Business
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts elevates biodiversity awareness through ‘The Gathering of Giants’
The Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts together with Cinnamon Nature Trails proudly hosted the second annual ‘The Gathering of Giants’ event at Cinnamon Habarana Complex from August 9th to 11th, 2024, in partnership with Seylan Bank, attracting wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and nature lovers from around the world. The event, which centred around the awe-inspiring elephant gathering at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, offered attendees a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness and learn about one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles.
The event kicked off with a series of statistically focused thought-provoking sessions led by distinguished conservation subject matter experts. Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, Dr. Prithviraj Fernando, and Rohan Pethiyagoda provided invaluable insights into the conservation challenges facing Sri Lanka’s wildlife, with a particular focus on the majestic Asian elephants. These experts, all highly respected in their fields, shared their knowledge and experiences along with the research they had conducted during the past few years, highlighting the critical need for continued conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants from the threats of habitat loss and human-elephant conflict.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address by renowned Indian conservationist and author Valmik Thapar. Thapar captivated the audience with an immersive storytelling experience, recounting the life of ‘Charger,’ a legendary tiger from Ranthambore National Park in India. His narration brought the wilderness of Ranthambore to life, offering a glimpse into the world of one of India’s most iconic big cats.
In addition to the insightful sessions, participants were guided through the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks to witness the great gathering of Asian Elephants, where they could directly observe and appreciate the intricate behaviours of the elephant gathering, deepening their understanding of the conservation efforts discussed by the experts. The sight of herds of elephants socialising, bathing, and feeding by the ancient Minneriya tank left attendees with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
The event concluded with a Gala Night dinner, where attendees celebrated the success of ‘The Gathering of Giants’ and reflected on the inspiring discussions and experiences shared over the three days. The evening was a fitting end to an event that not only raised awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation but also reinforced Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to promoting peaceful human-elephant coexistence.
Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, commented, “Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has long been a champion of conservation efforts in Sri Lanka. ‘The Gathering of Giants’ is a testament to our dedication to protecting the country’s unique natural environment and promoting sustainable tourism. We are honoured to have hosted this event, which has become a key platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.”
Johan Aschan, Area Vice President Sri Lanka Resorts, stated, “The Cinnamon Habarana Complex is proud to be at the forefront of sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka. The ‘Gathering of Giants’ is not just an event but a powerful demonstration of our commitment to preserving the natural environment and fostering a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. By aligning this event with the spectacular globally recognised wildlife spectacle known as The Great Elephant Gathering of Asia, our efforts highlight the critical importance of conservation in maintaining these natural phenomena.
ESOFT Metro Campus has officially launched its Cambridge Authorised Exam Centre, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s educational landscape. The event featured prominent figures from both ESOFT and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, including Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, Chairman and Managing Director of ESOFT, and Arun Rajamani, Managing Director for South Asia at Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
Dr. Rajapakse highlighted the importance of strong communication skills in today’s globalized world, emphasizing that the new exam centre will provide students, school leavers, and English learners nationwide with an opportunity to improve their language proficiency. He referred to the launch as a “historic milestone” for ESOFT.
Arun Rajamani echoed this sentiment, noting that English proficiency significantly enhances employability and opens global career opportunities. The centre will offer a variety of Cambridge English qualifications, including KET, PET, FCE, C1, and TKT, catering to students from ESOFT’s 40 branches across Sri Lanka. Additionally, young learners in grades 1 to 5 will benefit from Cambridge’s Starters, Movers, and Flyers programmes.
Kangaroo Cabs Pvt Ltd, the country’s pioneering cab service provider, successfully held a one-day training programme for its drivers on Nov 9 at Hotel Viluxey, Maharagama. Organized by the Kangaroo Cabs management team under the leadership of Thushara Fonseka, Director of Operations, the initiative aimed to enhance driver professionalism and customer service skills.
The programme provided participants with practical knowledge and techniques to improve their service delivery and adapt to the evolving demands of the transport industry. It emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction and driver professionalism.
ASP Namal Perera, Deputy Director of the Police Narcotics Bureau, conducted a special session on drug addiction prevention. This session, held under the directives of DIG Oshana Hewawitharana of the Police Narcotics Bureau, addressed the pressing issue of drug abuse and educated participants on recognizing and avoiding dangerous substances. The initiative aligns with Kangaroo Cabs’ focus on promoting community well-being as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.
“Kangaroo Cabs is committed to not only fostering professionalism among its drivers but also addressing critical societal challenges. This programme represents our dedication to equipping drivers with the skills and knowledge they need while contributing to broader community awareness,” said Thushara Fonseka.
Marking four decades in the interior design and furniture industry, R M Perera (Pvt) Ltd has embraced evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics since its founding in 1984. With a focus on craftsmanship and innovation, the company is adapting to rising demand for personalized, durable, and culturally resonant designs that blend Sri Lankan heritage with modern functionality.
As Sri Lanka’s furniture market grows at an annual rate of 10.76%, projected to reach USD 622.70 million by 2029, R M Perera is poised to capitalize on these opportunities. The company plans to launch a concept store and expand its online presence, offering high-quality, customized furniture to a wider audience.
Renowned for its work with top clients like TAJ Hotels, Marriott, and Dilmah, R M Perera has contributed to iconic projects across hospitality, residential, and commercial sectors. Its state-of-the-art production facility, ISO-certified processes, and focus on sustainability ensure eco-friendly, premium-quality designs.
In 2022, the company received the Gold Award at the National Industry Excellence Awards, recognizing its dedication to innovation and excellence. As tourism and eco-tourism expand, R M Perera remains committed to creating luxury, sustainable spaces that elevate Sri Lanka’s global reputation.
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