Occidental Paradise partners Colombo University for World Photography Day

Students on a photography  excursion by the Madu River	Wild Squad Founder, National Photographic Society of Sri Lanka Senior Lecturer and Asian Wildlife Photography Club Regional Director Prasad Hapuarachchi conducts workshop at Occidental Paradise Dambulla	Ornithologist/Wildlife Ecologist and Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka Patron Professor Sarath Kotagama delivering a speech on the importance of preserving  Sri Lanka’s natural heritage

World Photography Day Exhibition at Excel World

In keeping with the hotel’s vision for collaborative educational initiatives and green living, Occidental Paradise Dambulla was recently instrumental in facilitating a successful workshop in conjunction with the University of Colombo for World Photography Day. 

The program consisted of undergraduates and lecturers from the University of Colombo’s Sustainable Tourism Unit (STU), which equips students with eco-friendly education while partnering with key industries through workshops and assignments in an effort to further enhance their knowledge and skills. 

Under the guidance of Ornithologist/Wildlife Ecologist and Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka Patron Professor Sarath Kotagama, University of Colombo Tourism Economics Professor Suranga Silva, Tourism Research Academic Circle (TRAC) President and University of Colombo STU Senior Lecturer Sampath Siriwardena, and Wild Squad Founder, National Photographic Society of Sri Lanka Senior Lecturer and Asian Wildlife Photography Club Regional Director Prasad Hapuarachchi, students were offered guided tours around the Occidental Paradise premises and iconic locations in the vicinity. 

Some of the sites visited included the Kubukkadanwala Rock and Kalu Diya Pokuna nature trail, where undergraduates captured images of endemic flora and fauna while enhancing their knowledge of said species and responsible tourism practices. They also received extensive training on scientific names, pollination patterns, flowering periods, diverse habitats of different species, and more.

During the workshop, the importance of preserving correct eco-friendly measures where people, plants, and procedures co-exist harmoniously was emphasised. Students explored practices on how responsible tourism measures were implemented, processes that could be improved, and where prevention is needed. They were given an overview of ways in which photography could be utilised to enhance the country’s tourism industry by understanding methods to capture images without disrupting natural habitats, along with right image selection and effective publishing. 

Browns Hotels & Resorts CEO Eksath Wijeratne said: “As we celebrate World Photography Day, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and the protection of our country’s natural beauty. Our recent activities highlight the importance of preserving these precious landscapes, not just for today, but for future generations. By fostering a culture of conservation, we can ensure that our nation remains a vibrant and enchanting destination for tourists to explore and cherish.”

Prof. Kotagama said: “Photography is not merely about taking photos; it is about capturing the essence of our world and the stories that lie within each frame. It allows us to witness the beauty of nature and the delicate balance of our ecosystems. As we engage with our surroundings through photography, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment, inspiring us to initiate active steps in preserving it.”

Taking a holistic approach to all its CSR programs while fostering knowledge sharing within the tourism industry, Occidental Paradise provided on-site accommodation, transport, food and beverage, and more to the undergraduates, with a similar workshop scheduled at Occidental Eden Beruwala for students from the University of Colombo and the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka in the near future. 

All images from the photography workshop were displayed on 17 August at Excel World, Legacy Court, in an exhibition.