This landmark initiative represents a significant milestone in showcasing Sri Lanka's remarkable natural heritage to global audiences while positioning the island nation among the world's premier wildlife destinations.
Sri Lanka Wildlife Festival in London, hosted at the Sri Lanka High Commission Office in London, presents a curated exhibition of 65 spectacular wildlife images showcasing the island's rich biodiversity and natural beauty, expert-led sessions, and networking events with key international stakeholders and industry professionals from the conservation and tourism sectors.
As an island nation, Sri Lanka offers some of the world's most spectacular wildlife experiences.
Sri Lanka's remarkable biodiversity includes over 500 species of birds (including 33 endemic types), more than 6,000 elephants, the highest density of leopards in Asia, and diverse amphibian species.
The island is also home to "The Gathering"—the largest annual congregation of wild Asian elephants in the world at Minneriya National Park—placing Sri Lanka alongside global wildlife icons like the Serengeti and the Amazon.
The island's unique geographical position and diverse climatic zones create a kaleidoscope of habitats within a compact area, nurturing this extraordinary biodiversity that spans across the island’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
The international wildlife showcase addresses a critical gap in international wildlife tourism promotion, being the first focused wildlife celebration from Sri Lanka in the UK market. While many companies participate in events like the British Bird Fair in Rutland, their efforts have traditionally been scattered.
This pioneering initiative synergizes these efforts to present a unified showcase of Sri Lanka's strengths as a nature-based destination.
The comprehensive programme features distinguished speakers spotlighting the wonders of Sri Lanka's natural world, interactive workshops, and strategic networking opportunities designed to inspire action and partnerships while attracting eco-conscious travellers and experience seekers who value authenticity and immersive wildlife experiences.
"This festival represents a pivotal moment where Cinnamon Nature Trails emerges as our key differentiator in the global hospitality landscape," said Hishan Singhawansa, Chief Executive Officer Designate, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
"Wildlife tourism is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka's appeal, and through Cinnamon Nature Trails, we're uniquely positioned to offer guests authentic, research-driven conservation experiences that no other hospitality brand can match.
This festival demonstrates how our scientific approach to wildlife conservation creates compelling stories that not only inspire responsible travel but also establish us as thought leaders in sustainable tourism."
At the heart of this international showcase is Cinnamon Nature Trails, the conservation and research division of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, which has established itself as a leader in science-based wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism practices.
"Through the Sri Lanka Wildlife Festival, we're showcasing the data and knowledge driven sustainable wildlife tourism experiences," said Chitral Jayatilake, Vice President, Cinnamon Nature Trails.
"We aim to highlight the prevalence of a kaleidoscope of climatic zones that nurtures different habitats within the island, which gives birth to this unusual biodiversity we are blessed to have.
Our research-driven approach to wildlife conservation, from elephant studies in Minneriya to rainforest restoration, demonstrates how authentic conservation efforts can create compelling stories that inspire global travellers to choose Sri Lanka as their premier nature destination."
The event also serves as a platform for fostering collaboration across conservation and tourism stakeholders, bringing together conservationists, tourism bodies, academics, travel operators, and policy influencers.
"This festival exemplifies the power of partnerships in advancing conservation education and awareness, hence we've partnered with the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts together with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau” said Dushyantha Silva Director of Wilderness and Wildlife Foundation, Sri Lanka adding that "The inaugural Sri Lanka Wildlife Festival represents a transformative approach to conservation diplomacy."
"By partnering with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Cinnamon Nature Trails, we're showcasing how collaborative conservation efforts can drive real impact while positioning Sri Lanka as a beacon for responsible wildlife tourism that benefits both biodiversity and local communities," he further added.
The Sri Lanka Wildlife Festival is designed as an annual celebration of biodiversity, with plans to grow in scope and impact each year.
The initiative specifically targets high-value market segments including environmentalists, wildlife photographers, luxury travel media, premium travel trade operators, and corporate partners with strong ESG commitments across the UK, Europe, and Asia.
The success of this groundbreaking debut positions Sri Lanka to become a regular presence in international conservation and wildlife tourism forums, creating ongoing opportunities for knowledge exchange, partnership development, and market expansion.