About Us
Independent tailor-made holidays to Sri Lanka & Maldives
How we started…
The company grew from the immediate friendship formed between John Beswetherick and Pathi (S.G. Pathirana) when they met in 1999 during John's first visit to Sri Lanka. John and Pathi quickly decided to go into business together as JB Pathi Tours, buying a minibus and starting tours of the island in February 2000. The idea of expanding the business was soon agreed and Tikalanka, the online holiday specialist, was launched in 2004. Tikalanka has since extended its reach to Maldives, a natural addition due to its close proximity to Sri Lanka.
Who we are
In the UK...
After careers in biomedical research and pharmaceutical marketing interspersed with extensive world travel, John has been a regular feature in Sri Lanka, encouraging family and friends to experience the delights the island has to offer. Now based in Cumbria, John runs Tikalanka with support from his architect wife and co-director Tracey. His passion for travel and his love of Sri Lanka combine to give John extensive expertise in creating bespoke holidays for customers looking for a special experience.
In Sri Lanka…
Pathi was born and grew up in the south of the island but Kandy in the Hill Country has been his home for more than 25 years. He is married to Suba and they have two children, Mahesh and Dihini.
A founding Partner in Tikalanka, Pathi started as a tour driver/guide in 1997 and he enjoys nothing more than showing foreign visitors his beautiful country. He holds a coveted National Guide Lecturer's Licence accredited by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board and he and Suba run their home as a local homestay guesthouse – Hanthana House – where guests can get an insight into traditional Sri Lankan family life and learn how to prepare and eat local delicacies!
We have a fantastic and dedicated team of Sri Lankan chauffeur guides, all trained and licensed by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board, and most of whom have been with Tikalanka since our launch in 2004. We would like to thank sincerely Anura, Chathura, Kapila, Nihal, Niroshan, Oscar, Ravi, Saman and Sena for their dedication, professionalism and continuing support.
Priyantha Kulathunga, who ably assists Pathi in our busy Sri Lanka office, joined us as an Administrative Executive in 2014.
What we do best
Tikalanka is an independent, ATOL-licensed tour operator run by a successful British/Sri Lankan partnership. Our extensive knowledge and experience of the island are complemented by our ability to organise truly tailor-made holidays to Sri Lanka and Maldives, a flexibility lacking in most travel companies' itineraries.
Tikalanka offers tailor-made holidays and carefully structured introductions to Sri Lanka and Maldives for couples, families or small groups of up to eight persons travelling together – young or old! All holidays include air-conditioned transport with experienced, English-speaking, Sri Lanka Tourist Board-licensed chauffeur guides specially selected by Tikalanka for their knowledge, professionalism and friendliness. Places to stay have been individually chosen for their ambience, service and comfort, ensuring that you will enjoy and experience genuine Sri Lankan and Maldivian hospitality.
A Big Thank You…
We would like to thank a few special people without whom Tikalanka would not exist... and continue to prosper!
In the UK:
Michael Acord, Againsthegrain, London for designing and developing our logo, company branding and original brochure.
Sarah Adams, Sydney, a close friend, architect and fellow traveller, who has taken some superb photos around Sri Lanka for our new website and future marketing materials.
Siva Aravindan and Gajan Sai Mahendran, SriLankan Airlines, London for their expert assistance and generous support from the beginning (we miss you since the London office closed in 2011).
Andrew Armitage, Laura Montgomery and Matt Shearing, A Digital, Kendal for designing and developing our new website and soon-to-be-launched Trip Planner.
Dash Goonawardena and Vasuki Perera, Paradise Travels, London for their attentive and proactive service in providing our flights.
Andre Hefer, AVH Services, Lichfield for his expert business advice.
Elliott John, Deepend Design, Locks Heath for designing and developing our excellent current brochure and much of our marketing and exhibition materials.
Simon Knight, Mark C.F. Vick and Martin F. Godber, Transpeed, London for developing the Tikalanka online tailor-made Trip Planner, and for their expertise in website development and continuing technical support.
Celia Mannings, Celia Mannings Photography, Bath for the wonderful images of Sri Lanka included in our current brochure and on our websites.
Adam Norbury, Q Branch, London for designing and developing our original website.
Adrian Rachele, Melbourne for a selection of the superb images of Sri Lanka included on our websites.
Lesley Schofield, All Points East, Denmead for her very generous initial advice and guidance on the UK travel industry – our original mentor! (and great friend)
In Sri Lanka:
Upul Attanayake and Lokkesh Ramanan, Kandy for their computer skills and technical support as well as their valued friendship!
Prasanjit Perera, Aitken Spence Travels, Colombo for always finding the time when we need advice on the Sri Lankan travel industry.
Suranga Ratnayake, Aitken Spence Travels, Colombo for his initial expert guidance and support in Maldives, and now for his generosity and friendship back home.
Michael Sansoni, Oruthota Chalets, Kandy for his unending generosity, support and friendship from before our inception, and for his invaluable knowledge of the Sri Lankan travel industry.
Sajith Wijenayake and Tikiri Elepola, Aitken Spence Travels, Colombo for helping us start up the business and their continuing support throughout.
In Maldives:
Aasif Razik and Nuwan Dissanayaka, Ace Travels Maldives, Malé for their ever efficient and patient support in Maldives, which is always offered with great politeness and good humour!
