Chaaya Wild-Etisalat Nature Photographer Competition 2012 advocates conservation through photography

Etisalat Lanka is partnering with Chaaya Wild Yala for the second year to launch ‘Chaaya Wild – Etisalat Nature Photographer 2012’. While the competition’s main goal is to recognise outstanding nature photography, it also aims to increase awareness on nature conservation. Attracting over 600 entries and over 70 junior applicants in the previous year, the competition provides an apt platform for nature photographers all over the island to showcase their skills.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, this year’s competition also allows Instagram users to submit their captures. Commenting on the launch of ‘Chaaya Wild – Etisalat Nature Photographer Competition 2012’, Etisalat CEO Dumindra Ratnayake said, “We are proud to partner Chaaya Wild Yala once again to conduct this special competition that recognises the skill of nature photography and Etisalat is elated to open up the competition to smart phone users through the introduction of the Instagram category. We were also happy to hear that some amateurs who took part in the previous year have now seriously taken up photography.”

Commenting on the competition, John Keells Holdings Executive Vice President and John Keells Sri Lankan Resorts CEO Jayantissa Kehelpannala said, “John Keells Hotels are proud to drive this event once again, providing an opportunity for local nature photographers to showcase their drive for excellence and inspire others to admire nature, while sharing our world with other forms of life.”

Chaaya Wild – Etisalat Nature Photographer 2012 and Chaaya Wild-Etisalat Junior Nature Photographer 2012

The adult competition is open to participants above 16 years of age as at 31 August and the submission categories are: Behaviour of Mammals, Behaviour of Birds, Other Wildlife and Wild and Scenic Places. While a best overall winner will be selected, there are also prizes being given out for the best photograph in each category.

Participation in the junior competition is open to children under 16 years. The categories for entries are: Animal Portrait, Animals in Action and Scenery. The contest began on 27 August and all entries must reach John Keells Hotels Reservations Division, 130, Glennie Street, Colombo 02, or to the Etisalat Corporate Office, 109, Rotunda Towers, Galle Road, Colombo 3, by 30 October.

Instagram photography competition

Instagram is the latest photo sharing app and social network, available on the Android and iOS platforms. To enter the Instagram Competition, participants have to follow EtisalatSL on Instagram, upload their photos and add the #EtiPhotoContest tag to their caption. These photos will then be uploaded on the Etisalat Facebook Page and the most ‘Liked’ photograph will be the winner.

Entry forms with the rules and regulations for the competition can be downloaded from www.etisalat.lk and www.johnkeellshotels.com, and printed submission forms can be collected from Chaaya Wild Yala, John Keells Hotels Reservations and any Etisalat Authorized dealers’ located island wide.

The overall winner will receive a cash prize of Rs. 75,000 and a complementary weekend voucher for two at Chaaya Wild Yala, while the Junior Competition’s overall winner will receive a cash prize of         Rs. 30,000 and a complementary weekend voucher at Chaaya Wild. The winner of the Instagram Competition will be awarded a Huawei Tab from Etisalat, plus a weekend voucher for two at a John Keells Hotel.