Development of Sarana Lanka's Cultural Experience Platform
Anuke Ganegoda
From Prototype to Production: A Cultural Experience Platform in 3 Weeks
Client: Sarana Lanka (Boutique Cultural Tourism)
Timeline: 3 Weeks
Role: Full-Stack Development, System Architecture, & Security
Tech Stack: React 18, TypeScript, Supabase (PostgreSQL & Auth), Edge Functions, Stripe API, Tailwind CSS, TanStack Query.
The Challenge: From Static Framework to Revenue-Ready
Sarana Lanka had an unfinished prototype: a basic visual shell with zero functional "brains." They needed to go live in 21 days with a system capable of handling complex bookings, secure payments, and total administrative control.
The Hurdles:
Zero Logic: No existing system for availability, ticket tiers, or attendee tracking.
Complex Booking Rules: Needed to support real-time spot reservations, group discounts, and "split-payment" (deposit vs. later settlement) logic.
Security Risks: Requirement for enterprise-grade Row-Level Security (RLS) to protect sensitive traveler data.
Moving Targets: Admin requirements shifted mid-build, requiring a modular architecture that could adapt without breaking the deadline.
The Solution: A Secure, Scalable Full-Stack Engine
We architected a "server-authoritative" system, meaning all critical logic (pricing, availability, and payments) happens in a secure environment, not on the user's browser.
High-Performance Frontend
Built with React 18 and TypeScript for a bug-free, snappy user experience.
Developed a custom component library using shadcn/ui to ensure the booking flow felt premium and trustworthy.
Implemented TanStack Query for real-time data fetching, ensuring users never see outdated ticket availability.
Bulletproof Backend & Security
Atomic Reservations: Created a custom locking mechanism in PostgreSQL to prevent overbooking, ensuring that when a user starts a checkout, their spot is "held" safely.
Deep Stripe Integration: Engineered a server-side validation flow. Prices are calculated via Supabase Edge Functions to prevent price manipulation, with webhooks ensuring 100% accurate payment confirmation.
Granular Privacy: Every single database table was locked down with Row-Level Security (RLS), ensuring staff and customers only see the data they are authorized to see.
All-in-One Admin Command Center
We delivered a comprehensive dashboard allowing the Sarana Lanka team to:
Manage recurring workshops via a template-driven builder.
Track attendee details and schedule facilitators.
Apply automated discount logic (the system automatically picks the best deal for the customer).
Approve private event requests and manage media assets.
The Impact
In just 21 days, we moved the project from a non-functional mockup to a production-ready business asset.
100% Launch Success: Delivered on schedule with zero critical bugs.
Revenue Enabled: The platform now handles the entire lifecycle from discovery to deposit and final settlement.
Scalable Foundation: The modular architecture allows Sarana Lanka to add new cultural experiences or locations without needing a rebuild.
"Sarana Lanka now operates on a secure, efficient, and long-term foundation—one that supports their mission to share authentic Sri Lankan cultural experiences with the world through a technically sound digital platform."
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Posted Jan 2, 2026
Developed a secure, scalable booking platform for Sarana Lanka in 3 weeks.
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