Yala is God’s Patch of Land for Leopards Says World Renowned Wildlife Celebrities Jonathan & Angelina Scott of Sri Lanka's Yala National Park

21st July 2011, www.ft.lk

“If ever God created a patch of land for the leopards in this world, it must be Yala National Park in Sri Lanka” said the world renowned wild life celebrities Jonathan and Angelina Scott addressing the audience at a special event held to present their work on leopards at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel on 09th July. Expressing their views on this Jonathan and Angie Scott further said that “In other wild life parks around the world, leopards are under the threat from predators like Lions and hyenas. But in Sri Lanka they don’t face such situation, they are free to move about and more secured in the wild than other leopards in the world “.

Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park is recognized of having one of the highest densities of leopard population in the world and this comment made by Jonathan and Angelina is certainly going to compliment this position held by the national park.

The two celebrities were touring in Sri Lanka for the first time and spent twelve days experience the Local culture, rich history and heritage of Sri Lanka and studying the Leopards of Sri Lanka at the Yala National park. Lead by the Head of Wild Life Tourism for John Keells Hotels Chitral Jayatilake and the Nature Trails team, Jonathan and Angela were able to make seventeen sightings of leopards in Yala and captured tremendous images of their behavior in the wild, which is said to be one of the best collection of leopard photographs ever taken in their natural environment. These photographs will no doubt showcase the most sought after animal of Sri Lanka in the wild as one of Sri Lanka’s tourism icons to the world.

Jonathan and Angie Scott live in Kenya in Africa and spend much of their time in the company of African wildlife. Their wildlife photography, wildlife pencil drawings, and wildlife books have won awards and recognition for their work throughout the world.

Big cats have been the focus of much of Jonathan and Angie’s work and the basis for a number of books including three titles accompanying the hugely popular BBC television series Big Cat Diary or Big Cat Week that Jonathan co-presents.

Angie takes the production stills for the series and is a game spotter.

John Keells Hotels together with Nations Trust Bank and American Express have organized the special event held for Jonathan & Angie Scott to present their work at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo and share with the audience their latest film, shot in Africa about the secret leopard.

Related Info :

• Two More zones Open at Yala National Park, the Second Largest in Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka to Permit Eco Friendly Hotels in Buffer Zones of Nature Reserves to Cater to Increased Local & International Interest

• National Parks to be developed in Sri Lanka

• Newsweek Highlights Sri Lanka as a Luxury Tourist Destination for a Much Varied Holiday

Sri Lanka to Permit Eco Friendly Hotels in Buffer Zones of Nature Reserves to Cater to Increased Local & International Interest

30th June 2011, www.lankabusinessonline.com

Sri Lanka will permit eco-friendly hotels in buffer zones adjacent to nature reserves to cater to increased local and international interest in the island's wildlife assets, a government minister said.

Aranya Resort - Yala

Deputy economic development minister Lakshman Abeywardene said discussions would start with wildlife protection authorities next month to change existing laws and develop guidelines to regulate resorts in buffer zones.

"More than just beach tourism there is interest in building eco-friendly hotels," Abeywardene said.

"We are talking to wildlife authorities to develop guidelines."

In Sri Lanka protected areas are under the department of wildlife or the department of forests.

Abeywardene said investors were also keen to protect nature now.

"Investors now do not want to damage the environment," he said. "That is helping us a lot. They come looking for nature reserves."

Aranya Resort - Yala

Abeywardene said there had been massive protests when a hotel was built near the banks of a tank in Kandalama in Sri Lanka's central province but ultimately no damage has been done as claimed by protestors.

Jetwing Leisure group's Yala Safari Lodge, a resort that was destroyed in the 2004 tsunami, was also in a buffer zone for decades. Industry officials say the hotel had even provided resources for authorities to keep water holes filled during droughts.

Vil Uyana, a resort started by Jetwing, was built around a man-made wetland.

Abeywardene said the sea around the Hikkaduwa beach tourism area in the South West coast has been declared a protected coral reserve from this week.

Guidelines had also been issued on boat use.

Related Info :

• Sri Lanka's Wildlife Sanctuaries Reopened. Kumana, a Bird Sanctuary and Lahugala, a Wildlife Park Famed for Elephants

• Elephant Reach Plans Three more Hotels to Promoting Agro, Spiritual & Eco Tourism in the Face of Increasing Demand

• Six Sri Lankan Villages Selected for Eco Tourism under Community Tourism Development Program

Sorowwa Resort, Habarana, Latest Attraction to the Cultural Hub of Sri Lanka

29th April 2010, www.dailymirror.lk, By Sanath Weerasuriya

Surrounded by a number of nature sanctuaries, home to thousands of colourful (migrating) birds and wild elephants, ‘Sorowwa Resort’ in Habarana ideallly location for cultural and natural excursions as well as indulgence in the beauty of nature and serenity.

‘Sorowwa Resort and Spa’ is the latest attraction to the cultural hub.

'This is actually the best location for all wildlife lovers and the top wildlife sanctuaries are situated just half an hour away. Minneriya, Kaudulla, Huruluwewa and Ritigala is at very close proximity' said Dr. M. Nawaz Jiffrey, the proprietor of the 'Sorowwa Resort and Spa'.

Dr. Nawaz, a professional medical practitioner, attached to the Gampola Hospital, has a dream from his childhood days. That is to become a top hotelier one day.

‘Sorowwa Resort & Spa' is built on the exact spot where Royalty of yore had their preferred pleasure garden and weva in Habarana.

The original ‘sorowwa’ of Habarana Weva is still in tact and the hotel is built on the same land by the Weva close to the sorowwa.

‘This is the main reason I have called this place ‘Sorowwa’. As a born nature lover and cultured man, I always respect our Sri Lankan traditional values. This same thing I have introduced in to the system of the hotel too' Dr Nawaz explained.

‘Sorowwa’ has 23 rooms including 14 deluxe, 6 super deluxe, one VIP room and two rooms at the ground level for the disabled . This is the only place I have come across with such facilities for differently abled people . Apart from the usual hospitality service, Sorowwa offers a step further in serving their guests.

‘In this place of sheer tranquility, an exalted level of personalized hospitality is all yours. From the moment you arrive to be greeted by our staff with a warm smile coming straight from their heart, you will begin to feel that you have finally arrived at that place you have always dreamed of, so abandon your self unto blissful comfort, total relaxation and peace' he added.

In keeping with the old traditions of the area, ‘Sorowwa’ offers traditional Sri Lankan cuisine along with all the other global dishes at the main restaurant 'Keketiya'. Rooftop is 'Balungala' and 'Ganganatha' is the pool bar.

'This is a family resort and we serve according to family choice. An exotic spread of succulent eastern and western dishes by Chef Bandara are the speciality of 'Keketiya' said Chaminda Amerasinghe, the Manager of the place.

‘Sorowwa’ is within easy reach of so many magnificent spots of exciting wild life, historically and culturally rich sites for which Sri Lanka is famous for. Sigiriya (1/2 hour drive), Minneriya (15 minute drive), Ritigala (1/2 hour drive), Dambulla ( 1/2 hour drive), Polonnaruwa 45 minute drive), Anuradhapura (45 minute drive), Trincomalee (1 1/2 hour drive), Pasi Kuda (1 1/2 hour drive) and Knuckles is about 2 1/2 hour drive are some of the top attractions and sites close to the Resort.

Honeymooners too are assured of a most memorable stay which they would enjoy their new life together - Adding more buzz to it are majestic elephant rides and exciting wild-life excursions.

For more details call 066 2270332 / 3 or log on to www.sorowwa.com