Leaders

In a conversation with Women Entrepreneurs Review, Ishara talks about her life’s journey and shares the message of holistic well-being.

Take us through your education and professional journey spanning through Sri Lanka and the UK.

I completed my schooling in Sri Lanka and soon after moved to the UK, where I pursued an undergraduate degree in Business Studies and Computer Science at Warwick University followed by a master's in Human Resource Management at Oxford University.

Over the years, I also gained professional certifications including becoming a Chartered Accountant, Certified Project Manager, and Certified Information Systems Auditor.

After graduating from university, I started my career at Arthur Andersen UK. When Arthur Andersen was acquired by Deloitte, I transitioned with the firm and worked there for a few more years. I moved on to join Citibank (Citigroup) as an Assistant Vice President. I spent seven years at the company, after which I joined Barclays as an Associate Director and was promoted to director within a year.

What prompted your career switch from banking into the world of holistic wellbeing?

Growing up in Sri Lanka, one faces immense pressure to follow a set path of getting a good education, attending top universities, securing a prestigious job, and building a life around power, position, and money.

Growing up, I was driven and determined. It translated to my professional career, and I was one of the youngest Vice Presidents at Citibank and one of the youngest Directors at Barclays Bank. I had relentlessly pursued these milestones. But when I finally achieved it, I realised it did not make me as happy as I had dreamt it would. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer at the age of 29. This news shattered me.

The Western path to treatment required surgery and chemo which I was hesitant to do. Eventually I chose to try Ayurveda. I travelled to Sri Lanka, fully immersing myself in Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic doctors took a holistic approach, considering my lifestyle, diet, mental health, work, and relationships.

I also leaned into my Buddhist upbringing and obtained help from a Buddhist monk I had known since childhood. After three months, I returned to the UK for tests and the results showed no trace of cancer, and biopsies were normal. Ayurveda had worked for me.

I returned to banking, but soon, the familiar stress crept back in. My mind was overactive, anxiety returned, and I felt depressed again.

Mentally exhausted and resentful of my body, I agreed to remove my womb, not because I wanted to, but to free myself from constant anxiety of the cancer returning. After the surgery, I was devastated. Post-surgical tests revealed that my womb had been healthy.

I realised how dangerous an uncontrolled mind could be, as it can create false realities. Determined to regain control of my mind, I sought meditation and ended up at a Buddhist monastery in the UK and practised meditation and lived a simple life for a few weeks. By the end of my stay, I realised that happiness isn’t external, it’s something we cultivate within.

I knew the way I had been living no longer aligned with who I had become. That’s when I journeyed into the world of holistic well-being.

What led you to establish Plantation Villa? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture.

I founded Plantation Villa not as a spa or hotel, but as a place to teach people a lifestyle that fosters true happiness and health. We focus on body and mind, covering everything from sleep, diet, and exercise to relationships and living with nature.

I didn’t want another profit-driven business, so I built Plantation Villa as a social enterprise in my father's childhood village. Our centre is vegan, alcohol-free, and in a secluded location. We hire and train local women and men, many of whom have no education or job opportunities. Guests from around the world became part of our community, promoting us through word-of-mouth and media coverage, none of which we paid for in our early years.

Initially, I thought this would be a short-term project, but Plantation Villa has grown beyond expectations. Two and a half years ago, we expanded to the UK and are now establishing a charity there.

What are some special milestones Plantation Villa has achieved since its inception?

A key milestone at Plantation Villa was when a guest who was given only weeks to live came to us. She initially arrived to mentally prepare for death, but we focused on her mental and physical healing. She stayed much longer than expected and went on to live for five more years. The guest left me a letter about how our healing gave her hope, which remains a pivotal moment for me.

Another milestone came when Plantation Villa received international recognition, including awards and features in foreign journals and magazines.

I am currently planning a project with an Academy Award-winning director, who wants to document my journey and the lifestyle we promote at Plantation Villa.

Ishara De Silva, Founder & CEO, Plantation Villa

Sri Lankan businesswoman Ishara De Silva is a former high-flying banker turned holistic wellness entrepreneur. She founded Planta­tion Villa, a serene retreat that transforms guests’ lives while also uplifting underprivi­leged communities in Sri Lanka.

Success Mantra

I believe in honesty and integrity, combined with hard work and discipline. Being knowl­edgeable, honest and staying disciplined in business is key.