17 July 2024, Colombo: Seylan Bank reaffirms their dedication to supporting efforts at developing tourism and wildlife conservation, through their exclusive partnership with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. The bank with a heart is collaborating with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, together with its wildlife and nature based-tourism arm, Cinnamon Nature Trails, to partner for the “Gathering of the Giants”, an event celebrating a rare wildlife spectacle.
The Gathering of the Giants celebrates the largest gathering of Asian Elephants in the world. The spectacle brings together nearly 300 elephants from different herds to one place. Playing out a mere 20 minutes from Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and Habarana Village by Cinnamon, the spectacle takes place every year on the banks of the Minneriya Resevoir.
The ‘Gathering of the Giants’ event aims to treasure and celebrate the country’s natural splendour, emphasizing efforts at conservation. The endeavour seeks to bring together a larger audience of tourists and enthusiasts, both local and foreign.
Seylan bank applauds and supports the event’s efforts at educating wider segments of society on the need to safeguard the country’s natural habitats. The aim of the event’s success is twofold. On one hand, it hopes to remind society of the need to protect the country’s ecosystem for future generations. On the other, the event aims to educate through subject-matter experts on the urgent need to preserve spaces where elephants can roam freely, without fear of confrontation. This hope is compounded by the need for peaceful human-elephant coexistence and effective conflict management.
Easy payment schemes present Seylan Card holders free access to the event and the photo exhibition along with exclusive offers. The package of 2 nights and 3 days also includes 2 exclusive safaris in the park. The event’s keynote speakers include renowned conservationists and environmental professionals, both local and international.
Commenting on the collaboration, Ruchith Liyanage, Head of Cards at Seylan Bank stated, “Our partnership with Cinnamon Nature Trails is our heartfelt bid to create a truly unique experience for our clients. The event is unlike any other because clients may educate themselves and develop awareness through the very experience of seeing these majestic animals in the wild. We believe that experience is ideal in educating the public on these matters. We’re delighted to be a part of an effort that, not only enriches their lives, but also builds on the potential to implement more sustainable futures within the country’s tourism industry.
Echoing the sentiments of Seylan Bank, Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotel & Resorts added, “We’re very pleased to be partnering with Seylan Bank for the Gathering of the Giants event. This collaboration allows us to facilitate efforts and forums with experts and lend a hand at developing not only the country’s tourism, but also safeguarding the country’s biodiversity for future generations. We’re confident that this event is a prelude of more to come with other like-minded partners like Seylan Bank.”
The booking period for the event is open till the 8th of August 2024. The event itself is set to take place from the 9th to the 11th of August 2024. Those interested in making a booking may do so through https://www.cinnamonhotels.com/gathering-of-giants or call the hotline at 011 200 88 88 for more information.