- From hill country to courtrooms – science, community and the next generation in action
At a time when biodiversity loss is accelerating and environmental pressures are intensifying, the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) will bring the realities of conservation into focus through its Nations Trust WNPS Lecture this May.
Titled “Conservation in action: Driving impact,” the lecture will move beyond discussion to examine the science, legal intervention, and community engagement shaping conservation outcomes across Sri Lanka.
The session will feature presentations by Sriyan De Silva Wijeyeratne, Prof. Sampath Seneviratne, Revan Weerasinghe, Keshan Perera, Riaz Cader, Chamindri Liyanage, Deshika Sooriyakumari, and Nadil Subasinghe.
The lecture highlights 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 Chairperson across his multifaceted career. A former WNPS President and current Chairperson 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 behavior. Combining science, data, and counseling, she advances conservation, climate resilience, and restoration of endangered species in Sri Lanka.
Nadil Subasinghe, the WNPS Vice chairperson 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)