Keeping watch in the dead of night
Sea turtles, whose existence dates back over 100 million years, remain vital to marine ecosystem balance. However, they continue to face increasing threats in Sri Lanka.
Enter the Pearl Protectors who dedicate their nights to protecting Sri Lanka’s nesting sea turtles.
The Turtle Patrol Volunteer Recognition Ceremony 2026, organised by The Pearl Protectors, brought together volunteers, conservationists, academic partners, and government representatives in a heartwarming gathering on April 24 at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, to celebrate the movement.
Commitment to conservation: The volunteers at the felicitation ceremony
The evening began with an inspiring welcome by Muditha Katuwawala, Executive Director of The Pearl Protectors, who highlighted the scale and impact of this year’s efforts. The 2026 Turtle Patrol programme ran for 84 nights from January 6 to March 31 with over 151 volunteers across the beaches of Dehiwala North, Dehiwala South, and Mount Lavinia. The programme aimed to conserve 17,713 sea turtle eggs, reflecting the growing scale of the initiative.
Throughout the three months, 205 patrols were conducted by 151 volunteers who generously gave their time and effort towards the work. In recognition of their service and commitment, 94 volunteers were honoured during the ceremony for their outstanding contribution to marine conservation.
Muditha Katuwawala of the Pearl Protectors speaking at the event
Compared to previous years, 2026 showed strong progress in conservation impact and coordination. Patrols were conducted nightly from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m, often under challenging weather conditions, supported by structured training, data-driven methodology, and collaboration with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard.
A key highlight of this year’s programme was the focused monitoring of coastal sound and light pollution, with the support given by the patrol team throughout the patrol season. Valuable data on how lighting and excessive noise from along nesting beaches may disrupt turtle and hatchling behaviours was recorded.
1,292 Hatchlings were safely released back into the ocean.
This year’s findings highlight challenges including plastic pollution, poaching, habitat destruction, and coastal light disturbances. Beach-side human activity such as artificial lighting, loud music, and flash photography was observed to disrupt nesting behaviour, leading to false crawls, nest abandonment, and hatchling disorientation.
The report also emphasizes wider environmental concerns such as dumping and burning of waste, wastewater discharge into the ocean, encroachment, and the loss of safe nesting habitats, calling for urgent conservation action.
Key stakeholders addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of collaboration and long-term conservation responsibility.
Demonstrating the importance of local government involvement in community-led environmental conservation efforts, the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council extended valuable support to this year’s Turtle Patrol initiative. Collaboration with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Department of Wildlife Conservation Department of Wildlife Conservation emphasised the need for stronger beach protection measures. Resource limitations were noted while continuing their support for conservation efforts.
Academic collaboration was further strengthened this year, with the University of Colombo joining the Turtle Patrol research initiative for the first time. Dr. Kalpani Marasinghe, Ms. Wathmini De Silva, and Prof. Mayuri Wijesinghe contributed significantly to the research and reporting process.
Other academic and student contributors included Ms. Chathurika De Zoysa from Ocean University and Dr. Indunil Senanayake from University of Sri Jayewardenepura, along with student volunteers from both universities who actively participated in field operations.
Support was also extended by Wild Sri Lanka, Mount Lavinia Hotel, Retrace Hospitality, Barracuda Restaurant, and Sugar Beach Restaurant.
The ceremony concluded with the recognition of outstanding volunteers with special awards presented to three patrollers who had the highest number of patrolling days of this year’s Turtle Patrol in appreciation of their exceptional dedication and commitment and those who devoted their time and effort towards the preparation of the Turtle Patrol report, acknowledging their valuable contribution to the success of the initiative.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Hasini Nandasiri, Field Operational Assistant.
The Turtle Patrol 2026 stands as a reminder that when communities come together, meaningful change becomes possible. Through collective effort, even ancient mariners like sea turtles are given a renewed chance to survive and thrive.
The screening of the film ‘Turtle Walker’, an inspiring documentary that tells the story of legendary conservationist Satish Bhaskar and his lifelong dedication to protecting sea turtles served as a powerful reminder of how one individual’s passion and perseverance can create lasting change for endangered species and fragile ecosystems.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.pearlprotectors.org.
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