Sanka Abeysinghe, Senior Ranger Specialist at Hilton Yala Resort, completes FGASA NQF 2 Field Guide qualification and connects with the association’s senior leadership 

Hilton Yala Resort continues to strengthen its commitment to internationally recognised wildlife guiding and responsible nature-based tourism, with Sanka Abeysinghe, Senior Ranger Specialist at Hilton Yala Resort, successfully completing his FGASA NQF 2 Field Guide qualification in South Africa. 

The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) is recognised for establishing professional standards in nature guiding and developing field guides through structured education, practical training and assessment. Sanka’s achievement further enhances the depth of expertise within Hilton Yala Resort’s ranger team and supports the resort’s focus on delivering knowledgeable, responsible and engaging wildlife experiences. 

During his time in South Africa, Sanka also had the opportunity to meet Michelle Bishop, Managing Director of FGASA, and Bernice Kelly, Standards & Operations Manager at FGASA. The interaction provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on professional guiding, international standards, ranger development and the importance of meaningful interpretation in connecting guests with the natural environment. 

For Hilton Yala Resort, situated alongside the remarkable wilderness of Yala National Park, the development represents another step in strengthening the resort’s wildlife-led guest experience. Through continued investment in professional development and internationally recognised qualifications, the resort aims to bring global guiding standards together with the deep local knowledge of Sri Lanka’s ecosystems and wildlife. 

Sanoj Perera, Director of Marketing & Communication at Hilton Yala Resort, said: “Our rangers are at the heart of how our guests experience and understand the wilderness of Yala. Sanka’s achievement reflects our continued commitment to investing in our people and connecting local expertise with internationally recognised standards. Experiences such as these allow our team to bring back new perspectives, knowledge and best practices that ultimately enrich the journeys we create for our guests.” 

Beyond traditional wildlife viewing, Hilton Yala Resort continues to place education, interpretation and conservation awareness at the centre of its nature-based experiences. Its ranger-led programming is designed to encourage guests to understand the wider ecosystem of Yala, from its celebrated wildlife to its landscapes, birdlife and biodiversity. 

Sanka’s latest qualification further contributes to this approach, enabling knowledge gained through the FGASA framework to be shared among the resort’s wider ranger team and incorporated into guest experiences. 

Through the continued professional development of its rangers, Hilton Yala Resort remains focused on creating wildlife encounters that are not only memorable, but also informed, respectful and rooted in a deeper appreciation of the natural world.