Occidental Paradise Dambulla and Sri Lanka Cricket team up for a winning initiative

Secluded amidst the wild jungles of historical Dambulla and in close proximity to a UNESCO Heritage site, Occidental Paradise Dambulla is a call to a luxurious adventure with nature and a journey into Sri Lanka’s ancient past. In keeping with the Hotel’s commitment to its surrounding environment and preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage, Occidental Paradise recently partnered with members of the Sri Lanka Cricket Team to carry out a Shramadana campaign. Hotel staff and key national players such as pacer Binura Fernando, leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and all-rounders Lahiru Madushanka and Janith Liyanage set aside their busy schedules to lend a helping hand in the clearing and preservation of the path leading to the nearby Kalu Pokuna or Kaludiya Pokuna, a historical site that houses the ruins of an ancient monastery.

Shramadana which translates to ‘Gift of Labor,’ was indeed a shared effort by all to clear the route to the water pool and famous ruins by making it more accessible to anyone who wishes to visit. From clearing the overgrowth of shrubbery and debris to an extensive fumigation process, each individual worked diligently and as a team to ensure the campaign was an overall success.

Located on the slopes of the Eravalagala hills, which is a mile and a half to the southeast of Kumbukkandanwala in Dambulla, the complex consists of well-planned buildings positioned around the pond. Its design and architecture is a testament to the advanced hydraulic civilization of the time with artificial moats running through certain buildings, making it a unique site for preservation. As Kalu Pokuna is located in close proximity to Occidental Paradise and serves as a point of interest for hotel visitors, it was the quintessential choice for the initiative.

Commenting on the collaboration, Group General Manager of Browns Hotels & Resorts, Eksath Wijeratne said, “The environmental campaign is one of the many initiatives that has been implemented by Browns Hotels & Resorts. Humanitarian efforts to help local citizens during the economic downturn, sponsoring of preschools, beach clean-ups and working in partnership with community centers, are some of the activities that were carried out in order to give back to the community and the environment.”

LOLC Group’s investments in the leisure sector are clustered under Browns Investments, which maintains controlling interest in a number of properties in iconic locations locally and overseas. The portfolio currently consists of Avani Bentota Resort, Club Hotel Dolphin, Dickwella Resort & Spa, Hotel Sigiriya, The Calm Resort & Spa, Occidental Paradise Dambulla,

The Eden Beruwala, 05 boutique properties under Reveal and Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort. A further 2 projects; including a 5-star resort in Beruwala and Port City Mega Leisure development comprising of a 5-star city hotel are scheduled to be unveiled in the near future. Additionally, there is a series of offshore investments with Raddison Blue Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa in Mauritius and 5 upcoming developments in the Maldives with Nasandhura Palace Hotel & Apartment Complex, Hulhumale Resort, Browns Raa Resort, Bodufhinalu (Browns Ari Resort) and Bodhufaru Beach Resort.