The Origins of China Fort Beruwala’s Gem Trade

Rooted in the 8th century, China Fort’s gem trading legacy began with a cultural fusion as Somali and Arabian traders married local women. While lacking bustling gem mining operations, the neighborhood in Beruwala, originally known as Berbereen in the western province of Sri Lanka, resonates with a deep-seated gem trade tradition. China Fort has evolved into the largest market in Sri Lanka for cut and polished gemstones, drawing gem merchants from across the island and facilitating the global exchange of gemstones.

Generational Expertise: Gems of Wisdom Passed Through Time

In Beruwala, gem buyers and experts inherit a wealth of knowledge spanning generations. Growing up surrounded by gems, these individuals possess a unique skill set that often transcends formal education. The close-knit gem community has produced some of the island’s finest gem cutters and traders. While a trend towards formal gemology education is emerging, the traditional passing down of wisdom remains a cornerstone of this community. Chinafort Beruwala’s gem traders showcase an extraordinary talent—they can discern the authenticity and value of a gemstone with a mere glance or touch, a skill honed by their close relationship with gems.

The ‘Pathe’ Gem Market: A Vibrant Hub of Global Gem Trade

Situated in China Fort, Beruwala “Pathe” Gem Market is the epicenter of gem trading, drawing merchants from across the island. This is a place where a variety of rare and vibrant gemstones, sourced from both global and local mines, can be found. Every day, thousands of merchants, and buyers from around the world gather at Pathe Gem Street to trade and purchase the finest gems.

Gem Sri Lanka Exhibition: Showcasing Sri Lanka’s Gemstone Heritage at Cinnamon Bentota Beach

In celebration of Sri Lanka’s gem trade legacy and the vibrant gemstones found on the island, Chinafort Gem Trade Association (CGJTA), in partnership with the Export Development Board (EBD) & National Gem & Jewellery Authority(NGJA), hosts the Gem Sri Lanka Exhibition from 11th to 13th January 2024 at Cinnamon Bentota Beach, the luxury beach resort property of Cinnamon Hotel & Resort adjacent to Beruwala – the property mirrors the luxury and opulence synonymous with the country’s finest Gems and Jewellery.

In conversation with Rizwan Nayeem, Vice Chairman of China Fort Gem & Jewellery Traders Association, who boasts 30+ years’ experience in the gem trade industry, the Gem Sri Lanka exhibition is poised to be a celebration of the vibrant trade in precious stones within the extraordinary landscape of Sri Lanka. With the goal of harnessing the rich potential and presenting it annually to the world through showcasing a wide array of gemstones, the exhibition invites enthusiasts and experts alike to witness the splendor of Sri Lanka’s gemstone heritage.

For more information & registration for the exhibition, visit www.GSLFair.com

She was first recorded by the Cinnamon Nature Trails team back in 2012 as a 20 month old female with vibrant looks. Over the years, she wore the scars of her efforts to hold her territory with a broken canine tooth and a part of her tail lost, in a skirmish.

This legendary leopardess raised two male cubs, the popular Lance and Lucas in 2017. Given her injuries and the missing canine making it difficult for her to hunt and provide meals for her cubs, it was considered a feat to have raised two male cubs to adulthood. Although Lance passed away in early adulthood, Lucas now dominates a large area in Yala and is a star among the most dominant leopards.

Sage was one of the most elusive and majestic creatures amongst all the leopards at Yala, her stately spotted coat of fur, hanging canine, and short tail made her distinctly different and easily identifiable amongst all the Leopards of Yala. Her maternal nature and predatory instincts allowed her to bring to life and raise beautiful leopards. She was seen with a cub of around 2 to 3 months even in as recent times as February 2021. Upon her passing, she’s left behind a young six-month-old cub whose future is uncertain without its guiding light – the mother leopard.

Although we may never see Sage in the wilderness again, we’re excited to witness the feats and adventures of her offspring Lucas and the new born. Her legacy will live on through them. So do visit the Yala National Park and enjoy the story of Sage continue through her descendants.

Yala is situated 195km away from Colombo and is around a 6-hour drive from Colombo. Make your stay worthwhile and comfortable by staying with us at Cinnamon Wild Yala which is situated in close proximity to the Yala National Park. We provide the perfect combination of comfort, luxury and nature. Let Cinnamon Nature Trails curate the perfect safari experience for you and let our inhouse naturalists and wildlife experts guide you through your adventures to catch a glimpse of Sage’s offspring and keep her memory alive!

1. Majestic origins and timeless rituals: With an origin rooted in centuries passed, The Esala Perahera in Kandy is one of the oldest and most significant of all Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese term ‘Perahera’ refers to a procession of ceremonial musicians, drummers, dancers, singers, acrobats, whip crackers, flag bearers, sword carriers, fireball dancers and various other performers accompanied by a large number of elaborately adorned elephants parading the streets in celebration of a religious event. Primarily hosted to honour the sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, the Esela Perahera is also conducted with the intention of beseeching blessings from the divinities for bountiful rains and a prosperous harvest, as well as an intercession to shower blessings on the people.

2. The illustrious ten-day festival: commences with the ‘Kap Situveema’ – a ritual where young jackfruit trees are planted in the premises of each of the four ‘Devales’ (Shrines of God) dedicated to the four ‘Guardian Gods’ Natha, Vishnu, Katharagama and Pattini, and ends with the traditional ‘Diya Kepeema’ – a water cutting ceremony which is held at the Mahaweli River at Getambe in Kandy.

3. A flamboyant fusion of history, culture and religion: Exploring every facet of Sri Lankan culture and Buddhist heritage, the Esala Perahera features an endless variety of traditional local dances, including graceful Kandyan dances, striking whip and fire dances and many other folklore inspired performances. During each perahera, a myriad of festively dressed Kandyan drummers, eastern percussionists, singers and acrobats along with mahouts chaperoning dazzlingly embellished tuskers and elephants take to the streets to illuminate and enliven the procession. The entire route of the procession is decorated with countless lights which are beautifully synchronized with the proceedings and performances of each Perahera.

4. An idyllic base in the heart of the bustling festivities: Located 116km away from Colombo, in Sri Lanka’s scenic Hill Country, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy is nestled in the heart of the city of Kandy, making it the ideal base for those traveling from far and wide to view the Perahera. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Knuckles Mountain Range shrouded in varying degrees of mist, and built to resemble the majestic realm of the last Sinhalese kings, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy takes you on an enchanting cultural journey and tells you an ancient tale of its own. The resort bears many vivid features in the form of vibrant tones of red and traditional Kandyan art, which evoke a rich cultural presence and a true sense of regal luxury. Cinnamon Citadel’s ample verdant gardens which are located near a tranquil bend in the Mahaweli River offer a quaint and tranquil atmosphere for guests to relax and unwind after a long and exuberant day of crowding alongside the streets to witness the magnificent Esala Perahera.

5. This year, the Kandy Esala Perahera is scheduled to take place from 16th to 26th August in its usual series of colourful Kumbal Peraheras, Randoli Peraheras and vivacious ritualistic ceremonies – all of which will culminate in yet another iconic celebration of Sri Lanka’s authentic historical and cultural heritage.

Plan your stay in Kandy with Cinnamon Citadel via http://www.cinnamonhotels.com/en/cinnamoncitadelkandy

Popularly known for its sustainable and pioneering conservation initiatives to protect Sri Lanka’s rainforests, oceans, and biodiversity as a whole, Cinnamon Nature Trails offers wildlife tours to travellers and guests, both within Sri Lanka and overseas.

With this year’s theme for World Oceans Day being around “Life and Livelihoods”, we continue to spearhead and partner with national bodies and institutions to introduce initiatives to save our oceans.

One such initiative: Sustainable Whale Watching – with the sighting of the lost Whale in 2009 – a Blue Whale in Trincomalee, has led the whale watching team to engage local coastal communities in their excursions. This enables them to earn an additional income, supplementing their usual fishing earnings with over 03 months during the season.

Fostering the protection of corals at Pigeon Island – Cinnamon Nature Trails in partnership with the Department of Wildlife and Conservation (DWC) sustainably removes nearly 300 Crown-Of-Thorns starfish (COTS) – an invasive plant, three times a year, from the area, in order to protect the coral reef. COTS are marine invertebrates that feed on coral, thriving naturally on reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. However, when conditions are optimum COTS are able to reach plague proportions – devastating hard coral communities.

As an ongoing initiative since 2019, Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon works as an integral part of the beach care-taker programme – initiated by the Marine Environment Protection Authority, wherein Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon maintains cleanliness of the 1km beach adjoining the hotel with the help of staff and beach operators.

In addition, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives working in tandem with local experts have begun re-growing new coral colonies from coral fragments – a coral propagating project, which focuses on the pre-emptive restoration and rejuvenation of reefs affected by coral bleaching. Creating artificial reef structures, with corals maricultured in nurseries to be transplanted on the bare substrate, the project has been ongoing for 18 months with 24 structures already planted and is expected to be one of the most successful artificial coral reef propagation projects in the Maldives.

Following in suit – Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon began the creation and planting of artificial coral houses within the inner reef on 6th June 2021. This project aims to aid in the protection and growth of aquatic ecosystems and small fish marine life.

As a purpose-led brand that believes in creating a balance with nature and connecting with communities as part of its overall sustainability approach, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is guided by this purpose in every aspect of its business, from how they care for their people and communities, to their commitment to creating a healthier planet; and preserving the beautiful destinations that they operate in for generations to come.

With this in mind, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives have curated an array of splendid stay packages with the promise of luxurious and captivating experiences and Instagrammable moments throughout the stay. This Eid, experience the dazzling tropical beauty, away from the hustle and bustle of the city with Cinnamon Hotels and Hotel in the Maldives.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

Experience a lavish royal Eid with Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, a luxury abode located in the middle of stunning blue waters with panoramic views and rolling turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean. The resort offers three special packages ensuring the perfect staycation during Eid. The first package includes a Waster Bungalow, a 50-min Balinese Massage spa treatment for two, a special beach dinner for two with two complimentary excursions during the stay.

For those who may wish to celebrate this special holiday with a flawless view, the next curated package would suit best. This package offers a Sunset Water Bungalow, a 50-min Balinese Massage for two, a special beach dinner for two with two complimentary excursions during the stay. For those of you looking for an exclusive offering during Eid, the third package would be the ideal deal. This includes a spectacular Water Suite, a 60-min Balinese Massage for 2, a special beach dinner for two and two complimentary excursions during the stay.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

Known for its in-house reef with second to none views and hedged by lush greenery and photogenic waves, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is the perfect place to celebrate this special holiday with family and loved ones. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers a special Eid package exceeding all expectations. The package includes a stunning Water Bungalow, a 60-min Balinese Massage for two, a special beach dinner for two and two complimentary excursions during the stay.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Known for its exceptional location surrounding the Pasts Point surf break and postcard-perfect views, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, is surely a surfer’s paradise. Catch a wave while celebrating this Eid at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives. The resort offers four curated stay packages; the first package offers a Water Bungalow, a 50-min Balinese Massage for two, a special beach dinner for two with two complimentary excursions during the stay.

The second package offers a junior beach suit, a 50-min Balinese Massage for two, a special beach dinner for two and two complimentary excursions during the stay. The next package offers an Over Water Suite, a 50-min Balinese Massage for two, a special beach dinner for two with two complimentary excursions during the stay. The fourth package offers a stunning beach suite with pool, a 50-min Balinese Massage for two, a special beach dinner for two and two complimentary excursions during the stay.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

Experience the private ambiance of luxury and epitome of opulence this Eid at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives. The resort consists of two islands, the Main Island, and the Platinum Island. Couples could celebrate the special holiday tucked away in seclusion and luxury. The first package includes a beautiful Water Bungalow, a 60-min spa treatment for two, a special beach dinner for two and two complimentary excursions during the stay. The second package offers a Platinum Beach Bungalow located in the Platinum Island, a 60-min spa treatment for two, a special beach dinner for two with two complimentary excursions during the stay.

Celebrate this Eid in the tropics with Cinnamon and indulge in truly luxury escape with family and loved ones and experience ultimate holiday staycation with the warmth of luxury. With an array of joyful activities and surprises lined up for kids, Eid with Cinnamon in the Maldives will surely be a remarkable experience. For more details visit on packages and offer visit: Sri Lanka Hotels and Resorts | Specials at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

With Easter on the horizon, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives have begun to prepare an array of gourmet delicacies and other nods of traditional treats including decadent Easter Eggs, hot cross buns to welcome the much-awaited Easter Bunny. What’s more to this are the alluring Easter packages designed by the four Cinnamon properties in the Maldives for families, couples and friends looking for the perfect tropical getaway during Easter.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

Celebrate the dawn of Easter at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, a tropical luxury heaven in the paradise island, Maldives. The resort offers three curated Easter stay packages which includes a number of special offerings. The first package offers a Waster Bungalow, a 50-min Balinese Massage spa treatment for two, a special Easter beach dinner for two, two complimentary bottles of Sparkling wine during stay as well as one in-resort excursion during the stay. For those who may wish to celebrate Easter with a stunning view, the next curated package would suit best.

This package offers a Sunset Water Bungalow, a 50-min Balinese Massage for two, a special Easter beach dinner for two with two complimentary bottles of Sparkling wine during the stay followed by a complimentary in-resort excursion during the stay. For those of you looking for an exclusive offering this Easter, the third package would be the ideal deal. This includes a spectacular Water Suite, a 60-min Balinese Massage for 2, a special beach dinner for two, two complimentary bottles of Sparkling wine during the stay, and one in-resort excursion during the stay.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon