The perfect Local team from Kalpitiya
with three different social and religious backgrounds make you feel at home.
Ruuk Village aims to support and train locals in Kalpitiya, promoting social and economic growth for the area. We believe that involving locals in tourism helps preserve the region's culture and environment. Kalpitiya is unique, home to a diverse population of Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. Even during political instability, locals remain welcoming when larger investments may pull out due to low returns. Ruuk Village is focused on sustainability, striving for independence rather than solely profit.
Many of our original team members have embarked on their own journeys in tourism, and we continue to support them. For instance, Susantha Fernando, one of our first team members, has become a successful entrepreneur. Another example is Gihan De Silva, who joined us after school, gained valuable experience, and launched his own business, "Kalpitiya By Jeep." We are proud of their progress. Today he is responsible for the largest kite camp in Kalpitiya (beach and Kite operations).
Joined the team in 2016 after leaving her office job in Colombo....
Waruni, Front office manager, Colombo
Waruni has done well in school, even having good results in biology at her advanced Level exams. Her results were not enough for her to get admission to University for medicine
Waruni first started supporting back office tasks as a part time job. She enjoyed working with Ruuk Village she started to come on site to work with the team (on and off).
She is responsible for front office, from greeting guests at check-in to making sure that all your needs are looked after.
She speaks Sinhala & English and has a basic knowledge of German language too. She is also a rising star in "Ayurveda massages", don’t forget to ask her for an appointment for a therapy session by the lagoon
We are glad Waruni has chosen to re-locate to Kalpitiya. We believe that she will grow with "Ruuk Village" and that we are able to provide her a sustainable work & life balance.
You find him always with a smile and ready to help
Gihan - Duty on call , Kalpitiya
Gihan was handpicked by Roshan around 3 years ago. Gihan has been extremely successful in learning the do & don’ts of the trade. He is not working full time with us but joins the team when we need his service.
Very entrepreneur and full of ideas. Born in Kalpitiya to Family of farmers, Gihan has a passion for classic cars.
In case you have some time, arrange a "Kalpitiya By Jeep" session with him, he will surely show you few hidden places in Kalpitiya and take you to places that you would otherwise not be going.
Our Kitchen angels, Kalpitiya for Sri Lankan "Rice & Curry"
Rani, kitchen Lady-2 ("Küchenfee"), Kalpitiya
She has been working in the vegetable fields till now, she joined our team in 2018. She used to wake up 4 in the morning to cook for her family, and then to go to the vegetable fields for the days work. She has been a house wife and a hard worker all her life. She comes in the morning and goes home in the evening, sometimes she would stay back in case the team requires her. She makes sure the kitchen is efficient.
We want Mary and Kanthi to spoil our guests with authentic Sri Lankan dishes. She will spoil you with her breakfast alone, with dishes like:
String hoppers with coconut sambol
"Pittu" with coconut milk
"Dose" with a typical Tamil breakfast curry
always a fresh plate of fruits including many more.
We hope she will enjoy cooking for all Ruuk Village guests in many years to come.
A smily charactor and a hardworking person
Kanthi, kitchen Lady-1 ("Küchenfee"), Kalpitiya
Kanthi was born in Kalpitiya and had been working in the vegetable fields before coming to Ruuk Village. She joined our team in 2016 and is learning fast, becoming a key member of our team. She is living onsite and makes sure the kitchen is efficient. She is also part of the coconut oil making project.
We want Kanthi and Rani to spoil our guests with authentic Sri Lankan dishes. You should definitely try her prawn & Mango salad.
Shehan makes sure your stay is comfortable
Shehan housekeeper/operator, Kalpitiya
Shehan left school in 9th grade as he did not enjoy it. He helped his father with fishing in the Kalpitiya main lagoon, and now he is 22 years old.
When Shehan was interviewed (Roshan) we asked him what he wants to become in five years and he said that he wants to learn English as well as how to become a service oriented person.
We are happy to have him on our team and to train him in the basics of housekeeping and service with a note of quality.
We hope that Shehan enjoys what he is learning at Ruuk Village and that Ruuk Village can provide him a home away from home to grow and to learn a new trade.
Shehan has now taken over other maintenance responsibilities too.
Ruchira our local kitesurfer, he will make sure you are safe at the beach.
Ruchira Fernando - Kite Assistant and Rescue BOAT, Kalpitiya
Ruchira was one of the first locals kiting in Kalpitiya main lagoon. He is a shy character. If you want to do something good for him, make him talk to you in English, which will help him indirectly to improve his language skills.
We hope he improves his language skills, so that we can help him to get his IKO or VDWS kite instructor certificate, which will definitely have a direct impact on his future in Kalpitiya
Alexander - Gardening , all rounder
Alexander has been one of our trusted freelancers over The years. Who has done the roofing of our cabanas, gardening, plumbing and building work.
He has a family who lives not far from Ruuk Village. He is a fishermen and has been working even away on the islands or on the trawlers going fishing for weeks & sometimes even months. He has been requesting a permanent job for a while and we are glad to have included him in to the team.
She does the best Sri-Lankan dishes...dont forget to request her to do her magic...
Shriyani - Supervisor
Shriyani came to Kalpitiya to support Roshan with daily operations. She has been helping the team, managing the team and co-ordinating daily work on site.
She is also a great cook who creates awesome Sri-Lankan menus. If you are lucky she will be around. Don’t forget to request her to make her famous Devilled chicken dish.
chief dude..
Roshan, CEO, Colombo
Roshan, a native of Sri Lanka, currently resides in Zurich, Switzerland, where he works full-time as a Telecommunication Architect/Engineer for one of the largest telecommunication infrastructure providers. In addition to his professional career, he dedicates his spare time to training and guiding the local team in operations, focusing on strategy. He collaborates with a local team to ensure that every guest feels at home during their stay.
With his unique blend of Sri Lankan and European backgrounds, Roshan has a deep understanding of the needs and expectations of guests looking to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka. His passion for the region began in 2011 during his first visit to the northwestern province, where he experienced kitesurfing for the first time. This pivotal moment sparked his realization that Kalpitiya and its community require more attention and support.
Roshan is committed to educating the local community on the importance of delivering "good service and quality" without exorbitant costs. By promoting this philosophy at Ruuk Village, he aims to enhance the overall experience for guests while uplifting the local economy. Guests can expect not only an adventure in kitesurfing but also a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the rich culture and hospitality of Sri Lanka.
Creative dude....
Thileeban, Creative Director, Jaffna
Thileeban, originally from Jaffna in Sri Lanka's northern province, grew up in Switzerland, blending the cultural nuances of both regions. His entrepreneurial spirit has led him to launch several successful start-ups in Switzerland, including filmerei.ch, kotturoti.ch, currybag.ch, and feinheit.ch. While he works full-time in Switzerland, Thileeban remains deeply committed to the vision of "Ruuk Village," a premier kitesurfing destination in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka.
During a trip to his homeland, Thileeban unexpectedly crossed paths with Roshan in Hikkaduwa, located in the southern province. This reunion, which took place thousands of miles away from their previous meetings in Zurich, sparked a new chapter in his journey. Roshan invited Thileeban to accompany him to Kalpitiya for a crucial meeting with the former landowner of "Ruuk Village." Captivated by the potential of "Ruuk Village," Thileeban embraced the opportunity, leading to the establishment of this unique kitesurfing retreat.
The story of Thileeban and "Ruuk Village" exemplifies the fusion of global perspectives and local connections, highlighting the essence of kitesurfing culture in Sri Lanka. Visitors to "Ruuk Village" can experience the beauty of Kalpitiya while enjoying thrilling kitesurfing adventures, informed by Thileeban's commitment to creating an extraordinary experience that bridges both worlds.
1971 build VW T2 "Ruuk Mobile"
Ruuk Mobile offers a unique transportation experience with our vintage 1971 Volkswagen T2,
affectionately known as "Ruuk Mobile." As one of the very few T2 vehicles still making its rounds in Sri Lanka, it provides a charming and nostalgic ride. Available for hire, Ruuk Mobile can efficiently pick you up or take you to Colombo airport, ensuring a memorable journey. Experience the blend of history and convenience with Ruuk Mobile while you explore the beauty of Sri Lanka.