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 in 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 Professor Sarath Kotagama – Ornithologist/Wildlife Ecologist, Patron Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, Professor Suranga Silva – Tourism Economics, University of Colombo, Sampath Siriwardena – Senior Lecturer Tourism Research Academic Circle (TRAC) and STU University of Colombo and Prasad Kapuarachchi, Founder of Wild Squad, Senior Lecturer at National Photography Society of Sri Lanka and Regional Director of Asian Wildlife Photography Club, 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 the undergraduates captured images of endemic flora and fauna while enhancing their knowledge of the 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.
Eksath Wijeratne, CEO of Browns Hotels & Resorts 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.”
Commenting on the initiative, Professor Sarath 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 the 17th of August at Excel World, Legacy Court, in an exhibition.
Browns Hotels & Resorts, the leisure arm of Browns Investments – the investment arm of the LOLC Group, presents a distinguished portfolio of properties, including Thaala Bentota, Club Hotel Dolphin Negombo, The Calm Resort and Spa Pasikuda, Hotel Sigiriya, Dickwella Resort and Spa, Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya, Occidental Paradise Dambulla and Occidental Eden Beruwala. The portfolio also features luxury boutique villas under Reveal the Collection and associate hotel, Sheraton Kosgoda. Browns Hotels & Resorts diligently strives to make a positive impact on both the environment and society through dedicated nature conservation efforts to impactful community empowerment projects.
Students on photography excursion by the Madu River
