On Buzz with Danu today, I sit down with Sahan Karunarathne, someone who understands the quiet power of building something with intention. In a time when brands are racing to grow fast, Sahan represents a different rhythm, one rooted in patience, purpose, and an unwavering belief in Sri Lankan creativity.

From island living and local craftsmanship to resilience, community, and taking a homegrown brand to the world, this conversation is about more than business. It’s about values, evolution, and staying true to who you are, even as you grow.

Thambili Island has entered a new phase with fresh partnerships and a renewed direction. Take us back to the beginning. What’s the real story behind Thambili Island, and why now?

Thambili Island began very simply. It came from a real gap we felt as consumers living on an island and loving the rhythm of beach life, travel, and ease. We wanted clothing that felt effortless, well-made, and true to our surroundings, but it wasn’t always easy to find that locally. What started as a personal need slowly grew into a brand rooted in island living and local craftsmanship.

This new phase feels like a natural evolution. Thambili has grown alongside our customers, and with that comes clarity. We now know who we are, what we stand for, and the kind of future we want to build, and the partnerships reflect that confidence.

With these new collaborations, what shift are you hoping to create not just for Thambili but for how local wellness and lifestyle brands are perceived in Sri Lanka?

There’s still a belief that quality, innovation, and good design need to come from elsewhere. We want to gently challenge that.

Everything we create is inspired by Sri Lanka, the colours, landscapes, pace of life, and the way people live here. From concept to final product, everything is designed in-house and produced locally with skilled artisans. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.

Through Thambili and the collaborations we choose, we want to show that Sri Lankan brands can be thoughtful, refined, and globally relevant while staying rooted in who they are. For us, wellness and lifestyle aren’t trends — they’re ways of living grounded in care, balance, and authenticity.

We’re seeing a growing appetite for homegrown brands. Is there still space for more Sri Lankan brands to thrive?

Absolutely. There’s more than space there’s a real need.

Consumers are becoming more curious and conscious. They want to know where things come from and who’s behind them. To survive long term, brands need patience. Growth shouldn’t be rushed or copied.

Strong brands are built on consistency, honest storytelling, and respect — for both the people who make the product and the people who buy it. When those foundations are right, growth follows naturally.

Consistency builds trust. What should customers look for when choosing a local brand, and how does Thambili maintain that consistency?

Customers should look for intention. Does the brand stand for something beyond selling a product? Is the experience consistent across product, service, and communication?

At Thambili, we’re deeply involved in every part of the process. From design to production to how we speak to our customers, everything is aligned with our values of care, ease, and authenticity.

We never cut corners. We source the best fabrics, focus on comfort and durability, and refine every piece before it reaches our customers. Because we design and produce in-house, we maintain close control over fit, finish, and feel. Growing slowly allows us to protect that quality.

What’s been the most surprising or challenging moment in this journey so far?

The recent floods were incredibly challenging. They disrupted production timelines and daily operations, but we chose to push through while also supporting the wider community.

We donated clothing, ration packs, organised clothing drives, and focused on helping affected families. Despite everything, the team came together with resilience and care — and we still delivered a strong December collection.

The support we received during that time was humbling. It reminded us that community and purpose matter most, especially when things get difficult.

In an increasingly competitive market, what truly sets Thambili Island apart?

We focus on creating designs that feel distinct and considered. Every silhouette, detail, and finish is intentional, using quality materials and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Thambili isn’t trend-driven. It’s built around feeling. We design slowly, with real women in mind, not seasonal checklists.

Inclusivity is central to everything we do. We proudly offer sizes from UK 6 to UK 16 because style should never feel exclusive. Comfort is never an afterthought — every piece is designed to move with you and support real life.

What matters most to us is how someone feels when they wear Thambili, walk into our space, or interact with our brand. That sense of ease, confidence, and belonging is what creates a genuine connection.

Looking ahead, what can we expect from Thambili Island?

This next chapter is about building depth and expanding thoughtfully.

We’re working towards a men’s collection, launching a unisex T-shirt line very soon, and have introduced caps and tote bags as part of making Thambili part of everyday life.

We’re also growing our ambassador programme to support emerging local talent and young creators. Anyone who wants to work with us can reach out through our website.

Our long-term vision is simple: to take Thambili from Sri Lanka to the world, while staying rooted in where it all began.

Finally — one sentence. How would you describe this new phase of Thambili Island?
Thambili Island is carrying the spirit of Sri Lanka far beyond our shores.