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
Sri Lanka's Sustainable Fashion Movement
Why Sri Lanka Must Address Textile Waste: Insights from Lonali Rodrigo
In this episode of 'Sri Lanka, Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot,' host Dee Gibson interviews fashion entrepreneur Lonali Rodrigo, discussing the pressing need for Sri Lanka to address textile waste. Lonali highlights the country's history in garment production and the growing challenge of pre- and post-consumer waste. Through her brand, House of Lonali, she exemplifies sustainable practices by up-cycling textile waste into new products, collaborating with local artisans, and engaging in educational initiatives. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the environmental and economic reasons driving Sri Lanka to tackle textile waste head-on.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
01:00 Meet Lonali Rodrigo: Fashion Entrepreneur
02:52 House of Lonali: Sustainable Fashion
04:45 Sri Lanka's Textile Industry
08:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Fashion
17:45 The Upcycling Process at House of Lonali
21:44 Collaborations and Projects
36:31 Educational Initiatives and Oxford Fellowship
43:22 Future Outlook
About Lonali Rodrigo
Founder & Lead Designer, House of Lonali
Lonali Rodrigo is a designer, changemaker, and the visionary behind House of Lonali, a conscious designer brand and social enterprise rooted in ethical fashion. With a deep commitment to people and planet, Lonali creates uncompromisingly stylish designs that champion circularity, creativity, and entrepreneurship, all aligned with her mission to Design a Better Future.
She holds a First Class Honours degree in Fashion Design from Northumbria University and a Master’s in Sustainable Management from the University of Bedfordshire. Lonali’s work and values are further shaped by her experience as a Chevening CRISP Fellow (Research, Science, and Innovation Leadership Programme) at the University of Oxford.
Through House of Lonali, she continues to inspire a new generation of conscious consumers and creators by proving that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible.
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.