur /tourism brand#startup#age#net worth#Saraii Village#eco-conscious touri
Scaling the Dream: Plans for Expansion
Looking ahead, Charitha has ambitious plans for the future
of Saraii Village. Her goal is to expand the resort model to at least 10
locations across Sri Lanka over the next five years. The next location will
likely be Ella, and Charitha is actively seeking investment to fund this
ambitious expansion. She envisions Saraii Village becoming a leader in the
global sustainable tourism market, providing travelers with more opportunities
to experience the beauty of Sri Lanka while promoting eco-friendly and socially
responsible tourism
Leading the Charge for Sustainable Travel
Charitha’s long-term vision for Saraii Village goes beyond
local expansion—she aims to position the resort as a global leader in the
sustainable travel industry. By focusing on simple pleasures, healthy living,
and environmental consciousness, she plans to create a brand that resonates
with travelers seeking to connect with nature while supporting ethical business
practices. Through this model, Charitha hopes to inspire other tourism
businesses to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to preserving the
planet’s natural beauty.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Charitha has some valuable advice for would-be
entrepreneurs: "You may not have all the answers at the start, and you may
face rejection, but if you believe in your vision, you must keep at it."
She encourages entrepreneurs to stay true to their goals and remain open to
learning and evolving along the way. For Charitha, the journey has been one of
continuous growth, both personally and professionally, and she believes that
persistence, paired with passion, is key to turning dreams into reality.
A Business Built on Passion and Purpose
Charitha has demonstrated that it is possible to build a
successful business based on passion and purpose. Through Saraii Village and
Saaraketha Organics, she has created businesses that not only generate profits
but also have a positive impact on society and the environment. Her journey
shows that it is possible to combine financial success with social
responsibility, and her work serves as an inspiring example of how
entrepreneurs can make a difference in the world.
A Visionary Leader for the Future
As Charitha continues to expand her ventures, her influence
on sustainable tourism and eco-friendly businesses in Sri Lanka grows. She is a
visionary leader whose work is shaping the future of responsible travel.
Through her dedication to sustainability, ethical practices, and community
engagement, Charitha Abeyratne Hettiarachchi is not only transforming Sri
Lanka’s tourism industry but also inspiring entrepreneurs around the world to
think bigger and bolder about their impact.
Timeline for story
2006 - Graduated with a first-class degree in Business
Information Technology from the University of Staffordshire.
2006-2010 - Worked at Virtusa and MAS Holdings, gaining
experience in strategic enterprise solutions.
2010 - Awarded the Fulbright Scholarship, selected for the
Global Social Sustainable Enterprise MBA program at Colorado State University.
2011 - Founded Saraii Village, a sustainable tourism brand
offering eco-friendly and immersive Sri Lankan experiences.
2011-2014 - Co-founded Saaraketha Organics, a pioneer in Sri
Lanka’s organic agriculture movement.
2014 - Saraii Village emphasized authentic, eco-conscious
tourism and local culture.
2015-Present - Overcame challenges in establishing Saraii
Village, building a resilient business.
2019 - Focused on expanding Saraii Village and scaling
sustainable tourism across Sri Lanka.
2024 - Plans to expand Saraii Village to at least 10
locations in Sri Lanka in the next 5 years.
2024-2029 - Envisions Saraii Village as a global leader in
sustainable travel, with wider impacts on eco-tourism.
