Client Comments
Fortune was on our side when we discovered Sarath whilst carrying out an internet search for a
driver/guide/fixer in Sri Lanka. From the first e-mail contact with him and with the many more that
followed, Sarath was always quick to respond.
We are photographers and needed someone who would show us the photogenic sights at the appropriate time of day
when the light is best for photography. Sarath’s previous experience with photo journalists made this an
effortless task for him. He excelled in making suggestions, modifying itineraries and getting us to our
destinations on time. Early in the tour we mentioned that we are photographers and not shoppers. Not once did he try and take
us to handicraft shops etc.
During the 15-day tour to Sri Lanka, we had the opportunity of spending time with Sarath’s family at
his home near Kandy. Geetha, Sarath’s wife, plied us with wonderful Sril Lankan home-cooked delicacies,
and we also met Nadi, their beautiful 17-year old daughter who is working hard in her studies at school.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Chootie, the family dog who has a special relationship with Sarath.
When Sarath is travelling, they talk nightly on the phone!
We count our blessings that we found Sarath and we cherish our new friendship. We can highly recommend him.
Maria and Melbourne, Indonesia - January 2012
We had a wonderful trip to Sri Lanka in December 2011. This was made particularly special by Sarath who looked
after us like we were good friends of his. He made sure we had the best rooms in every hotel, sampled the
tastiest food and got us to all the places we wanted to see quickly and cheerfully.
Sarath is genuinely passionate about showing visitors around his country. He’ll take you to the places you
want to see and won’t make unscheduled stops to places you’re not interested in, such as souvenir sellers
or gift shops.
Staying in Sarath’s home in Kandy with his family - and very entertaining dog! - was a real highlight.
His wife and daughter made us delicious food and he taught us to eat the ‘Sri Lankan way’ with our hands!
For our train journey to the hill country we had a packed lunch and a welcome flask of tea for the
journey.
We noticed other tourists didn’t spend much time with their drivers in the evenings, but we were only too
happy to have a few drinks with Sarath and talk to him about his interesting life in Sri Lanka.
By the end of our nine days with him, we felt lucky to have had such a brilliant driver and felt like we
had made a friend. We highly recommend him.
Caroline and Darren, UK - December 2011
My husband, our son and I decided to travel to Sri Lanka for the summer holidays 2011. We heard from many
people that it is a beautiful country. And it is true, but mostly because of our dear friend Sarath.
We found Sarath on the internet while checking the best possible way to travel around the island with
an experienced guide. Luckily we found him. We exchanged few e-mail, express our wishes and everything was
done, simple like that. Sarath picked us up in Colombo and then we took a trip around Sri Lanka for 16 days
in July and August. Sarath organized everything, prepared a great itinerary for us and booked beautiful
hotels in advance, like he already knew us before.
We did not know a lot about Sri Lanka before, so we asked Sarath many question about the history, nature,
culture, economy and even politics. He really is a knowledgeable man. But also very funny, we laughed a lot
while travelling with him, exchanged many funny stories, we become true friends.
And there is something our son will never forget. Sarath invited us home to meet his lovely wife and daughter.
It was the day Matt was getting 12 and his family prepared a celebration for him, with a birthday cake!!!
It was great, something that only a person like Sarath is able to do.
We really had great holidays in Sri Lanka, because Sarath was the one who made it for us. For sure, we will
be back some day again, and for sure we will take Sarath again. He is a special man, always kind, polite and
patient, and full of life experiences.
We truly hope that some of you, who are reading this lines, will have a chance to meet Sarath, Geetha, Nadi
and his talking dog Chuti and have unforgettable holidays in a holy island of Sri Lanka.
Monika, Slovenia - July/August 2011
I hired Sarath to drive me around Sri Lanka for nine days in February, 2011. It was one of the best travel
decisions I've ever made. I knew very little about Sri Lanka before I arrived, and asked Sarath to give me
advice based on what I wanted to see. He came up with a great itinerary for me, giving me choices along the
way. If I wanted to see something, he would take me there. If I didn't want to see something, he did not
pressure me to go. He arranged lodging along the way, giving me more time to enjoy myself and not worry
about where I would sleep each night. He arranged for tour guides when I wanted them, but didn't push me
to hire them when I didn't want them.
Hiring Sarath also saved me from having to wait for buses, or to try driving myself. When roads were closed
due to flooding, Sarath knew other routes to get to our destinations.
Most importantly, Sarath was always kind and patient, quick with a smile, and happy to answer all of my
questions about his country. He's been driving people around Sri Lanka for more than 30 years, and based
on my experience with him, he knows everything there is to see and do in the country. Friends of mine are
thinking of visiting Sri Lanka, and I have told them to hire Sarath for a great experience!
Gabrielle, USA - February 2011
We have recently returned from a fantastic tour of Sri Lanka with Sarath. From the moment he met us at
the airport we felt looked after and in safe hands. He made sure we had the best rooms at the hotels and
that we had the best experiences at all the attractions we visited.
Sarath is incredibly knowledgeable about his country and very keen to ensure you experience all Sri Lanka
has to offer. We were taken off the tourist trail and able to see real Sri Lankan life and culture.
Unfortunately my partner experienced some illness whilst away and Sarath was amazing. He looked after him
and continued to check on him even after we returned back to the UK. A truely caring man who made you feel
like part of the family.
It was a holiday of a lifetime. And Sarath was the man who made it that way. We will definately be returning
and will be touring with Sarath again.
Bryony & James, UK - January 2011
In early 2003 my partner and I visited Sri Lanka for a six-week holiday. We had no organised plans
when we arrived, other than having the first two nights booked at a Colombo hotel.
After ten utterly relaxing days on the beach at Hikkaduwa, we decided to head north to Kandy
for some cultural enlightenment. After an average first night in Kandy we lucked it by finding
an amazing 1930’s bungalow just down the hill from where we had stayed the night before. They
didn’t normally take un-booked guests, however in our case they made an exception.
We settled in and were treated to a divine afternoon tea where we met an American couple who
were also staying at the house. They had a tour planned with a local guide but then the day before
they were supposed to leave they cancelled on him and went with a friend instead. They tried to
convince us to take their driver to ease their conscience. At first we were reluctant as we really
wanted to just travel on our own, but decided that it could be a convenient way to get around.
The driver was Sarath.
Our chance meeting with Sarath, made our trip. We spent about 8 or 9 days with him visiting all kinds of places
- temples, wildlife, tea plantations, beaches and not just the regular tourist spots. It was always entertaining
on the road and Sarath took great pleasure in getting us to eat like locals. With our hands and the
hotter the better.
Sarath has immense knowledge about his country and is passionate about sharing it with others. He is a kind
and considerate guide, always happy to go where you want to go, but will also take you places you wouldn’t
ordinarily get to see. We found Sarath to have a great sense of humour and we had many, many laughs on our
travels together - we now consider him to be our very good friend.
I have engaged Sarath on another 2 trips since our first one and always felt totally safe when travelling on
my own with him. I would recommend Sarath to all travellers, and in particular women. Sarath will always take
great care and responsibility to ensure your safety. And your fun!
Happy travelling in beautiful Sri Lanka,
Bronwen and Paul, New Zealand - Oct 2009
"I've worked with dozens of fixers all around the world and Sarath is definitely one of the best.
My producing partner Darren and I spent almost 3 weeks in Sri Lanka reporting on the conflict between
the Tamil Tigers and the government, and Sarath's knowledge, help and commitment were crucial to our story.
He even invited us to stay with his family for a few days, and we were lucky enough to enjoy some of his
wife's amazing Sri Lankan cuisine. Working with him was a true pleasure and I would highly recommend him for
anyone who wishes to visit Sri Lanka for work or on holiday."
Mariana van Zeller, Correspondent, Current TV - May 2009
"Sarath is a wonderful and very responsible person to work with. Kevin had a good time travelling with
Sarath in the north of Sri Lanka."
Lisa Liu, News Researcher, Kevin Sites in the Hot Zone, USA
"Sarath has been my driver since my first trip to Sri Lanka in 1999. I’ve been back five times since
and I would never ever dream of using someone else. In fact, I can’t think of a trip to Sri Lanka that
didn’t involve him. He’s honest, helpful, funny, informative, generous and sincere. His family is
warm and wonderful and they all make you feel welcome and at home.
We’ve been on all kinds of trips around the island and every one of them has been safe and enjoyable.
He knows all kinds of lore and he’s great at identifying wildlife. I cannot recommend him highly enough."
Abby Robinson, USA
"Wir kennen Sarath Wickramarachchi und seine Familie seid 25 Jahren und haben ihn immer als zuverlässigen,
ehrlichen und hilfsbereiten Freund, Fahrer und Übersetzer kennen gelernt. Mit Ihm fühlten wir uns
jederzeit auf unseren Reisen mit ihm "kreuz und quer" durch Sri Lanka sicher. Durch ihn haben wir
viel mehr über das Land gelernt, als uns die handelsüblichen Reiseführer hätten vermitteln könnten.
In den letzten beiden Jahren war Sarath mehrfach als Organisator, Übersetzer und Fahrer für den NDR
(Fernsehen) tätig. Wir hoffen, dass wir noch oft seine Hilfe in Anspruch nehmen können"
Mr.Reinhard, Germany
"Comme chacun, vous chercher un bon chauffeur en qui vous pouvez avoir confiance, en voici un.
Sarath est quelqu'un de super sympathique qui vous conduira aux endroits que vous aurez choisi
et vous fera quelques suggestions quant aux sites et fabriques interressants, mais vous laissera
libre de votre choix quant a votre parcours. Tres chaleureux il fera son maximum our que votre
sejour soit agreable. Bref, nous on l'a vraiment apprecie (on est deux nenettes et on s'est
tourjours senties en securite). N'hesitez pas, Bon voyage"
Chris et Paty, France
"We spent 3 weeks in Sri Lanka in August 2003, and will never forget our holiday thanks to Sarath.
We spent 9 days travelling with him. We felt safe in his company and he acted as a father figure
throughout our holiday. He created an itinerary based on our time and interests and organised our
accommodation throughout the trip. He introduced us to the delights of Sri Lankan cuisine and nature,
and was always willing to help us. I would highly recommend Sarath as a driver in Sri Lanka"