An interview between Ceylon LUXE and Lola Akinmade.Celylon LUXE: You have travelled extensively across continents, yet Sri Lanka remains on your list. What draws you to the island at this moment in your life and career?
“As a travel writer and photographer, I focus on culture through lifestyles, tradition, and gastronomy. Sri Lanka has been high on my list for close to two decades now because of its understated beauty, biodiversity, deep seated traditions, and diverse food culture. I'm a huge advocate for intentional exploration and slow travel.
It's a place that has such fascinating stories to tell and I would love to listen to what the island wants to teach me.”
Ceylon LUXE: You’ve redefined luxury as depth, rather than simply glamour and excess. In your view, what would true luxury in Sri Lanka look like?
“True luxury these days is no longer solely about financial power and exclusivity.
It's now tied to time, space, freedom, and access to nature, as a fellow travel writer mentioned. True luxury in Sri Lanka for me would mean access to spaces for solitude, reflection, and connection to nature and culture. It would mean food using the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients, and solo retreats to meditate and reconnect with myself. True luxury means accessing places before the crowds arrive so you can fully appreciate them.”
Ceylon LUXE : Sri Lanka holds centuries of history, faith, and resilience within a small geography. How do you approach photographing places where many stories coexist in the same frame?
“When it comes to photographing people, places, and culture, I always say that when you approach someone for their photo, it no longer becomes about what you want, but what they are willing to give you of themselves in that photo. Moving with reverence and respect, fully acknowledging people and calling them by their name, understanding that your desires as a photographer are secondary to the well-being and peace of mind of the people you're interacting with.
My work as a travel writer and photographer is to capture a sense of place as transparently as possible without judgement or passing bias on to my readers/viewers.”