Sri Lankan-Dutch IT billionaire, Kandiah Baskaran, is at the forefront of a unique eco-city project taking root in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka. Known as ReeCha Organic Farm (Pvt) Ltd, the initiative aims to be a multipurpose project with an emphasis on sustainable living, organic farming, and community empowerment.
The cornerstone of the project is its sprawling 150-acre farm. Here, visitors may experience organic agricultural methods up close and observe free-roaming livestock and poultry. Fresh produce and eggs harvested from the farm find their way to the on-site restaurant, ReeCha Forest Island Cafe. Vibrant flower fields and flourishing vegetable gardens complete the picturesque landscape. ReeCha Organic (Pvt) Limited, registered under Sri Lankan law, manages the farm’s operations.
A Hub for the Community
Beyond farming, ReeCha Organic Farm serves as a thriving centre for nearby micro-businesses. There’s the ReeCha Forest Island Cafe for dining and leisure spaces, including the Garden Shed, Love Bench, and children’s park. The farm even hosts workshops for adults and children in their stunning spaces, perfect for private and bespoke events. Visitors are encouraged to explore the farm and witness firsthand its commitment to environmental sustainability and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
The Farm’s Mission
Driven by a mission that transcends profit, ReeCha Organic Farm seeks to revitalize neglected lands in northern Sri Lanka, fostering a deep connection with nature. The project aims to create employment opportunities for the local community, particularly those impacted by the civil war, empowering them to build a sustainable future. The farm embodies the vision of enriching and reviving Sri Lanka’s neglected northern lands.
They aim to create jobs that will build a self-sufficient community with a steady income. This philosophy translates into transforming the 150 acres into a space that fosters both recreation and cultivation, nurturing the local community’s livelihood, agricultural and environmental knowledge, while catering to the needs of future generations.
Tourist Destination and a Model for Sustainability
The goal of ReeCha Organic Farm is to become a well-known industrial research centre and tourism attraction that is recognized for its dedication ti organic practices, integrated products, and sustainable entertainment. The project envisions itself as a beacon for responsible tourism and a model for future generations. Over the next five years, the founders aim to establish ReeCha Farm as a premier tourist destination and an industrial science center recognized locally and internationally.
Vision of the Project Chairman, Kandiah Baskaran
Kandiah Baskaran, the project’s chairman, emphasizes the importance of respecting and enriching Sri Lanka’s natural resources. He believes ReeCha Organic Farm will not only revive the land but also create a thriving community. He acknowledges the boundless natural beauty of Sri Lanka but observes the neglect of the land. Inspired by this, the idea for ReeCha Organic Farm was born, with the intention of enriching and reviving these neglected lands. By establishing various ventures on the farm, Baskaran aspires to solidify the project’s deep-rooted connection with nature. He has a long-standing desire to empower those struggling and create jobs that will ensure the community’s survival and provide a steady income.
Furthermore, the project seeks to attract diaspora investors, encouraging them to contribute to Sri Lanka’s future prosperity. The initiative also aims to leverage Sri Lanka’s resources to create a nature-integrated farm, especially considering past shortcomings. The project hopes to attract diaspora investors who may not have previously benefited from such projects due to a lack of proper planning and maintenance.
Through meticulous long-term planning and continuous improvement, the founders aim to ensure the project’s sustainability, preserving the beauty of nature, and fostering a prosperous and healthy future for generations to come.
