Jetwing Vil Uyana Celebrates Ten Years of Loris Conservation

Thursday, 19 November 2020 00:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

This week, Jetwing Hotels celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the Loris Conservation efforts at Jetwing Vil Uyana.

When the first Northern Grey Slender Loris was glimpsed at a forest patch at the resort in 2010, few could have guessed the significance of the sighting and all the conservation effort that was to follow on the heels of the elusive nocturnal primate.

Prompt action by Jetwing’s management saw development plans for the forest patch shelved and the area comprising rich vegetation was declared as Jetwing Vil Uyana’s Loris conservation site, the first conservation area in the island dedicated to this often-neglected animal.

As the Loris population thrived in the newly declared site, Jetwing Vil Uyana Environmentalist/Assistant Manager Chaminda Jayasekara, embarked on a research project that has shed new light on their secretive habitats, as well as produced several publications on the Loris.

As the Loris Night Trail, which takes guests on an exciting nocturnal guided tour, gained popularity, the Loris Conservation Fund was put in place to further conservation initiatives as well as create awareness among the local villagers. With the most invaluable contribution being a community library and a wildlife awareness centre constructed for the school children of the area.

Today, as the Loris conservation project celebrates its 10 year anniversary, it has cemented its place as the premier destination in Sri Lanka to observe the Loris in its natural habitat, a feat that has seen Jetwing Vil Uyana host multiple videographers from renowned international organisations such as BBC Wild and National Geographic. Jetwing looks forward to welcoming more wildlife enthusiasts to discover this elusive creature at the resort in Dambulla.

Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 47 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand.

Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. In line with the Jetwing Hotels Sustainable Strategy across all properties, sustainable and responsible practices are given precedence with resource efficiency, community upliftment and education and awareness being some of their key focus areas.

For any queries, please email Jetwing Hotels Assistant Manager – Marketing Upashama Talgaswatte via [email protected] or Jetwing Hotels Executive – PR and Media Anisha Ariyaratne via [email protected]