Sonne & Ceylon is a boutique, tourist board-registered travel company with over 40 years of experience in hospitality. Previously based in Austria, our name unites two worlds: Sonne, the German word for “sun,” and Ceylon, the historic name of Sri Lanka. Together they symbolizee warmth, light, heritage, and the connection between Europe and the island we call home.
Founded by Amila De Alwis, Sonne & Ceylon was built on a love for authentic travel and the desire to share Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and culture with the world. Living between Austria and Sri Lanka gives our family a unique perspective that blends European standards of quality with the genuine warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality.
As a tourist board-registered travel agency, we are fully licensed to operate in Sri Lanka, ensuring safe, reliable, and professional travel experiences. We believe every journey should feel personal, secure, and unforgettable. From sunlit beaches to quiet hill country mornings, each experience is designed with care, combining attention to detail with a deep understanding of what makes a trip truly meaningful.
Sonne & Ceylon began when Amila started helping friends, especially German-speaking travellers, plan their holidays in Sri Lanka. What started as friendly guidance soon grew into a passion for creating journeys that felt personal and authentic.
Having lived in Europe for several yearsit gavethem a unique insight into European travellers’ needs and preferences. Their connection to Sri Lanka and experience abroad inspired them to create a travel company that unites both perspectives.
The De Alwis family’s roots in hospitality run deep. With education and experience across Austria, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, their background represents a lifelong commitment to excellence. Mr. De Alwis, recognised in Europe as a Master of Hospitality, built his reputation on setting high standards of guest care and service.
Together, the family have spent more than two decades guiding European travellers through Sri Lanka’s landscapes and culture. Sonne & Ceylon reflects their shared values of professionalism, warmth, and cultural understanding.
Today, the company offers tailor-made travel that goes beyond sightseeing. From exploring Colombo in an open-air jeep to relaxing on hidden beaches or discovering ancient cities, every experience is designed to connect travellers with the real Sri Lanka.
At its core, Sonne & Ceylon remains family-run and guided by genuine care. Every journey tells a story of heritage, hospitality, and the simple joy of exploring with heart.
To awaken a deeper connection to Sri Lanka through travel that celebrates its people, its landscapes, and its culture. We imagine journeys that leave footprints in hearts as well as on the earth, journeys that inspire understanding, compassion, and curiosity.
To design experiences that are personal, immersive, and unforgettable. Every itinerary is tailor-made, blending our European perspective with local insight so that each traveller can touch the soul of Sri Lanka in a way that resonates with them. Whether through village life, culinary discoveries, or moments of quiet wonder in nature, our aim is always the same: to create journeys that feel alive and leave a lasting imprint on the heart.
