SUN SIYAM PASIKUDAH LAUNCHES “CAREPHANT PROJECT” TO FOSTER BABY ELEPHANT NAMED KALO IN SRI LANKA

IN COLLABORATION WITH THE Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) & The Elephant Transit Home (ETH) in Udawalawe, Sri Lanka.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Sun Siyam Resorts group, proudly announces the launch of the CarePhant project, an initiative to foster the well-being of a young elephant named Kalo at the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) in Udawalawe, Sri Lanka.

The CarePhant project, supported by Sun Siyam Pasikudah, and in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) of Sri Lanka, embodies a profound commitment to biodiversity conservation and responsible tourism practices. By partnering with the Elephant Transit Home (ETH), Sun Siyam Pasikudah provides essential care for Kalo, who was rescued from Galenbidunuwewa in the Anuradhapura District after falling into an abandoned well near a forest area. At approximately 8 months old, he was subsequently brought to the Elephant Transit Home on March 23, 2024, where he is receiving expert care under the supervision of wildlife veterinarians from the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

On May 8, 2024, Sun Siyam Pasikudah made a steadfast commitment to Kalo’s care, vowing continuous support until his eventual release back into the wild. This initiative involves a monthly contribution of LKR 65,000.00 (approximately USD 200) from the esteemed Sun Siyam Resorts’ group-wide Sun Siyam Care Fund. As part of the CarePhant project, Sun Siyam Pasikudah has installed a display board at the Elephant Transit Home, showcasing Kalo’s journey and highlighting the resort’s commitment to wildlife conservation. This display provides guests and visitors with information about Kalo and raises awareness about the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s precious wildlife.

“We are delighted to embark on the CarePhant project and become stewards of Kalo’s well-being,” said Mr. Arshed Refai, General Manager of Sun Siyam Pasikudah. “This initiative underscores our dedication to wildlife conservation and our responsibility to safeguard Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.”

“The CarePhant project aligns with our Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land, emphasizing Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and supporting the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s efforts,” stated Upul Kumara, Sustainability Project Manager for Sun Siyam Resorts. “Through this initiative, we aim to educate our guests and the wider community about the significance of wildlife conservation and the role each of us can play in protecting our natural heritage.”

Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s participation in the CarePhant project reflects the company’s broader sustainability efforts under the Sun Siyam Cares program. This program focuses on reducing environmental impact, supporting community development, and preserving local heritage across Sun Siyam Resorts’ properties in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

For more information about Sun Siyam Cares and its sustainability initiatives, please visit www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-cares/.