Tag Archives: Saminda Perera

SriLankan Airlines, the official Airline Partner of the Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF), premiered the latest range of products under its award-winning upcycle brand, ‘Mathaka,’ at the event held from 6 to 11 November 2024 at Cinnamon Life. Launched in 2021, SriLankan Airlines’ ‘Mathaka’ brand transforms its retired materials into a range of on-trend lifestyle products and collectables, underscoring its commitment to being one of South Asia’s most sustainable airlines. Like many organizations worldwide, SriLankan Airlines has faced the challenge of ethically disposing of materials retired from its operations. For the airline, this meant dealing with unusable aircraft seat covers, blankets, curtains, uniforms, wooden air cargo pallets, and other items. The airline found its solution in Mathaka, aptly named for transforming remnants of yesterday’s onboard product into brand new consumer items. Mathaka allows SriLankan Airlines to take its planet-friendly philosophy to another level by fashioning people’s memories of air travel into tangible products. The latest range, which includes travel bags, tote bags, peg dolls, table runners and mats, and many more exciting items, also ushers in a new era for Mathaka, with SriLankan Airlines forming collaborations with three Sri Lankan women sustainable entrepreneurs to create Mathaka products. This consists of House of Lonali, founded by Lonali Rodrigo; SO4 by Ruth Weerasinghe; and Pom’s Island by Shamin Abideen. In addition to its sustainable advantages, the Mathaka project also supports the livelihoods of economically disadvantaged women, who are involved in producing certain Mathaka items. Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer, SriLankan Airlines, stated, “Since our earliest days, SriLankan Airlines has championed environmental causes, backing our commitment with action. We are proud to collaborate with these outstanding individuals, with whom we share a deep …

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