Friday, August 30, 2024 Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Cinnamon Nature Trails, successfully orchestrated the second ‘The Gathering of Giants’ from August 9th to 11th, 2024, at the Cinnamon Habarana Complex. This significant event, supported by Seylan Bank, drew a global audience of wildlife aficionados, conservation experts, and nature enthusiasts. Centered on the remarkable elephant assemblies at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, the occasion provided a unique opportunity for participants to observe and explore one of the natural world’s most stunning phenomena.
The symposium commenced with a sequence of engaging discussions led by renowned experts in conservation, including Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, Dr. Prithviraj Fernando, and Rohan Pethiyagoda.
They delved deep into the environmental hurdles Sri Lanka’s wildlife faces, specifically targeting the protection of the Asian elephants. Through their extensive research and expertise, they underscored the urgent need for sustained efforts to shield these noble creatures from habitat degradation and escalating conflicts with humans. A key moment of the symposium was the captivating keynote by the esteemed Indian conservationist and writer, Valmik Thapar.
He enthralled the audience with his vivid tales of ‘Charger,’ a famed tiger from Ranthambore National Park. His detailed accounts transported the attendees into the wild terrains of Ranthambore, showcasing the life of one of the most celebrated tigers in Indian lore. Moreover, the attendees had the unique opportunity to explore Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, observing the ‘Great Elephant Gathering.
’ This firsthand experience allowed them to witness the complex social behaviors of these elephants up close, enhancing their comprehension of the conservation topics discussed earlier. The symposium wrapped up with a celebratory Gala Night dinner, marking the culmination of a profoundly impactful event. This evening celebrated the successful conversations and insights gained, affirming Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to fostering harmony between humans and elephants.
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.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Sri Lanka as a premier wildlife destination, where visitors can experience the nature while contributing to its preservation. Our dedication to environmental sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our operations, and events like these allow us to actively participate in the global conversation efforts, ensuring that future generations can continue to witness these extraordinary natural spectacles.” Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, along with Cinnamon Nature Trails, are dedicated to preserving and promoting awareness of this unique event at both local and international levels.
The ‘Gathering of Giants’ event serves as a strong affirmation of their ongoing dedication to protecting one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured natural wonders for coming generations..
