Tuesday May 19, 2026
Tuesday May 19, 2026
Tuesday, 19 May 2026 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) in partnership with Nations Trust Bank will hold its monthly lecture titled “CONSERVATION IN ACTION: DRIVING IMPACT” - Hill Country to Courtrooms—Science, Community and the Next Generation in Action” on 21 May at 6.00 p.m. at the Jasmine Hall, BMICH.
The presenters are Sriyan De Silva Wijeyeratne, Prof. Sampath Seneviratne, Revan Weerasinghe, Keshan Perera, Riaz Cader, Chamindri Liyanage, Deshika Sooriyakumari, Nadil Subasinghe.
The lecture moves beyond discussion into action—offering a clear view of the science, legal intervention, and community engagement shaping conservation outcomes across the country.
It will highlight work across multiple fronts, with particular focus on Sri Lanka’s montane ecosystems—among the most fragile and least recoverable landscapes in the country. WNPS’ long-term efforts through its PLANT initiative in this region now include the establishment of nearly 75 kilometres of ecological corridors, alongside sustained conservation work within plantation landscapes through its leopard conservation initiatives. Together, these efforts reflect a coordinated approach to restoring connectivity, protecting biodiversity, and enabling coexistence within working landscapes.
Complementing this landscape-level work, WNPS’ species-focused initiatives continue to address the immediate risks faced by critically endangered flora and fauna, with active interventions supporting the survival of over 20 threatened endemic species.
From field research to courtroom advocacy, the lecture presents conservation as it is today—grounded in evidence, shaped by collaboration, and increasingly defined by the need for measurable impact. The Legal team will demonstrate how strategic litigation and policy engagement are being used to strengthen environmental accountability and influence decision-making at national level.
The WNPS Youth Wing will bring a forward-looking dimension to the evening, reflecting a growing movement of young conservationists stepping into roles of responsibility and stewardship.
As Sri Lanka navigates competing demands on its natural resources, the need for informed, coordinated action has never been more immediate. WNPS invites policymakers, the private sector, and the wider public to engage with the realities on the ground—and to contribute to defining what comes next.
The speakers bring together expertise across science, law, and community engagement, reflecting the multi-dimensional nature of conservation today
Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne is a Social Catalyst, Conservationist, Business Transformation Practitioner and Corporate Leader who played several catalytical roles as CEO and Chairman across his multifaceted career. A former WNPS President and current Chairman of WNPS PLANT, he is a key conceptualiser of multiple initiatives that have significantly impacted the Conservation landscape
Prof. Sampath Seneviratne is a leading evolutionary biologist and ornithologist, renowned for groundbreaking research on migratory birds, island biodiversity, and genomics. Heading key research labs at the University of Colombo, he has discovered species new to science and leads major conservation initiatives across the Central Asian Flyway and beyond
Revan Weerasinghe is an independent legal practitioner that works in the areas of intellectual property, data protection and environmental law. He functioned as the head of the legal subcommittee from 2023.
Riaz Cader is a Sri Lankan wildlife photographer, conservationist, and founder of Natural World Explorer, that specialises in wildlife and nature centric holidays to Sri Lanka. He serves as Co-Chair of the Wild Cats Subcommittee at the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, advancing conservation initiatives.
Keshan Perera draws in his insights from understanding communities and users of the built environment to strength their ties with conservation. His long-term agenda to transform the WNPS Youth Wing has paved a new vision for our youth in action by creating a kinship towards nature. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the WNPS Youth Wing.
Chamindri Liyanage is an Attorney-at-Law with over eight years of experience in climate justice, environmental, and human rights law. She holds two LLMs and has worked with Greenpeace International and the Environmental Foundation Ltd. She specialises in public interest litigation, climate advocacy, and advancing sustainable development.
Deshika Sooriyakumari is an environmental explorer specialising in aquaculture and fisheries, with research focused on mangrove ecosystems and blue carbon. Her pioneering study on Terebralia palustris highlights unique feeding behaviour. Combining science, data, and counseling, she advances conservation, climate resilience, and restoration of endangered species in Sri Lanka.
Nadil Subasinghe, the Vice-chairperson of the WNPS Youth Wing, leads the school outreach programs and has conceptualised a new bracket for action-oriented conservation education. Passionate about the work that has been carried out by the WNPS, he joined the society to contribute to the area of conservation while being an undergraduate in architecture.
The Lecture is supported by Nations Trust Bank and is open all, entrance free.
WNPS 132nd Annual General Meeting on Thursday
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, the oldest conservation organisation in Sri Lanka and the third oldest wildlife conservation body in the world, will hold its 132nd Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 21 May 2026 at 4.00 p.m. at the Jasmine Hall, BMICH, Colombo 7. The AGM will be followed by the Society’s May Monthly Lecture.
For over a century, the WNPS has remained at the forefront of science-based conservation, environmental advocacy, and public engagement in Sri Lanka. The Society’s 2025 milestones reflect this continuing leadership — from landmark legal interventions protecting sensitive ecosystems and advancing human-elephant and leopard coexistence, to expanding youth education programmes, ecosystem restoration initiatives, marine conservation, and citizen science engagement across the island.
Marking the 25th year of its acclaimed Monthly Lecture Series and the 85th year of its flagship journal Loris, the Society continues to bridge conservation science, policy, and public awareness while inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
The WNPS Annual Report 2025 is now available online via https://www.wnpssl.org/annual-report/
