Monthly Lectures

The WNPS Monthly Lecture Series, powered by Nations Trust Ban,k stands as one of Sri Lanka’s longest-running and most respected conservation education platforms. Celebrating over 3 decades of sharing knowledge, the series continues to bridge science, community, and action through knowledge-sharing that sparks genuine impact. Each month, leading scientists, researchers, and conservationists take the stage to share their insights, stories, and discoveries, transforming complex environmental challenges into accessible and inspiring conversations that reach audiences across the country and beyond.

During the year under review, the lecture series continued to uphold its legacy as a forum for meaningful dialogue and progressive thought. Eleven sessions featured a wide range of themes, from human–wildlife coexistence and marine biodiversity to the illegal wildlife trade and innovative financing models for conservation. These discussions not only deepened public understanding of Sri Lanka’s ecological challenges but also celebrated the unsung heroes working tirelessly in the field. Their work, often under difficult conditions, remains at the heart of protecting the island’s rich natural heritage.

With each event drawing a global audience of over 2,000 participants through in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats, the lecture series has become more than a platform—it is a movement for awareness and collaboration. By making cutting-edge conservation research and lived experience accessible to all, it has inspired partnerships and action that extend far beyond the sessions themselves. It has also reaffirmed the society’s belief that awareness and education are powerful catalysts for long-term conservation impact.

Yet, what truly defines the series is its spirit of community. The monthly lectures are not just academic gatherings; they are spaces of connection and inspiration. After each session, attendees—ranging from scientists and students to nature enthusiasts—stay on to share ideas over a cup of Dilmah tea. These moments of conversation, creativity, and camaraderie often plant the seeds for new collaborations and initiatives. Over time, this unique blend of intellect and warmth has made the series an enduring highlight of Sri Lanka’s conservation calendar.

As the series closes a remarkable chapter, it also marks a leadership transition. After eight years of dedicated service, the Chair of the Nations Trust WNPS Monthly Lecture Series passes on the responsibility to Jehan CanagaRetna. The outgoing Chair’s heartfelt gratitude to every speaker and to Nations Trust Bank, whose steadfast partnership has made each session possible, reflects the collective spirit that sustains this initiative. Their combined passion and professionalism have shaped the lecture series into the trusted and sought-after forum it is today.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Nations Trust WNPS Monthly Lecture Series remains committed to its founding vision—to educate, engage, and inspire. Through thought-provoking dialogue and shared learning, it will continue to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, ensuring that conservation remains a national conversation and a shared responsibility. In every sense, the series continues to roar for the wild—giving voice to the urgency of preserving Sri Lanka’s natural world for generations to come.