YZA Arts and Photography Exhibition

The Young Zoologists’ Association (YZA) of Sri Lanka will hold its annual art and photography exhibition – the Kin Wild and the Young Eye on Nature – on 16, 17 and 18 October at the J.D.A. Perera Art Gallery in Colombo.  

The YZA is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit, voluntary youth organisation dedicated to protect nature by promoting public awareness, research and nature conservation. YZA is based at the National Zoological Gardens in Dehiwala. 

Through this twin exhibition the YZA hopes to portray the artistic and photographic talent of its members that range from young to old.  

“The core value of the organisation is to protect and conserve the environment by making a conscious effort to raise awareness among young people in Sri Lanka. The majority of YZA members have an opportunity to exhibit their talents to convey the message of wildlife and nature conservation,” stated YZA President Parami Vaidyarathne. 

Through the exhibition the members will get the opportunity to display their skills learnt from Nature Photography and Art supplementary classes apart from the main course of studies in formal groups provided by the YZA.  

“The Art and Photography exhibitions provide an ideal opening for the members of the art class to show their talents whilst senior members give their fullest support by providing their valuable drawings to maintain the towering standards of the exhibition while others having the opportunity to participate,” added Vaidyarathne.

As a practice art and photography exhibitions are held generally during three days annually by the YZA which was founded by the former Director of National Zoological Gardens, Lyn de Alwis in 1972. This has been able to draw the attention of many professionals in the field of art and photography. This year both exhibitions will take place together creating a niche for young artists and photographers to demonstrate their talents on 16, 17 and 18 October at the J.D.A. Perera Art Gallery in Colombo. 

Since the establishment of the YZA, the organisation has become the first institution for many leading environmentalists and naturalists in the country. The close relationship with the Zoo Management gives the strength and opportunity to study the animals more closely and their behaviours. 

The Junior YZA was formed in 1999, it has being successful in seeding the conservation concepts from an early age. Today the Association consists of an active membership exceeding 600 dynamic individuals. Their commitment and knowledge is unparallel in the field. 

The opening ceremony took place at 10 a.m. on Friday, 16 October.