WNPS Monthly Lecture: The amazing biodiversity of Sri Lanka

In the first part of this talk, Author-Photographer Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne points out that Sri Lanka is disproportionately rich in species, why that is, and then makes the case that Sri Lanka is one of the best all-round wildlife destinations in the world. In the second part, he takes a whirlwind tour of several branches of the tree of life from bacteria to elephants, to showcase the richness of biodiversity in Sri Lanka. "As Sri Lanka positions itself as a destination for high-value, experience-driven tourism, the conservation of its natural heritage becomes not just an environmental priority but an economic imperative. This lecture will be especially valuable for tourism professionals, hospitality leaders, policymakers, conservationists, students, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking to understand the true asset underpinning Sri Lanka’s future" According to Rohan Pethiyagoda, “Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne is without question the most celebrated field naturalist the country has produced.” British TV naturalist Bill Oddie has similarly observed that no single individual has done more to publicise a country for its wildlife. This lecture promises to inspire, inform, and reinforce why Sri Lanka’s biodiversity is its greatest natural advantage—and why its protection is a shared responsibility.