used in all light fittings.

used from the municipal water supply (mains) making Gal Oya Lodge 100% self-sufficient in regards to water consumption.

to local community pig and fish farms. Gal Oya aims to have a zero-plastic policy at the lodge, starting with no plastic bottles being used on-site, instead recycled glass water bottles are used.

studies in and around the local area. They have partnered up with several organisations such as the Fishing Cat Conservancy and Wilderness & Wildlife Conservation Trust, who have recently been given permission to undertake a long-term leopard monitoring program inside of the National Park (first time this has been done in this Park). In addition, they undertake research in and around the lodge and buffer zone, which guests can have a "hands on role" including the discovery of fishing cats (by the use of camera traps). Other animals that have been recorded within the lodge grounds are mouse, deer, jungle cats, jackals, wild boars, elephants, otters, pangolin and more. The research centre aims to identify all species living in this remote area of Sri Lanka to ensure their survival. They are also undertaking awareness programs in the local community, particularly with children, on the importance of conserving native flora and fauna and how to safely avoid dangerous encounters with animals such as elephants and snakes.

tribe: Gal Oya Lodge neighbours one of the last remaining communities of the Veddha – the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of Sri Lanka. The lodge can invite the village Chief to take you on a walk through the jungles of his ancestors, discovering and learning about local nature as he brings the forest alive, explaining his tribe’s use of medicinal plants, ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings. It’s a fascinating insight into how the hunter-gatherers lived in the jungles of Gal Oya.

heavy machinery being used on site. Only 1 tree in total was cut down during the construction and building areas were levelled by hand avoiding any mature trees. Also, all furniture was made (primarily of wood) on-site by local carpenters.

All the toiletries provided at the lodge are refilled into ceramic containers to reduce the use of plastic.

poaching game meat to sell illegally in the area and offered them full time employment on-site if they agreed to stop their illegal activity. To date 3 ex poachers work full time with the lodge. Gal Oya was given the Platinum Award in 2016 (highest level, and the only lodge that year to be given it) by the Sri Lanka Green Building Council for their work in sustainability and conservation.