Between the Harvests

Sharing updates, history, and plans from our sustainable farm

Ayubowan and welcome

to Thambiliwatte Farm!

I’m Bani Chandrasena, the founder. Thambiliwatte wasn’t born out of a grand plan or a business idea - it simply happened, in the most beautiful way. One day, I realized how much I missed the quiet rhythm of the countryside, the sound of the wind through coconut trees, the smell of wet earth after rain, and the joy of growing something with your own hands. And with my family’s support, that longing turned into what you see here today.

Our farm grew out of a simple wish, which is to live honestly, eat clean, stay connected with like-minded people and the land that raised us. Every tree here has a story, every crop a lot of care and patience behind it.

We believe in working with nature, not against it. We farm organically, treat our soil with respect, and care deeply for the people who work beside us. Creativity keeps us hooked from how we grow and harvest to how we share our produce with you.

Meet Our Wild Neighbors

Residents of the Water

The "Ancient" Neighbors: You may occasionally spot crocodiles in or near the water. These are quiet, observant creatures that have lived in these waterways for generations. They generally keep to themselves, but we ask that you keep a respectful distance from the water's edge and admire them from afar.

You haven’t just checked into a farm; you’ve stepped into a thriving, organic ecosystem. At Thambiliwatte, we believe the richness of our soil is mirrored by the diversity of the creatures that live above it. We don't just "manage" nature here—we co-exist with it.

To help you settle in, here is a guide to the local residents who call this land home. We invite you to observe them with curiosity; they are the true heartbeat of the farm.

MARCH 2026:

The Playful Neighbors

Monkeys: Acrobatic and full of personality, they love the canopy. To keep our relationship friendly, please keep snacks tucked away and enjoy their antics from a distance.
Rock Squirrels: Keep an eye on the stone walls and tree trunks; these energetic, bushy-tailed climbers are the farm’s busiest commuters.

Our Feathered Friends

Thambiliwatte is a paradise for birdwatchers. Keep your ears and eyes open:

Peacocks: Expect a flash of iridescent blue and a grand display. Their calls are the iconic soundtrack of the Sri Lankan morning.
Hornbills & Woodpeckers: Listen for the rhythmic "tap-tap-tap" of the woodpecker or the prehistoric silhouette of the hornbill gliding between trees.
Hawks: Look "way up high"—you’ll often see these majestic birds of prey circling the thermals in the clear blue sky.
Pigeons & Sunbirds: From the gentle cooing of pigeons to the tiny, hummingbird-like Sunbirds hovering near the flowers for nectar, there is a story unfolding on every branch.

The Small & Colorful

Chameleons & Lizards: Masters of disguise! You’ll find them basking on stone walls or expertly blending into the lime-green leaves.
Butterflies & Frogs: Our gardens are a flight path for vibrant tropical butterflies. After a rainfall, you’ll be treated to a "jungle symphony" from our local frogs.

The Grand Residents

Wild Elephants: These majestic giants are native to this region. While they generally prefer their own company, seeing one is a profound reminder of the wild world we share.

Exploring Safely

While we want you to feel at home, this is a working farm surrounded by wilder terrain. For your safety and comfort:

Stay within the Gates: We advise that you do not venture beyond the farm gates without one of our guides.
Expert Eyes: Our team is highly familiar with the land and can identify if larger animals are nearby long before they are seen.
Stay on Track: Staying on the main tracks with a guide ensures you don't get lost and helps you avoid natural hazards or traps in the deeper brush. We are here to keep you safe so you can focus on the beauty around you!

The "Little Guys" (Tips for Comfort)

Who you’ll see: Bees, mosquitoes, flies, and the occasional centipede are all part of the natural cycle.
Pro-Tip: We recommend applying repellent in the evenings and keeping doors or screens closed. Most smaller neighbors are shy—just watch where you step in tall grass!

By embracing the wildlife, you are embracing the most authentic version of the Thambiliwatte experience. We hope these encounters leave you feeling more connected to the natural world.

The Spirit of Thambiliwatte: Braving the Floods of Cyclone Ditwah

In the rural heart of Sri Lanka, community isn't just a word; it is the lifeline that holds us together when the earth itself gives way. During the peak of Cyclone Ditwah, Thambiliwatte faced a trial that will be etched in our memories for generations.

The Night the River Rose

The transformation happened overnight. What were once familiar fields became a roaring, gushing expanse of water—over four feet deep and wider than any river we had ever seen.

On one side of the deluge, Bandula and our cattle were stranded. The current was so fierce that even the Navy outposts at the end of our road were underwater. When Namal, our Farm Manager, sought professional help, he found a landscape already submerged

The "Coconut Tree" Rescue

As the village gathered at the gates, desperation turned into a test of human will. Five to six incredibly brave villagers decided they would save Bandula and the herd at any cost. Their equipment was humble: plastic barrels, ropes, and raw grit.

In a feat of sheer physical bravery, they navigated the farm by jumping from coconut tree to coconut tree, using the sturdy trunks as anchors against the surge. They leap-frogged through the floodwaters to reach the stranded group. While the elements took a toll—one cow sadly did not survive—the mission was a triumph of humanity. Bandula and the rest of the herd were brought to safety.

The Silent Aftermath: Namal’s Longest Month

The rescue was a victory, but it came at a staggering price. The toxic floodwaters left their mark on Namal. Shortly after the waters receded, he was hospitalized with a severe blood infection—a reminder of the hidden dangers in the mud.

For over a month, Namal fought for his life in a hospital bed. But even then, his "never say die" attitude couldn't be sidelined. By the second week, his hospital room became the farm's "command center." Propped up against pillows, he supervised operations via phone, guiding the team through the wreckage.

A New Season: The Late January Rebirth

While Namal fought his infection, the rest of the Thambiliwatte team did something extraordinary: they stepped up. Without being asked, they took on the weight of the farm, maintaining the vision Namal had set.

By late January, Namal was finally back on his feet. Though the start was slow and the scars of the cyclone remained, we began planting again. Every seed put into the ground this season is a testament to that month of struggle. We are now moving forward with all our outstanding projects, fueled by a community that refused to let a cyclone—or a hospital stay—stop the growth of Thambiliwatte.

"We don't just grow crops here; we grow courage."

JANUARY 2026:

OCTOBER 2025:

Seeds of Legacy: Driving Vision and Value at Thambiliwatte

2. The Evolution: Innovation in Execution

To progress, you need people who aren’t afraid to evolve. Transitioning management to his son, Namal, has allowed us to push value addition to the next level. We now have a range of over 20 products—a feat made possible by their openness to my vision and their willingness to experiment. This collaborative "freedom to create" resulted in us covering costs for the first time in 2025; a massive milestone as we work toward consistent profitability

3. The HR Mastery: Leadership Through Ownership

My primary learning in human resources has been that true leadership is rooted in delegation and shared ownership. By adopting a collaborative style, I’ve seen the team become energized by their own solutions. My role has shifted into strategic mentoring, fueled by Namal’s relentless drive to learn and grow.

4. The Ecosystem: Growing Families, Not Just Crops

Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect is the broader human element. I currently have two generations working alongside me—from mothers to their children and extended families. We are grooming and educating the next generation, preparing them to drive Thambiliwatte differently over the next 5 to 10 years.

5. The Ultimate Purpose: A Living Legacy

This journey is deeply personal. I am not just building a business; I am living a legacy for my own son and for the next generation at the farm. By creating a model where my vision and their execution work in harmony, we are ensuring that the future of Thambiliwatte belongs to all our children.

The Road Ahead: We have significant work to do to maintain this momentum and stabilize our earnings, but the "possible future" is no longer just a concept. We are growing people, growing a community, and growing a future that lasts.

At Thambiliwatte, we are navigating the most rewarding phase of any venture: the shift from a foundational dream to a profitable reality. While we saw our first glimpses of profit in 2025, the journey remains a work in progress.

As the owner, my role is to bridge the gap between vision and execution. Watching this vision come to life through a unique multi-generational partnership has taught me that a sustainable business isn't just about the land—it's about the legacy we leave for the generations to follow.

1. The Foundation: Wisdom in Crisis

There is a time and place for everything. Farmer Weerasinghe was the anchor we needed during the COVID-19 years. His independent thinking and seasoned maturity allowed us to establish Thambiliwatte as a sustainable, 8-acre agricultural farm when the world was in flux. He planted the stability required for us to even consider the future.