Today, I had the opportunity to revisit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka after almost five years. My last visit was on March 30, 2018, when I participated in a Photo Walk for Google Local Guides. That memorable event was made even more special by the presence of a fellow Local Guide, Tarala Nayana Dharmakumara @TaralaNayanaD . Sadly, Tarala passed away in September 2022, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of the Google Local Guides community in Sri Lanka.
Here is the video recap of the photo walk.
Tarala was a true friend and mentor to many of us, always ready to lend a helping hand and encourage fellow Local Guides in our beautiful country. As I walked through the paths of the Elephant Orphanage, I couldn’t help but feel Tarala’s presence, reminding me of the wonderful memories we shared during that Photo Walk.
There have been some changes at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage over the years, but the essence of this unique place remains the same. I am grateful for the opportunity to revisit this iconic site and pay tribute to a dear friend who contributed so much to the Google Local Guides community. If you’d like to take a trip down memory lane, here’s a link to the recap of our Photo Walk in 2018.
Dear Tarala, may you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana. Your legacy will live on through the Google Local Guides in Sri Lanka.
@IlankovanT @KashifMisidia @vijaih @Seedra
#PinnawalaElephantOrphanage #LocalGuides #SriLanka #TributeToTarala #GoogleLocalGuides
. Even I met him only once, for some 4 hours, but after meeting him, we became great friends.