‘Earth Hour’ at Cinnamon and Chaaya Hotels and Resorts

Since its inception in 2007, Earth Hour has been able to increase the engagement and involvement of people from different countries and cities to support what has become the largest environmental event in history. Earth Hour which is scheduled for the last Saturday of March each year is conducted coinciding with equinox to ensure that most cities are in darkness as it rolled out around the world.

The concept of ‘Earth Hour’ sends out a compelling message to the world, emphasising the impact of climate change and the need for a global initiative to ensure the sustainability of our planet.

The management and staff of Cinnamon Lodge Habarana along with guests observed Earth Hour on Saturday, 31 March, by switching off the lights between 8.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. in the restaurants, bars and public areas of the hotel. The Tuskers bar offered flamed cocktails for guests whilst the restaurant gave guests the chance to enjoy a candlelit dinner.

Chaaya Village Habarana too observed Earth Hour or ‘Mihikatha Horawa’ in like manner by switching off lights during the period and inviting guests to participate in candlelit dinners. Guests had expressed their appreciation for the effort taken by the hotel and willingly participated in this global event that is conducted to build awareness on climate change.

Lights went off at Chaaya Wild Yala too to mark Earth Hour and guests again actively participated in this initiative. It was also noted that in all these hotels, main lights were switched off in the kitchen areas and meals were prepared using minimum usage of electricity, indicating that staff too had actively participated in supporting the initiative to sound out the need to protect planet earth against climate change.

“Protecting our planet earth should not be a phenomenon that happens for one hour each year, rather it should be the unanimous echo of all its citizens, to make practical steps to minimize the activities that causes climate change,” said Jayantissa Kehelpannala, Sector Head of Sri Lankan Resorts.