Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday, 20 February 2025 05:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The February Nations Trust Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) monthly lecture will be held today at 6 p.m. at the Jasmine Hall, BMICH.
Themed “The Right to Survive: Wetlands and You”, the lecture will be delivered by experts Nishantha Edirisinghe, Manjula Amararathna, and Dr. Chaturangi Wickramaratne, with contributions from a group of young scientists.
The WNPS said this year’s World Wetlands Day theme, “Conserving Wetlands for a Common Future,” presents a valuable opportunity for the world to give wetlands the recognition they deserve. Young scientists will also join expert speakers to share their latest research findings, advocating for evidence-based conservation, restoration, and sustainable use.
From understanding the daily challenges administrators face in managing wetlands to the inspiring efforts of emerging youth leaders, the February monthly lecture promises to be an immersive experience and a powerful call to action to safeguard the future of wetlands — and ourselves.
Nishantha Edirisinghe is Conservator General of Forests, responsible for managing and protecting Sri Lanka’s forests. With decades of experience, he has been instrumental in promoting sustainable forest management and conservation.
Manjula Amararathna is Director of Protected Area Management at Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation. A leading expert in wetland conservation and biodiversity, he is the National Focal Point for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Dr. Chaturangi Wickramaratne is a Freshwater Ecology Researcher at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). She leads urban wetland projects, working on research, policy, and community initiatives, and represents the IWMI for the Ramsar Convention.
They will be joined by Ayantha Abeygunawardana, Bharatha Dissanayake, Kavindi Dilshara and Sathiska Chamikara Widanage.
