Sri Lanka Natural History Society, 94, Cumarathunga Munidasa Mawatha,, Colombo (2026)

03/06/2026

🐘 SLNHS Public Lecture #3 (2026) | Five Behaviours that Underpin Effective Management of Sri Lankan Elephants 🐘

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an engaging and thought-provoking lecture delivered by Professor Devaka Kirthi Weerakoon.

The lecture brought together close to 80 participants, both in person and online, for a discussion on one of Sri Lanka's most pressing conservation challenges.

A key message from the lecture was that many current approaches to managing human–elephant conflict focus on controlling the conflict itself, often without a sufficient understanding of elephant behaviour and the ways in which elephants interact with their environment. Drawing on decades of research and field observations, Professor Weerakoon highlighted five critical elephant behaviours that underpin effective management and challenged us to reconsider some of the assumptions that guide current conservation interventions.

The discussion encouraged participants to rethink conventional approaches to human–elephant conflict and consider how behavioural ecology can inform more effective and sustainable conservation solutions.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Professor Weerakoon for sharing his expertise and to all those who contributed to the lively discussion and Q&A session that followed.

We would also like to thank George Steuart & Co. for their continued support of the SLNHS Public Lecture Series, helping us create opportunities for learning, dialogue, and appreciation of Sri Lanka's natural heritage.

We look forward to welcoming you to our next lecture as we continue to explore the fascinating stories of Sri Lanka's biodiversity.

12/05/2026

Five key behaviours. One of Sri Lanka’s greatest conservation challenges.

Join us for SLNHS Public Lecture #3 (2026) with Professor Devaka Kirthi Weerakoon, exploring the behavioural foundations that underpin the effective management and long-term conservation of Sri Lankan elephants.

🐘Five Behaviours that Underpin Effective Management of Sri Lankan 🐘

📅 14 May 2026
🕕 6:00 PM onwards
📍 Auditorium, 6th Floor, Information Learning Centre (Library) Building, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo

Sponsored by George Steuart & Co

09/03/2026

The ghosts of the clouded plains are rarely seen — but their stories are extraordinary.

Join us for SLNHS Public Lecture #2 (2026) with wildlife researcher Sankha Wanniatchi, sharing insights from nearly a decade studying leopards in Horton Plains National Park.

🐆 Ghost of the Clouded Plains: A Decade Among the Leopards of Horton Plains 🐆

📅 12 March 2026
🕕 6:00 PM onwards
📍 Auditorium, 6th Floor, Information Learning Centre (Library), Faculty of Science, University of Colombo

07/03/2026

🌿🐆 SLNHS Public Lecture #2 | 2026 🌿🐆
Ghost of the Clouded Plains: A Decade Among the Leopards of Horton Plains

📌 About the Speaker
Sankha Wanniatchi is a wildlife researcher, author, and conservation photographer with nearly a decade of field experience studying leopards in Horton Plains. Since 2016, his research has focused extensively on the ecology and behavior of the Sri Lankan leopard, with particular emphasis on the high-altitude population of Horton Plains National Park.

His work is grounded in long-term, site-specific field observations, integrating behavioral documentation, photographic evidence, and ecological interpretation to understand how leopards adapt to extreme montane environments. Over the years, he has documented a range of rarely recorded behaviors, including hunting strategies in open grassland, predator–prey interactions involving sambar deer, movement patterns influenced by mist and temperature, and behavioral responses to human-modified landscapes.

His findings contribute to a growing body of knowledge on leopard behavioral flexibility and challenge conventional assumptions derived largely from lowland and forested habitats. In addition to field research, Wanniatchi is actively involved in public outreach and conservation advocacy, using lectures, publications, and visual storytelling to promote evidence-based conservation strategies. He is the author of Ghost of the Clouded Plains, which highlights the ecological significance and conservation needs of Horton Plains leopards.

💡 Why You Should Join
Join us for an engaging evening exploring the unique behaviours of Horton Plains leopards and the remarkable adaptations that enable them to survive in cold, mist-laden montane grasslands. This lecture offers rare insight into one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic yet least understood apex predators.

Sponsored by Canon Image Square by Metropolitan Photohub Sri Lanka

22/02/2026

🌿🐆 SLNHS Public Lecture #2 | 2026 🌿🐆
Ghost of the Clouded Plains: A Decade Among the Leopards of Horton Plains

📌 About the Speaker
Sankha Wanniatchi is a wildlife researcher, author, and conservation photographer with nearly a decade of field experience studying leopards in Horton Plains. Since 2016, his research has focused extensively on the ecology and behavior of the Sri Lankan leopard, with particular emphasis on the high-altitude population of Horton Plains National Park.

His work is grounded in long-term, site-specific field observations, integrating behavioral documentation, photographic evidence, and ecological interpretation to understand how leopards adapt to extreme montane environments. Over the years, he has documented a range of rarely recorded behaviors, including hunting strategies in open grassland, predator–prey interactions involving sambar deer, movement patterns influenced by mist and temperature, and behavioral responses to human-modified landscapes.

His findings contribute to a growing body of knowledge on leopard behavioral flexibility and challenge conventional assumptions derived largely from lowland and forested habitats. In addition to field research, Wanniatchi is actively involved in public outreach and conservation advocacy, using lectures, publications, and visual storytelling to promote evidence-based conservation strategies. He is the author of Ghost of the Clouded Plains, which highlights the ecological significance and conservation needs of Horton Plains leopards.

💡 Why You Should Join
Join us for an engaging evening exploring the unique behaviours of Horton Plains leopards and the remarkable adaptations that enable them to survive in cold, mist-laden montane grasslands. This lecture offers rare insight into one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic yet least understood apex predators.

08/01/2026

🏔️🌱 SLNHS Public Lecture #1 (2026) | Highland Biodiversity 🌱🏔️

📌 About the Speaker
With over 30 years of experience, Rajika Gamage is a leading Sri Lankan naturalist and researcher, specializing in butterflies and birds. He has been closely involved in national habitat restoration initiatives and butterfly garden projects. An accomplished artist and author of 11 books, his work has made a significant contribution to the understanding and conservation of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.

💡 Why You Should Join
Interested in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands and their extraordinary biodiversity? Curious about the unique plants, animals, and ecosystems that make this region a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot?

This lecture will take you on an insightful journey through the highland landscapes of Sri Lanka, exploring species richness, endemism, and the ecological importance of these forests. Learn about the conservation value of the up-country wet zone and the challenges and opportunities involved in protecting these fragile ecosystems.

📘 Copies of Rajika Gamage’s beautifully illustrated guide, Biodiversity of Up Country Wet Zone Landscape, will be available for purchase at the venue at a special discounted price of LKR 8,000/- for attendees.

Join us for an engaging evening of learning, discussion, and discovery with one of Sri Lanka’s most experienced naturalists.

15/11/2025

🌿📸 SLNHS Public Lecture #8 for 2025 🌿📸
What is iNaturalist?

📌 About the Speaker
Dilrukshan Priyantha Wijesinghe holds a B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of London and a Ph.D. in Biology from the City University of New York (CUNY). Based in New York, he teaches biology at LaGuardia Community College, CUNY. Over the years he has been called a zoologist, entomologist, arachnologist, and even an urban botanist! Above all, he is a passionate naturalist who is fortunate to spend his life doing what he loves.

💡 Why You Should Join
Curious about documenting nature? Want to contribute to global biodiversity knowledge?
This virtual session will introduce you to iNaturalist—a powerful citizen science platform that helps you observe, share, and learn about the natural world alongside a global community of experts and enthusiasts.

Join us for an engaging and interactive evening as we explore how anyone can help build a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity through digital observation and collaboration.

13/11/2025

🎶🐦 SLNHS Public Lecture #7 for 2025 🎶🐦
The Secrets of Birdsong and Sri Lanka’s Songsters

📌 About the Speaker
Deepal Warakagoda has been studying the sounds of Sri Lankan birds for the last three-and-a-half decades as a major part of his wider study of our avifauna over a longer time. These studies of their vocalizations led to the historic discovery of an entirely new owl species, the Serendib Scops-Owl (Otus thilohoffmanni) in 2001; the elevating of 10 taxa to the status of full endemic species of Sri Lanka or of South Asia in the standard work on South Asian birds, Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide (2005); and to hitherto unknown vocalizations and vocalization modes of many species. These are included within several other books co-authored by him, including A Photographic Guide to Birds of Sri Lanka (2000); Helm Field Guides: Birds of Sri Lanka (2012); and Helm Wildlife Guides: Birds of Sri Lanka (2022). He has published extensive collections of Sri Lankan bird sounds as audio and multimedia publications for educational purposes, both locally and internationally, since 1997. Currently, he is focusing on aspects of singing and the songs of our birds, particularly the songbird species.

💡 Why You Should Join
A captivating evening awaits as we unravel the melodies, meanings, and marvels behind Sri Lanka’s remarkable bird songs. This hybrid lecture offers a rare chance to explore the science and secrets of birdsong with one of the country’s foremost experts.
As this is our final onsite lecture for the year, we warmly encourage members to join us onsite to celebrate another year of learning, community, and a shared passion for nature.

✨ After the Lecture
Light refreshments will be served after the lecture for those attending in person—a great opportunity to mingle and connect with fellow members and nature enthusiasts.

We hope you can join us—onsite or online—for what promises to be an engaging evening of discovery into the melodies, meanings, and marvels of birdsong.

Please note: This lecture will be broadcast live via Zoom but will not be recorded or uploaded to YouTube.

14/10/2025

🪻 SLNHS Public Lecture #6 for 2025 🪻
Mass Blooming of Nelu in Horton Plains: A Magical 12-Year Phenomenon Returns in 2025

📌 About the Speaker
Dr. Nilanthi Rajapakshe has over 25 years of dedicated service in the public sector, during which she has had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed institutions. Her career began in 2000 as an Assistant Lecturer in Botany at the University of Ruhuna, later expanding into roles such as Resource Person in Molecular Biology at the Department of Agriculture. In 2005, she joined the Department of Wildlife Conservation as a Management Information Systems Officer and subsequently served as a Lecturer in Environmental Studies, specializing in GIS and Remote Sensing. She currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Department’s International Journal and the Chief Coordinator of the WILDLANKA International Symposium. Over the years, Dr. Rajapakshe has published numerous research papers in internationally recognized journals and authored several books, contributing significantly to the fields of environmental studies and conservation.

💡 Why You Should Join
A rare chance to uncover the story behind the spectacular mass blooming of Nelu—a natural wonder that graces Horton Plains only once every 12 years! Join us—onsite or online—for a fascinating evening exploring this magical phenomenon and its ecological significance.

✨ After the Lecture
Light refreshments will be served for onsite participants. Stay to meet fellow members and nature enthusiasts, and share your passion for Sri Lanka’s rich natural heritage.

23/08/2025

🌿 SLNHS Wetland Walk 🌿

Join us for the next SLNHS Wetland Walk at Kotte Rampart Wetland Park! It’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning — spotting birds, enjoying the wetlands, and soaking in some fresh air.

📅 Date & Time: Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 6:00 AM onwards
📍 Venue: Kotte Rampart Wetland Park, Sri Lanka Nippon Avenue, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
🎟 Entry Fee: Park tickets can be purchased at the entrance

🚗 Note: Both Kotte Rampart Wetland Park and Beddagana Wetland Park are located along Sri Lanka Nippon Avenue. Since the U-turn near Diyatha can be a little awkward, Google Maps may direct you via Pita Kotte Road instead. Either route will take you to the correct entrance — we recommend simply following the Google Maps directions.

💚 All are welcome — bring your family and friends for a morning of discovery and connection with nature!

Sri Lanka Natural History Society

03/06/2026

12/05/2026

09/03/2026

07/03/2026

22/02/2026

08/01/2026

15/11/2025

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14/10/2025

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