Shangri-La Hambantota & B. P. De Silva: Champions of Sri Lankan Heritage on World Tourism Day
October 5, 2023 at
4:59 PM
Phases: Uplifting Sri Lanka’s Caddie Community and Celebrating the Sri Lankan Elephant for Wildlife Conservation Commitment
On World Tourism Day, Shangri-La Hambantota and B. P. De Silva came together to create a historic moment that celebrated sport, culture, and community in Sri Lanka. They hosted the nation’s first-ever National Caddie Tournament on the illustrious greens of Shangri-La Hambantota’s 18-hole golf course, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s sporting history.
B. P. De Silva, the visionary sponsor of the event, joined forces with Shangri-La Hambantota in a partnership aimed at uplifting the caddie community and revolutionizing golfing in Sri Lanka. This initiative was a fitting tribute to B. P. De Silva’s 150th Anniversary in Singapore, aligning perfectly with the World Tourism Day theme of ‘Tourism and Green Investment,’ which emphasizes investments that benefit people, the planet, and prosperity. The event showcased the commitment of these two entities to both the local community and the tourism industry.
The tournament was a thrilling spectacle, bringing together 42 caddies from seven distinguished golf clubs and resorts across Sri Lanka. It celebrated their dedication to the sport, with spectators witnessing remarkable shots, strategic plays, and moments of pure sportsmanship that unveiled hidden golfing brilliance.
The crowning of the first-ever champions added to the historic significance of the day. A. D. L. M. Ranasinghe from the Sri Lanka Army emerged as the winner, with P. W. A. D. Pushpakumara, also from the Sri Lanka Army, claiming the Runner-Up title. O. M. Niroshani from Victoria Golf Club received the Special Prize for Ladies, highlighting the event’s inclusivity.
Mr. Refhan Razeen, General Manager of Shangri-La Hambantota, expressed his enthusiasm for this pioneering event, emphasizing the resort’s commitment to transforming the golfing landscape in Sri Lanka. He acknowledged the pivotal role that caddies play in the golfing experience and vowed to shine a spotlight on their talent, ushering in a new era for the sport.
Chairman of B. P. De Silva Holdings, Mr. Sunil Amarasuriya, shared his motivation behind sponsoring this occasion. During his visit to Shangri-La Hambantota, he recognized the potential to nurture the talents of caddies across Sri Lanka. This event underscored their longstanding commitment to promoting cultural and sporting excellence.
Shangri-La Hambantota’s 18-hole golf course, often hailed as the best in the country, stood as a testament to the resort’s dedication to providing world-class golfing experiences. Hosting the historic tournament on these pristine greens showcased the resort’s unwavering commitment to the sport and its profound impact on Sri Lanka’s golfing scene.
World Tourism Day served as a platform for Shangri-La Hambantota and B. P. De Silva to emphasize their profound commitment to enriching the golfing culture in Sri Lanka. This event not only recognized the contributions of caddies but also paved the way for an exciting and promising future for golf enthusiasts and professionals alike. Importantly, their commitment extends beyond the tournament as they aspire to continue supporting and empowering the caddie community, creating opportunities for growth and development within the sport.
In addition to the Caddie Tournament, Shangri-La Hambantota and B. P. De Silva undertook another remarkable initiative on World Tourism Day. They partnered with wildlife artist Thushara Dissanayake to unveil “Thushara – The Artist Who Listens to Elephants,” a stunning coffee table book featuring exquisite paintings of Sri Lankan elephants.
This launch was not only a celebration of artistic excellence but also a commitment to wildlife conservation and the preservation of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. The paintings within the book captured the majestic beauty and profound importance of elephants, revered symbols of cultural and ecological significance in Sri Lanka.
Chairman of B. P. De Silva, Mr. Amarasuriya, expressed his delight at uniting with Shangri-La Hambantota in this noble cause. Their history, steeped in cultural heritage, underscores their responsibility towards preserving natural heritage.
Mr. Refhan Razeen, the General Manager of Shangri-La Hambantota, highlighted how this coffee table book symbolized the transformative power of art, raising awareness about the urgent need for wildlife conservation. Notably, the book’s artistry was created by their very own artist from the Artisan Village, Thushara, symbolizing their dedication to shining a light on hidden talent.
For Shangri-La Hambantota, elephants hold a special place in their ethos, exemplified by “Moon Moon,” their beloved elephant mascot. Moon Moon, an artistic collaboration with Hong Kong-born artist Man Fung-Yi and her husband Mok Yat-San, features a sculpture of a baby elephant symbolizing peace, strength, and tolerance. This sculpture embodies values of peaceful co-existence, mutual respect, and sustainability.
In alignment with the book’s theme of elephants and conservation, Shangri-La Hambantota announced the adoption of a baby elephant as a younger sibling for Moon Moon. This commitment reaffirms their dedication to wildlife conservation and the protection of these magnificent creatures.
“The Artist Who Listens to Elephants” is more than an art collection; it’s a call to protect and preserve our planet’s diverse and endangered wildlife. Through this partnership, Shangri-La Hambantota and B. P. De Silva pledge to make a meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, World Tourism Day 2023 witnessed Shangri-La Hambantota and B. P. De Silva leaving indelible marks on Sri Lanka’s cultural and environmental landscape. Their commitment to uplifting communities, fostering talent, and preserving natural heritage shines as a beacon of hope for a brighter future. These initiatives aren’t isolated events; they represent the ongoing dedication of these entities to make a positive and lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s tourism and conservation scene.
