Our Vision
A Sri Lanka where every community, both urban and rural, understands the value of nature and is committed to preserving it – ensuring that people and wildlife can thrive together.
Our Mission
To conserve, nurture, and protect Sri Lanka’s diverse flora and fauna by uniting scientists, policymakers, activists, youth, and nature lovers in safeguarding our shared natural heritage.
Conservation
Over a Century of
Since 1894
Leading Conservation
Preserving Nature. Protecting Life.
Inspiring Generations.
For over 130 years, the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society has led the way in safeguarding the nation’s species, ecosystems, and communities- standing for the wild and the free.
The Wildlife & Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS), established in 1894, is the oldest conservation organisation in Sri Lanka and the third oldest in the world. For over 130 years, WNPS has been at the forefront of protecting the island’s wildlife and ecosystems, making history through landmark conservation milestones that continue to safeguard Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
What began as the Ceylon Game Protection Society has grown into a powerful movement dedicated to preserving Sri Lanka’s biodiversity for generations to come. Our work has helped establish some of the country’s most iconic national parks, pass key legislation, and protect endangered habitats. Today, we are recognised as Sri Lanka’s most influential and active conservation organisation, uniting scientists, policymakers, activists, communities, and the next generation.
Our Impact: Protecting Nature,
Empowering Communities
700+
Total Flora
Protected
550+
Total Fauna
Protected
60+
Communities
Engaged
300
Youth Programs
Conducted
300
Youth Programs
Conducted
60+
Communities
Engaged
700
Lands Restored
200+
Wildlife Species
Protected
Why WNPS Matters
For over a century, WNPS has been more than an organisation – it has been a movement, shaping the very foundations of conservation in Sri Lanka. With dedicated volunteers, expert committees, and strong partnerships, we continue to lead the way in protecting species, restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and inspiring future generations.
Together, we stand for the wild and the free.
History of the WNPS
Since our founding in 1894, WNPS has been a driving force behind many of Sri Lanka’s most important conservation milestones:
1894
The Ceylon Game Protection Society is Born.
1899
First game watchers employed and paid for by the Society's funds.
1900
Government proclaims the Yala and Wilpattu Reserves under the Forest Ordinance following constant pressure from the Society.
1929
Emblem changes from side view of the face of the European Red Deer to the head of a Sambhur.
1930
Name changed to Ceylon Game and Fauna Protection Society.
1931
Hon. D. S. Senanayake, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, elected an honorary member of the Society.
1936
First issue of the journal Loris published.
1937
New Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO) comes into force, with representatives of the Society invited to sit on the statutory Fauna and Flora Protection Advisory Committee.
1938
FFPO is passed into Law, with considerable contribution from Hon. D. S. Senanayake.
1938
Championed by the Society, Yala and Wilpattu declared as National Parks.
1949
Successful advocacy results in establishment of a Department of Wildlife Conservation.
1955
Name changed to Wildlife Protection Society of Ceylon.
1967
Becomes first NGO to become a full-fledged member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Nature Resources (IUCN).
1968
Becomes first Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) to be incorporated by an Act of Parliament.
1970
Renamed Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Ceylon - later Sri Lanka.
1972
Working closely with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, society plays an instrumental role in the establishment of Uda Walawe National Park.
1972
Successful campaign to save the Sinharaja national park from destructive exploitation, brings society national recognition.
1976
Warana - Sri Lanka's first Sinhala nature conservation magazine is published.
1994
The society commences the Monthly Public Lecture Series.
2009
The Reforestation of A Rainforest (ROAR) commences.
2009
First Schools' Nature Club (SNC) Programme is formed at the Kalutara Maha Vidyalaya.
2018
Youth Wing of the WNPS is formed.
2018
Wildcat Subcommittee is formed.
2019
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society marks 125th anniversary.
A predator’s survival depends heavily on the availability of natural prey. Although wild prey- deer, primates, wildboar – are still present, reducing wild habitat, particularly due to deforestation, further reduces the vegetation and cover needed to support healthy prey populations.
Many forested areas are used for free-range cattle grazing, leading to increased competition for food and space, which puts further pressure on wild herbivores. If prey becomes scarce, leopards are forced to seek alternatives, such as domestic livestock, bringing them into conflict with humans, and increasing the risk to them from retaliatory killings and disease.
A predator’s survival depends heavily on the availability of natural prey. Although wild prey- deer, primates, wildboar – are still present, reducing wild habitat, particularly due to deforestation, further reduces the vegetation and cover needed to support healthy prey populations.
Many forested areas are used for free-range cattle grazing, leading to increased competition for food and space, which puts further pressure on wild herbivores. If prey becomes scarce, leopards are forced to seek alternatives, such as domestic livestock, bringing them into conflict with humans, and increasing the risk to them from retaliatory killings and disease.
