Gardiner Group has acquired Sri Lankan pickleball venture The Pickle Island, marking its entry into the country’s emerging sports and recreational leisure market.
The acquisition will see seasoned investor and entrepreneur Aravinda de Silva join the venture as a partner, forming part of Gardiner Group’s broader strategy to expand its investments into diversified leisure and lifestyle businesses in Sri Lanka.
Gardiner Group, which has a longstanding presence in Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry, owns several established hospitality businesses, including the Galle Face Hotel, Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC and The Kandy Hotels Company (1938) PLC. The Group also holds joint venture interests in Uga Giri Ella and Radisson Hotel Kandy.
Commenting on the acquisition, Seshaan Gardiner, Director of Investments and M&A at Gardiner Group, said the investment represented one of several strategic moves planned as the Group expands beyond traditional hospitality into new sectors.
He added that the Group sees significant opportunities in Sri Lanka’s evolving leisure and lifestyle industry, with plans to create new experiences for both local communities and international visitors.
Founded by Ronali and Dilshan Michael, The Pickle Island was established to provide people with a healthy and enjoyable environment to socialise, connect and participate in sport. The venture has since developed a growing community around pickleball in Sri Lanka.
Under the new partnership, the business is expected to enter its next phase of growth through wider access to the sport, new opportunities, sporting-related social events and community-focused initiatives.
The founders, Ronali and Dilshan Michael, will remain closely involved in the business to preserve its existing identity and ethos.
Former Sri Lankan cricketer Aravinda de Silva said he looked forward to supporting The Pickle Island’s growth and creating more opportunities for people to participate in sport.
The acquisition marks a further step in Gardiner Group’s plans to strengthen its presence in Sri Lanka’s leisure sector, building on its established hospitality portfolio while exploring new investment opportunities in leisure and lifestyle experiences.
Source: Gardiner Group press release.
