The Geoffrey BawaMoonamal Award introduces a new way of thinking about design in Sri Lanka, one that considers the needs of people while giving equal importance to the land, water, wildlife and natural systems around them.

Launched by the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, the Award aims to recognise innovative design that promotes human coexistence with nature. These designs may span restored landscapes, biodiversity-conscious infrastructure, public spacesrooted in the context of their surroundings, or policies that guide the development of built environments in a more responsible direction.

The Award takes its name from the indigenous Moonamal tree at Lunuganga, Geoffrey Bawa’s garden in Bentota. The tree reflects a simple principle that underpins the Award: good design should respond to a place rather than overpower it. In the case of the Moonamal Award, the importance of place is tied to the ecological past and present of a site.

“The Moonamal Award is intended to be a national platform that brings to light alternative ways of designing human spaces”, said Channa Daswatte, Chairperson – Geoffrey Bawa and Lunuganga Trusts. “Sri Lanka already has a rich heritage of nature-conscious design, which is evident is ancient sites such as Ritigala and Kaludiya Pokuna. These precedents must be combined with global conversations – ideas like ‘sponge cities’ which combine ecological health with disaster mitigation, or long-range wildlife corridors which allow biodiversity to exist alongside human infrastructure. The Award is about identifying and incentivizing these efforts in Sri Lanka and showing that better outcomes are possible when different forms of knowledge come together.”

The Moonamal Award will consider applications under two streams. The Built Environment, which includes architecture, infrastructure, urban initiatives and landscape design; and Public Policy, which recognises policies that enable or encourage environmentally responsible design and constuction. It is open to individuals, organisations, community groups, public institutions and multidisciplinary teams, provided the work has been implemented in Sri Lanka.

Finding the existing norms of sustainable building inadequate to address complex ecological problems, the Award puts forward four key principles which will guide the assessment of entries. Projects should consider the needs of plants, animals and ecosystems alongside those of people; repair environmental damage; help natural systems recover; and involve collaboration across communities and professions. These principles are intended to guide practical ways of addressing issues such as erosion, polluted waterways, habitat loss, pressure on natural resources and construction that is poorly suited to its setting.

The Award also places Sri Lanka within a wider international conversation about how societies can grow without weakening the natural systems on which communities and economies depend. While many global examples draw from resource-rich countries, the Award aims to encourage projects which adapt and apply global thinking in local contexts.

“Encouraging such solutions is vital for communities in the global south, where the effects of the climate and biodiversity crises will be felt most strongly in the future”, added Daswatte.

Applications will open in August 2026 through an online portal. Eligible projects must have been implemented within the past ten years and completed for at least one year, allowing the results to be assessed over time. The inaugural shortlist and winner are expected to be announced in mid-2027.

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Joining over 30 pioneering Minor Hotels properties, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort and Anantara Kalutara Resort are proud to announce that both resorts have achieved Platinum Certification under the Green Growth 2050 Global Standard, the highest tier of recognition for sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Awarded only to businesses achieving a score of 90% or higher across more than 400 indicators, Platinum Certification reflects each resort’s enduring commitment to environmental stewardship, socio-economic progress, and cultural preservation. These accolades mark significant milestones in the ongoing mission to ensure that Anantara’s signature luxury hospitality continues to flourish in harmony with nature for generations to come.

Launched in 2015, Green Growth 2050 is a globally recognised benchmarking system that holds businesses accountable for their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability practices, with a strong focus on the tourism and hospitality sector. It assesses performance across areas such as community engagement, energy efficiency, biodiversity, and waste reduction, encouraging meaningful, measurable change. Certificates are ranked Silver for 65% and above, Gold for 80% and above, and Platinum for those achieving the exceptional 90% threshold.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle: Re-Certified Platinum

At Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, re-certified with an impressive compliance score of 91.64%, the Platinum accolade celebrates an extensive portfolio of impactful sustainability initiatives. These include energy efficiency improvements, water conservation measures, and consistent adherence to the 3R concept, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

The resort has introduced a digital food waste monitoring system, prioritised biodiversity and landscaping, integrated electric vehicles for internal transport, and strengthened waste management processes. Additionally, the property continues to preserve its on-site mangrove patch, a vital ecosystem that enhances coastal resilience and nurtures native flora and fauna. Tangalle’s achievements are further reinforced by its compliance with ISO 14001 (2015) for Environmental Management Systems, underscoring its commitment to structured, measurable progress in sustainable hospitality.

Anantara Kalutara: Advancing from Gold to Platinum Through Holistic Sustainability

Having progressed from Gold to Platinum, Anantara Kalutara Resort has demonstrated outstanding improvement across all areas of sustainability. A comprehensive sustainability management plan now guides resort operations, ensuring full staff engagement and accountability.

The resort earned ISO 22000 and HACCP food safety certifications, introduced food allergy policies, and strengthened its commitment to local, fresh, and seasonal produce. Waste reduction initiatives led by the Green Team included the adoption of wooden key cards, a new wastewater system, and the elimination of single-use plastics through glass water bottles and refill stations.

Energy efficiency was enhanced with heat pump installations, full LED implementation, and motion sensor lighting, while community engagement projects such as beekeeping, organic gardening, and a wildlife pond further contributed to environmental enrichment and local collaboration.

Together, these actions, aligned with ISO 14001 standards, have positioned Anantara Kalutara as a benchmark for responsible luxury and sustainable innovation within Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape.

“We are honoured to see both Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle and Anantara Kalutara reach the highest level of recognition from Green Growth 2050,” says Christoph Dueker, General Manager for Anantara Kalutara resort. “This achievement reflects our teams’ shared dedication to creating meaningful impact, guided by the belief that true luxury coexists with responsibility. Our commitment extends beyond certification; it is a continuous journey of innovation, education, and stewardship.”

At both resorts, the Platinum Certification is not merely a destination but a renewed commitment to sustainability. Guided by Minor Hotels’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle and Anantara Kalutara remain steadfast in advancing responsible luxury, protecting natural heritage, uplifting communities, and shaping a more sustainable future for all.

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