Here are luxury, eco-conscious resorts within a few hours’ drive of Colombo that combine high-end comfort with strong sustainability programs. I’ve noted each property’s eco highlights, approximate drive time from Colombo (city), typical luxury offerings, and a booking tip.

1. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort — Tangalle (south coast)

• Why it’s eco: comprehensive conservation programs (turtle protection with IUCN/Department of Wildlife, mangrove restoration, rainwater harvesting, on-site bottling, zero single‑use plastic initiatives, composting). The brand holds Green Growth/eco certifications for many properties. (Anantara.com)
• Luxury features: beachfront villas, spa, farm-to-table dining, nature-guided walks and turtle-night walks.
• Distance / drive time: ~200–220 km; roughly 3–4 hours by car from Colombo (depending on traffic).
• Booking tip: ask for a villa near the beach if you want private turtle-walk access; check for current “eco” packages or conservation experiences. (Anantara.com)

2. Jetwing Vil Uyana — Sigiriya / Dambulla (inland heritage zone)

• Why it’s eco: built on a restored man-made wetland (28 acres) with onsite biogas, rainwater harvesting, treated wastewater reuse, native reforestation and wildlife conservation (loris research and bird biodiversity). Recognized globally as an eco-luxury pioneer. (jetwinghotels.com)
• Luxury features: secluded villas across marsh/paddy/forest habitats, nature walks, birding, spa and high-end dining using produce from the property.
• Distance / drive time: ~170–180 km; about 4–5 hours by car from Colombo.
• Booking tip: villa categories differ (Paddy, Marsh, Water, Forest); pick Marsh or Water for the best wetland-facing wildlife views. (jetwinghotels.com)

3. Heritance Kandalama — near Dambulla / Sigiriya

• Why it’s eco: iconic hillside hotel famed for integrating into the landscape (camouflaged roof), eco-projects (paper from elephant dung, forest sanctuary, energy/water-saving programs) and long-standing conservation/community efforts. (cntraveler.com)
• Luxury features: dramatic architecture with panoramic views of the rock fortress, high‑end dining, spa and guided cultural/nature excursions.
• Distance / drive time: ~160–180 km; about 4–5 hours by car from Colombo.
• Booking tip: request a room with direct view of Sigiriya Rock (sunrise is excellent); combine with a Sigiriya/Polonnaruwa day trip.

4. Cape Weligama — Weligama / southern coast

• Why it’s eco: resort design that preserves natural terrain and landscaping, sources local produce, and runs sustainability initiatives tied to the local community and natural environment. It’s a luxury coastal estate noted for environmental sensitivity. (farandwild.travel)
• Luxury features: cliff- and sea-facing suites/villas (some with private pools), infinity pools, wellness facilities, curated local experiences (fishing, Cinnamon estate visits, dolphin watching).
• Distance / drive time: ~140–160 km; roughly 2.5–3.5 hours by car from Colombo.
• Booking tip: ideal for a luxury beach stay close enough for a long weekend from Colombo; request a sea-view villa.

5. Dolphin Beach Resort — Kalpitiya (west coast / marine-focused)

• Why it’s eco: community-built resort with low-impact design (tented/eco-beach accommodation), strong local-community involvement and marine conservation orientation (dolphin and bird life in the Kalpitiya lagoon). Good choice if you want marine wildlife with a sustainability focus. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Luxury features: upscale tented/heritage-style rooms with high comfort standards, water activities (kite-surfing season, dolphin/whale watching), remote beach atmosphere.
• Distance / drive time: ~150–170 km; about 2.5–3.5 hours by car from Colombo (traffic and route affect times).
• Booking tip: Kalpitiya is seasonal for kite-surfing (peak months differ) — check activity availability when booking.

6. Wild Coast Tented Lodge (near Yala) — if you’re okay with a longer drive

• Why it’s eco: low‑impact, canvas tented accommodation built with natural materials that blends into the coastline and adjacent wildlife areas; strong focus on nature experiences and conservation (adjacent to Yala NP). (vanityfair.com)
• Luxury features: private plunge pools in tented suites, guided safaris into Yala, beach access and intimate dining.
• Distance / drive time: ~300+ km; typically 5–6+ hours from Colombo, so better for a multi-night southern or wildlife-focused leg.
• Booking tip: pair with a guided safari at Yala National Park; book well in advance for peak season and full-board packages.

Quick booking and travel tips

• Time vs. distance: “Near Colombo” in Sri Lanka often means a 2–4 hour drive for many coastal and cultural luxury resorts; factor in traffic and road conditions when planning short trips.
• Sustainability verification: if a resort’s eco-credentials are a primary reason for choosing it, request the property’s latest sustainability report or certifications (e.g., Green Growth 2050, EarthCheck) and ask about measurable outcomes (waste diversion rate, water reuse, local community programs).
• Best seasons: Sri Lanka’s coasts and regions have different monsoon seasons—check which coast is optimal for your travel dates to avoid rain affecting beach and wildlife activities.
• Transfers: many luxury resorts offer private transfers from Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport; consider using those for comfort and reliability.

If you’d like, I can:

• Build a 3–7 day luxury, eco-focused itinerary from Colombo that mixes one or two of these stays with wildlife/cultural excursions; or
• Compare room categories and typical nightly rates for a specific resort and travel dates (I can look up live rates and availability).