Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot is a podcast that explores Sri Lanka’s rich history, diverse cultures, and modern-day realities. From ancient kingdoms and colonialism to post-war society and global diaspora, we dive deep into the forces shaping this unique island nation.
Join experts, artists, activists, and everyday voices as we unpack timely topics — including Sri Lankan politics, ethnic identity, migration, innovation, climate change, and regional dynamics in South Asia.
Whether you're Sri Lankan, part of the diaspora, or curious about the cultural, political, and historical depth of South Asia, this podcast offers thoughtful conversations and fresh perspectives.
New episodes released regularly. Season 3 starts in September.
👉 Follow now to discover modern stories from one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Keywords: Sri Lanka podcast, South Asia, Sri Lankan diaspora, Tamil Sinhalese history, modern Sri Lanka, island culture, South Asian politics, global south voices, post-conflict society
Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Conversations on Indigenous Culture with innovator Revatha Shah
In this episode Dee speaks with Revatha Shah, founder of Vedda Teas and co-founder of Sarana, a cultural centre in southern Sri Lanka. Revatha shares his journey from Western upbringing in Colombo and the UK to reconnecting with his Sri Lankan roots through promoting indigenous herbs and teas. The episode includes moving accounts on the existential threats to the indigenous Vedda population, the effects of colonisation and modern tourism, and the pressing need to support local Sri Lankan businesses.
The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in balancing tourism with preserving Sri Lankan cultural heritage, and Revatha’s efforts to create meaningful cultural experiences for travellers at Sarana, including workshops and that delve into Sri Lanka’s rich history, arts, and ancient customs.
This is a timely reminder that travel can be enriching and a force for good. We could all take more responsibility to think about how and who we travel with, a consideration for regenerative travel.
Episode Summary
00:42 Meet Revatha: Advocate of Indigenous Sri Lankan Culture
03:24 The story behind Vedda Teas
05:12 Exploring indigenous Teas and their cultural importance
10:00 Reviving indigenous practices and connection to the land
15:54 Tourism vs. Travel: Authentic experiences in Sri Lanka
29:02 Sarana: A Cultural hub for authentic Sri Lankan experiences
43:06 Future vision for Sarana and Sri Lankan cultural preservation
46:29 Conclusion and Gratitude
About Revatha Shah
Revatha is the founder of Vedda Organics, an enterprise that offers natural medicines sourced directly from rural communities across the Island of Sri Lanka, including its marginalised indigenous groups. He is also the Co-founder of Sarana, a space in Ahangama Sri Lanka, that tells the Sri Lankan story by providing a platform for local art, wellness and culture through it’s many experiential offerings at its peaceful sanctuary, in the fast evolving and modernising coastal town.
Revatha grew up near Colombo, Sri Lanka’s metropolitan capital city, he received a private school education and studied economics in the UK, a privilege afforded to very few in Sri Lanka. He went on to work in corporate finance roles, venture capital and then private equity for a large American multi-national before finally cracking and realising the westernised bubble that he had been living in his entire life. He then embarked on a journey to connect to his roots and the abundance of the island he calls home, he has now dedicated his life to creating community centric business models that celebrate the Sri Lankan identity.
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Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse
Podcast Themes:
- Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
- Architecture, art, and design
- Sustainability and heritage
- Diaspora experiences and storytelling
Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.