Experts talk on Sri Lanka’s wildlife conservation
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Leopards at play. Pic by Rukshan Jayewardene
‘Where is wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka today?’ – A series of presentations by renowned research scientists / conservationists followed by a panel discussion will be held on Thursday, May 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jasmine Hall, BMICH.
Held in celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS) this special interactive edition of its monthly lecture series will have short presentations (15 minutes each) by four experts in their field covering four major issues affecting conservation in Sri Lanka today.
The WNPS hopes that all those interested in the future protection of the wild animals and wild places of Sri Lanka will attend, and actively contribute to this most important discussion.
The panel of experts will comprise:
Moderator – Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya
Dr. Pilapitiya, a former Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), in the short time he was in office introduced a practice of good governance that was greatly appreciated by all of the stakeholders in conservation apart, of course, by Government. He is currently a Consultant to the World Bank for its conservation projects in the South Asian region, including its ESCAMP project in Sri Lanka.
The conservation of leopards – Rukshan Jayewardene
Immediate Past President of the WNPS, Rukshan Jayewardene’s name has become synonymous with that of the study of wild leopards. He has co-authored a book on these fascinating creatures, particularly those in the Yala National Park.
Human – elephant conflict – Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando
For the last quarter of a century, Dr. Fernando has extensively studied the Asian Elephant, especially the Sri Lankan elephant, and is currently Chairperson of the Centre for Conservation and Research (CCR) that conducts research for mitigating the human-elephant conflict and conserving elephants.
Marine conservation–Dr Nishan Perera
Dr. Perera is a Marine Biologist and underwater photographer with an interest in coral reef ecology, fisheries and marine protected area management.
Conservation of birds – Dr. Sampath Seneviratne
The current President of the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL), Dr. Seneviratne has made the conservation of Sri Lanka’s birds a mission of his life.