Ayubhowan! Welcome to Salasbananas
A sanctuary for the tender, the wild, the becoming.
Here, we do not perform healing. We sit with it.
We listen to the quiet places inside —The grief that lingers.
The skins we are ready to shed. The ache that longs to feel whole again.
This is not a path of perfection, but of presence.
A living altar to the great, beautiful mystery that we are.
A practice of love — as I father, as I grieve, as I create,
as I learn to love both the simplicity and the profoundness of who I am.
A devotion, moment by moment, breath by breath, to what is true.
To what is sacred.
This is my experiment in love — wild, imperfect, alive.
A living altar — gentle, open, ever-unfolding.
You are safe here.
You are already whole.
You have arrived
Hi I'm Sala!
I am a queer Sri Lankan artist, yogi, and soul consultant.
Through art, somatic practice, and inner alchemy, I blend ancient wisdom with modern embodiment to create safe, inclusive spaces for transformation and healing.
I support others to release inherited trauma, end cycles of suffering, and awaken into embodied freedom — through Creativity, Yoga, Meditation and Soul Coaching.
Rooted in Sri Lanka, my offerings reach global communities ready to reclaim love, softness, and belonging.
My Offerings
Tools, medicine, community, rituals and practices for deep inner change
Mandala Meditation Workshop
Ritual Education Workshop
Decolonization Teachings Workshop
Eastern Gods for Western Minds
Plant Medicine Workshop
Chakra Alchemy Workshop
Pancha Kosha Workshop
Introduction to Ayurveda
What my Clients' Say
Testemonials
“His classes are tailored to students’ individual needs, and he offers such patience and warmth, along with his own true embodiment of enlightenment and understanding.
He is a true inspiration, and I found his yoga classes transformational to my own practice, encouraging me towards my own inner wisdom and peace.”
Nellie Ford – UK
“During my short stay in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka, I had the pleasure of experiencing a yoga session with Sala, and it quickly became one of the highlights of my trip. I enjoyed the session so much that I ended up booking with him every day for the rest of my holiday. What truly stood out to me was how Sala customised each session to suit my individual needs, making every practice feel tailored and effective. His approach is both intuitive and professional, creating a perfect balance between challenge and relaxation. I highly recommend booking a session with Sala if you’re ever in Sri Lanka !! you won’t regret it!”
Naser Bin Sanad
Sala is an exceptional yoga teacher who brought a wonderful spiritual element to what was planned as a father/son surfing holiday to Lotus Surf and Wellness in Ahangama, Sri Lanka. I did not expect my 19-year-old surfer son to come to yoga classes with me but he loved Sala’s classes and followed his gentle instructions carefully and attentively. Sala’s instruction helped nurture our physical bodies before and after surfing, and offered profound insights that deeply impacted my son and I. This provided a significant turning point in the way my son views the world, opening his mind to deeper truths. This was all an unexpected bonus on our surfing holiday and I could not be more grateful to Sala for the difference he made not just to our holiday, but to my relationship with my son and a deepening of our bond through shared yoga practice.
Tim Baker
I recently attended a meditation session with Sala in Galle, and it was a truly transformative experience. From the beach to the walk up the hill, and finally to the session at the Japanese pagoda, Sala was able to instill a wave of calm that washed over me. He guided us with such warmth and expertise, making it easy to set intentions and immerse myself in the experience. Sala was also very flexible in adapting parts of the experience to suit my aging parents, which I greatly appreciated. The location he chose was the perfect environment for mindfulness. I left feeling rejuvenated, centered, and more connected to myself. I would recommend this experience to anyone in need of a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, adding a touch of mindfulness to their Sri Lanka holiday. Sala is a friend for life, and I can’t wait to return!”
Siddarth
Sala is so special, surrounded by a great energy. I enjoyed the yoga journey with him during the time I have been here
so thankful
Lilian Bracht
One of the best yoga teachers on the South Coast. Sala holds his classes with a deep understanding of the practice. My go to!
Jeremy Wyatt
Dear all
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a magnificent massage at the SalasBananas Spa located in the heart of the island. This hidden gem offers a serene and cozy atmosphere that makes you want to return time and again. The space is beautifully designed, creating a calming environment that enhances the overall experience.During my visit, I felt truly pampered and relaxed, and the massage itself was exceptional—definitely one of the best I’ve ever had. The skilled therapists knew exactly how to relieve tension and provide a sense of tranquility.
I highly recommend SalasBananas Spa to anyone looking for a peaceful retreat and a top-notch massage. I can’t wait to go back!
Sergey Efimov
Thank you so much beautiful soul Sala.. it was an honor meeting you and sharing those beautiful moments in the shala at Lotus…ayoubhowan
Dagmar Hess
Este mes de enero pasé diez días en Salas Bananas junto a dos personas más. Sala nos preparó un retiro a medida para los tres. Todo se organizó desde España, y la verdad es que no sabía exactamente qué esperar.
La experiencia fue estupenda: diez días de yoga, meditación, introspección, una consulta con un médico ayurvédico y masajes ayurvédicos.
La comida vegetariana, preparada por un chef excelente, fue una delicia. Su casa está a unos dos kilómetros de la playa. Casi todas las mañanas, antes de comenzar las sesiones (a las 07:00), bajaba a darme un baño.
Salas es una persona que desde el primer momento inspira confianza y logró que el grupo se sintiera como en casa. Es una persona muy intuitiva.
En definitiva, fue una experiencia muy interesante y altamente recomendable.
Gracias, Sala.
Daniel Boixamat
It was more than being just a guest at Salasbananas for me. I got to know Sala and what was meaningful to him. A beautiful space and Shala, very intimate and easy to get into, like a small second home. I had the pleasure of practising yoga with Sala, being guided by him was a deeply connected experience. Most grateful to Sala & his daughter Yara for making me feel special and comfortable. Wishing them all the best.
Pradeep L
I had an amazing experience at Sala’s Hatha class. Looking forward to coming back!!
Feray Se
We have Lived an amazing experience with Salas during a 10 days yoga and meditation retreat. It has been so much more than just that. A soul healing experience in magnificent surroundings, a body rejuvenation thanks to fantastic vegetarian food, massages and Ayurvedic advises. I could only recommend it! Thank you Salas!
Natalia ferrer aragones
Sala is an incredible human being !!! I had the honour of being amongst some of his healing and super knowledgeable yoga practices and I feel very inspired and alive after being in his presence. Thank you for sharing this amazing part of you to the world
Savannah Black
Attending Salasbananas Yoga Center has been life-changing. I arrived struggling with alcoholic behaviors, and with the help of Sala I began my relaps journey. The yoga sessions were refreshing and deeply restorative, helping me reconnect with myself.
One of the most memorable moments was the bonfire gatherings at night, which created a sense of community and support. I also had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with international yoga personalities, gaining valuable insights from some of the best in the field.
The yoga Shala itself has natural peasfull environment and the Sala is beyond the the yoga instructor because I made a life long good friend.
This center offered much more than just yoga—it provided a space for growth, healing, and connection. Highly recommend it!
Samitha Rathnayake
The happiest and safest place to be! Much more than just a yoga studio me and my sister felt like home every time we visited Sala. We had an amazing out of this planet soundhealing session with Milad, and some beautiful morning hatha sessions with Sala that made our days begin in the best possible ways. Sala is a very kind and shiny person, he will offer you tea and more and open his house for you anytime! As an instructor he really knows how to bring you in the present moment and feel the vibrations of life around you without forgetting the fun part during the precise. I wish i could spend more days there and hopefully im coming back !
Thank you
Λένα Κάππα
I met Sala for the first time in his heavenly place and he welcomed me in a way that I felt like he is already a friend of mine. He not only created a miracle environment literally into the nature by the animals’ appearance and sounds, but he also made me feel so safe like home. Yoga was an amazing experience with Sala. His vibe, his energy and his voice can lead you to find your unique path. Sala is a warm, friendly and professional person who make you feel included everywhere – from yoga till conversations. He treats you real smiles and great tea!
I also have to mention that I attended a sound healing session in Sala’s place with Milad and I’m so thankful for this experience. It was the first time that I tried this method and thanks to him it was an evening to remember!
Thank you both and wish you all the blessings
Βέρα Κάππα
Absolutely amazing yoga session!! Very individual and very true to yoga practice
kateřina štěpničková
Sala, Magnifique Sala
brigitte malicki
This must be my favorite Yoga Studio on the south coast of Sri Lanka!
Sala’s place is so calm and beautiful, and Yoga classes are small and intimate, what creates space to cater to individual needs and personal guidance.
Sala is a very kind and humorous person, what sets the tone for a very relaxed and authentic atmosphere. Can highly recommend any of his offerings, and also not to miss is a Healing Aboriginal Breathwork Session with Milad, so special!
Johanna
Salas’s yoga studio is truly a magical haven, where the peaceful presence of peacocks adds to its serene atmosphere. Whether I’m teaching or participating in a class, I always feel a deep sense of hope and inner reflection, allowing me to disconnect from the outside world and explore my inner self. With his warm smile and positive energy, he welcomes everyone, creating a supportive and uplifting space. I wholeheartedly recommend this studio to anyone seeking peace and rejuvenation—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Altınay Devi Doris HAZAN
Salas yoga classes are amazing. One of the highlights of my trip. He is a wonderful teacher and the classes are held in a beautiful peaceful space. Would highly recommend
Luke O’Regan
Really liked yoga experience with Sala! You definitely need to try improving your body and mind strength here! Very friendly atmosphere. There are also cute dog and cat
Eli
I randomly found this yoga (mid December) and sound healing spot in Talpe, close to Unawatuna were I was staying, and wow, was it a game-changer. The yoga session was super chill, set right in the middle of nature, and really helped me tune into a peaceful vibe. The sound healing was something else— the Didgeridoo did totally cleared my head and lifted my spirits. Both experiences were just what I needed to hit the reset button. Definitely check them out if you’re looking to find some inner peace an explore. Salas is an amazing soul & Milad an experienced sound healing facilitator worth meeting.THANKS TO YOU BOTH
María José Peral
Beautiful energetic place and wonderful yoga shala in the junge of Sri Lanka. Easy to find and absolutely lovely energy professional classes and calming and lovely atmosphere. Mystic place for all kinds of yoga and sound healing practices. Beautiful house with a lot of art and healing energy. Highly recommended.
Christina Jendreiko
I spent three days on a personalized yoga retreat at Salasbananas with Sala. The space is full of positive energy and a power that put your journey at a place of ease. Located at an end of road, bordering a paddy field the space is compact enough to not let you wander off outwardly, yet more than spacious to give you a sense of freedom and belonging. Salas little Shala was perfect for my experience and I assume for a small group to connect in an intimate setting and work together. The view of the open sky surrounded by the tree-line was breathtaking at the night. It was a delight to meet few of Salas network of practitioners who conduct sessions at the studio.Sala is a great yoga teacher, a guide and a host who takes his work seriously without taking himself too serious
His guidance grounded in real lived experience of this island adds a whole new layer to the practice. I don’t have any photos to post here as I was just in the moment and space the whole time.
Pathum Egodawaththa
Sensational. Sala is truly unique and inspiring human being who soaked the senses in a feeling of immense calm and guided us masterfully through the yoga and sound healing experience. I felt replenished from the inside out, it was rejuvenation on a spiritual level!. This experience allowed us to disconnect from our busy lifestyles at least for a good couple of hours and to find ourselves and to reconnect with us. Absolutely recommend it. If you want to reconnect to nature, the flow of powerful energy within you and replenish your spirit and senses.
Roma Wells – UK
A GONG BATH with Sala from Salabananas is an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re new to sound healing or have been to a few gong baths before, this session will leave you feeling deeply refreshed, relaxed, and more connected to your inner self. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking to release stress, heal emotional wounds, or simply reconnect with your body and mind. It’s an experience that’s both deeply spiritual and incredibly nurturing—a true gift for anyone who attends.
Ira Schaeffner – Austria
Mystic place with great experiences! Sala runs a wonderful, cosy yoga place with one bedroom accommodation in Thalpe( 5 minutes from Unawatuna).He is an inspirational, excellent teacher.His classes and different workshops are energising and vibrant.I loved his different focus and new techniques.I really recommend his place to anyone who is interested to go further on his spiritual path.
Brigitte Meier – Austria
I’ve had the pleasure of attending Sala’s yoga sessions and they have been an incredibly enriching experience. Sala’s teaching style is a beautiful blend of English and Sinhala, which makes the sessions accessible and engaging for everyone. His ability to seamlessly integrate these languages enhances the connection within the local community and fosters a welcoming atmosphere for tourists and foreigners.
Krisztina Czika – Hungary
In his beginner-friendly Mandala workshops, we learned how to create a mandala design using geometry, with the traditional tools of a compass, ruler and pencils. I thoroughly enjoyed this meditative and purposeful art experience expertly led by Sala and highly recommend his Mandala workshops.
Sharmila
Salla is now a friend of mine. I love this man’s energy and wisdom. His guided meditation session really changed me and helped me personally. Thank you Salla.
Aljawharah – Saudhi Arabia
I had an amazing time with Sala he is such a beautiful soul. The journey was peaceful and it really tied my trip up since it was my last day! Highly recommend this experience!
Lamia – Saudhi Arabia
Sala is a genuinely beautiful and insightful person who created a relaxing and spiritual experience for my family and myself. I can’t thank him enough for his hospitality and knowledge he provided us all. We had this experience at the start of our holiday and it really set us on the perfect path for the rest of our trip. I hope we cross paths again very soon, thanks again Sala
Alexander – UK
Thanks Sala for taking me on this magical tour! I love it a lot and felt really charged after the morning walk, meditation, sun salutation yoga he led. I enjoyed this precious peace and highly recommended this experience if you are also looking for something similar.
Viola – Hong Kong
It was a wonderful experience. I was able to learn a lot and it was very good for me. This event inspired me to integrate meditation more into my everyday life. Highly recommend for the people who need an inspiration to complete something and be more open to new things. I feel very happy and would always book this tour again.
Anne – Germany
Sala was a very friendly , helpful host. Always responded fast. The place was lovely. Clean and tidy and I felt right at home. The Shala in the premises along with the beautifully manicured garden was peaceful. The location was very peaceful. Highly recommended stay.
Radhieka Radha
Nice vibe; the villa is very safe and inclusive. Sala is a great Yoga teacher and super awesome guy.
Jonathon Frank
Highly recommended from a solo female traveler. One of my favorite places in Sri Lanka. I had a wonderful experience getting to know Sala who crafted a wonderful journey for me during my time in Unawatuna including a morning walk, meditation and yoga at the Japanese pagoda and a private ceremony at his beautiful shala surrounded by amazingly beautiful nature. As a solo woman traveling, Sala truly made me feel safe and in good hands and I felt I could trust him and it was a wonderful experience getting to know him and becoming his friend. He is a special human being who is really passionate about creating a safe space for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. His story and motivation are truly inspiring and I feel so lucky to have met him and shared all these wonderful practices with him.
Sara Al Sadi
When I was invited to collaborate on a retreat in Unawatuna Sri Lanka in Jan 2021, I was a bit nervous at first as I did not know my way around the south. As it turned out, all I had to do was plan out the retreat virtually with my retreat partners (Sala and Jude) and simply arrive at an utterly gorgeous destination and share the gift of Yoga with a community of like minded people. I was able to concentrate on what I did best because every other detail was expertly handled by Sala and Jude who had extensive experience in hosting wellness projects in the South. From securing a serene location to partnering with people who served the best vegan food that the participants have ever experienced to curating and executing flawless workshop style sessions, the Sacred Space Retreat was a brilliant success. Working with Sala on this project was an amazing experience. It was also the first time I experienced a Mandala drawing workshop conducted by Sala which was part of the retreat curriculum.
Sharmila
I have had the absolute pleasure of practicing yoga and sound meditation with Sala every Tuesday evening over the past few months and it has become something of a weekly ritual that I look forward to very much. His warmth and ease are absolutely disarming and I always feel welcome no matter how I arrive on the mat. He is truly amazing at holding space for me and my physical and mental state on any given day and I love that he always handpicks the flowers and lights the incense to add to the amazing views from his balcony before we begin. I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated at the end of our practice and I can’t recommend him enough as a truly gifted healer and yoga teacher.
Vindyah
I have followed Sala’s mandala meditation which was part of a three day Yoga and Meditation retreat. I found it therapeutic and relaxing . It has helped me focus more and helped to regulate my sleep. I was motivated to buy myself a book to practice at home as well . Much blessings to Sala and wishing him all the best.
Farzana j Kahn
When I read what Sala was offering with soul portraits I was really curious to explore this experience. Sala explained how it would work and we met online to have a chat and he found out more about me/guided me on a journey and from there he went away and created these visual feasts related to what I’d shared. It was a fun experience but also with depth and I really enjoyed working with Sala and what he created. He listened and took what I said and alchemised it into artwork that I love. Thank you again Sala.
Kirsty
Cannot recommend enough the magic of a session with Salasbananas – so much attention to detail, infusion of intuition and the joy of the unexpected.
‘As a retreat designer and facilitator, co-creating with Sala is a dream. His artistry in yoga, space holding, and unique and powerful experiences is something felt palpably. We need only to share a few core themes and the experience he generates is layered with intuition, intention, and insight offering a rich tapestry for guests to connect with, feel uniquely seen and step off the mat with new learnings and ease. For the past 2 years Sala and I have collaborated on my leadership and wellbeing retreat, Uncharted, on the shared topics of courage and freedom. I look forward to co-creating many more transformative travel offerings with Sala to assist anyone who feels called to step into their courage, and to feel free.’
Ashley
I had the pleasure of working with Sala Watura on the design of my affirmation deck, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Sala’s creativity and attention to detail truly brought my vision to life. From our initial concept discussions to the final designs, Sala was not only professional but also incredibly supportive and insightful. His ability to translate abstract ideas into visually stunning and cohesive designs is remarkable. The affirmation deck has received countless compliments, and it’s all thanks to Sala’s expertise and dedication. I highly recommend Sala for anyone looking for a talented and reliable graphic designer who can turn your ideas into beautiful, impactful designs.
Thank you once again for your amazing work. It has been a pleasure collaborating with you!
Keisean
Had a great morning yoga session. Helped me to align my breathing instantly felt more grounded. Excited to continue
Nathasha
The online Yoga session with Sala was a delightful experience. Sala put together a routine that I could easily follow as a beginner that suited my body and the needs. His way of explaining the logic and story behind each move was very helpful to understand yoga as a meditation than a mere routine for exercise. I look forward to developing a regular practice with his guidance.
Pathum
Sala has a remarkable ability to tune in to the frequency of the environment he is in and lead a practice that seems so fluid and yet so personalised at the same time. Our private practice was both grounding and uplifting. Cleansing and invigorating. Exactly what I needed! His ability to bring strangers together in a harmonious and intimate way is so refreshing and inspiring. Highly recommended. Thank you Sala!
Tori – South Africa
One of the highlights of each session is the sound bath that Sala performs at the end. These sound baths are profoundly powerful and touching, offering a deep sense of relaxation and healing. Personally, the sound healing is my favorite part of the practice. It’s a truly unique and transformative experience that leaves me feeling rejuvenated and uplifted. Sala’s dedication and skill in both yoga and sound healing make his sessions a treasured part of our community. I wholeheartedly recommend his classes to anyone looking to enhance their well-being and enjoy a truly special yoga experience.
Krisztina Czika – Hungary
“His classes are tailored to students’ individual needs, and he offers such patience and warmth, along with his own true embodiment of enlightenment and understanding.
He is a true inspiration, and I found his yoga classes transformational to my own practice, encouraging me towards my own inner wisdom and peace.”
Nellie Ford – UK
“During my short stay in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka, I had the pleasure of experiencing a yoga session with Sala, and it quickly became one of the highlights of my trip. I enjoyed the session so much that I ended up booking with him every day for the rest of my holiday. What truly stood out to me was how Sala customised each session to suit my individual needs, making every practice feel tailored and effective. His approach is both intuitive and professional, creating a perfect balance between challenge and relaxation. I highly recommend booking a session with Sala if you’re ever in Sri Lanka !! you won’t regret it!”
Naser Bin Sanad
Sala is an exceptional yoga teacher who brought a wonderful spiritual element to what was planned as a father/son surfing holiday to Lotus Surf and Wellness in Ahangama, Sri Lanka. I did not expect my 19-year-old surfer son to come to yoga classes with me but he loved Sala’s classes and followed his gentle instructions carefully and attentively. Sala’s instruction helped nurture our physical bodies before and after surfing, and offered profound insights that deeply impacted my son and I. This provided a significant turning point in the way my son views the world, opening his mind to deeper truths. This was all an unexpected bonus on our surfing holiday and I could not be more grateful to Sala for the difference he made not just to our holiday, but to my relationship with my son and a deepening of our bond through shared yoga practice.
Tim Baker
I recently attended a meditation session with Sala in Galle, and it was a truly transformative experience. From the beach to the walk up the hill, and finally to the session at the Japanese pagoda, Sala was able to instill a wave of calm that washed over me. He guided us with such warmth and expertise, making it easy to set intentions and immerse myself in the experience. Sala was also very flexible in adapting parts of the experience to suit my aging parents, which I greatly appreciated. The location he chose was the perfect environment for mindfulness. I left feeling rejuvenated, centered, and more connected to myself. I would recommend this experience to anyone in need of a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, adding a touch of mindfulness to their Sri Lanka holiday. Sala is a friend for life, and I can’t wait to return!”
