Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts introduces ‘The Gathering of Giants’ event

From left: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer Hishan Singhawansa, Centre for Conservation and Research Sri Lanka Chairman, Trustee and Scientist Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando, Cinnamon Nature Trails Vice President Chitral Jayatilake, Seylan Bank Assistant General Manager – Marketing and Sales Asiri Abhayaratne, Seylan Cards Head Ruchith Liyanage, and Consultant Cinnamon Nature Trails, Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Vimukthi Weeratunga

 From left: Trustee and Scientist (CCR Sri Lanka) Chairman Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando, Cinnamon Nature Trails Vice President Chitral Jayatilake, Cinnamon Nature Trails Consultant and Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Vimukthi Weeratunga and Moderator Sheranga Rajasuriya at the gathering of giants event of  celebration of the largest Asian elephant gathering press briefing in Colombo 

• A celebration of the largest Asian elephant gathering

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts will introduce ‘The Gathering of Giants,’ an immersive educative weekend from 9 to 11 August at the Cinnamon Habarana Complex.

A unique event aimed to transform the annual natural phenomenon of the world’s largest gathering of Asian elephants – the ‘Elephant Gathering’ into a celebrated and educational experience for all, this spectacular gathering, recognised as the highest concentration of Asian elephants in a single location, occurs at Minneriya National Park, where the Minneriya tank sustains more than 300 elephants during the dry season.

Situated close to Minneriya National Park, the Cinnamon Habarana Lodge and Habarana Village by Cinnamon (collectively known as the Cinnamon Habarana Complex) offer guests matchless opportunities to witness this awe-inspiring event. ‘The Gathering of Giants’ event hosted by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts together with Cinnamon Nature Trails and Seylan Bank, aims to treasure, conserve, and celebrate this natural wonder, emphasising the need for peaceful human-elephant co-existence and effective conflict management.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer Hishan Singhawansa said: “‘The Gathering of Giants’ truly symbolises our commitment to conservation and sustainability. At Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, we believe in the power of education and awareness to drive positive change. Through our collaboration with Cinnamon Nature Trails, we strive to champion conservation efforts and promote the importance of harmonious human-elephant co-existence.”

This signature event aligns perfectly with the ethos of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. The annual gathering, occurring from July to October, sees smaller elephant herds from surrounding habitats congregate at the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. This congregation, fuelled by the diminishing water and food resources in other areas, provides a spectacular sight as the elephants socialise, bathe, drink, feed, and potentially find mates.

Recognised as the sixth-largest animal gathering globally by Lonely Planet and acclaimed by BBC and CNN, this natural phenomenon offers visitors a unique and memorable experience.

Cinnamon Sri Lanka Resorts Area Vice President and Cinnamon Bentota Beach General Manager Johan Aschan said: “‘The Gathering of Giants’ significantly enhances the appeal of the Cinnamon Habarana Complex as a key player in sustainable tourism. By promoting this extraordinary natural event, we not only draw attention to the unique wildlife experiences Sri Lanka offers but also highlight our dedication to preserving these experiences for future generations.”

‘The Gathering of Giants’ event will feature local and international guest speakers, including a celebrated wildlife conservationist and author from India, Valmik Thapar, the guest speaker at the event who has dedicated over 48 years to wildlife and tiger conservation, authoring 39 books and serving on multiple Government committees, including the National Board of Wildlife and the Prime Minister’s Tiger Task Force. 

Other leading experts speaking at ‘The Gathering of Giants’ will include Centre for Conservation and Research Chairman, Trustee and Scientist Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando, Elephant Ethologist and National Action Plan for Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation Project Lead Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, and Sri Lankan biodiversity scientist and recent winner of the Linnean Medal Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda. These experts will provide insights into the importance of conserving the elephant gathering and its significance to Sri Lanka.

Together with Cinnamon Nature Trails, the wildlife and nature-based tourism arm of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, and in collaboration with Seylan Bank, ‘The Gathering of Giants’ event highlights Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation. Through strategic initiatives and educational efforts, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts aims to safeguard and celebrate the elephant gathering, ensuring it remains a cherished natural wonder for future generations.

Cinnamon said ‘The Gathering of Giants’ is not just an event; it is a testament to the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it. By aligning the Cinnamon Habarana Complex with this extraordinary phenomenon, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts continues to promote sustainable tourism and enhance the global recognition of Sri Lanka’s unique wildlife heritage.

– Pix by Ruwan Walpola