Kill speed, not wiildlife
This long weekend remember that speed can kill. Here’s five tips from WNPS to help you drive with care,
prevent roadkills and stay safe as you head out of
December 8, 2025
News
THE LIFE OF 100,000 MACAQUES AT STAKE
As per the printed media, the Government of Sri Lanka is to capture, confine and sell 100,000 Toque Macaques (Macaca sinaca; S. Rilawa), to China – allegedly for display in
December 8, 2025
Seylan Tikiri supports ‘Wild Kids’ Signs partnership with WNPS as Banking Partner
Seylan Bank has announced its partnership with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) as official banking partner to support the ‘Wild Kids’ initiative; brought forward with the objective of
November 17, 2025
Protecting the Roots of the Sea
“If there are no mangroves, then the sea will have no meaning. It’s like a tree with no roots, for the mangroves are the roots of the sea!”
November 17, 2025
Community Based Mangrove Restoration in Anawilundawa Stilted for Success in Partnership with WNPS, DWC and HEMAS
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) in partnership with Hemas Consumer Brands and Department of Wildlife Cnservation commemorated World Wetland Day by planting mangrove seedlings in degraded areas within
November 17, 2025
Update: Dung Beetle Project
The Dung Beetle Project, for which WNPS is sponsoring the scientific research component, aims to build an environmental quality model using dung beetles as a biological indicator. This model will
November 17, 2025
WNPS Partners with LOLC to Establish a Multi-Regional Monitoring System for the Conservation of the Sri Lankan Leopard
WNPS partners with LOLC Holdings PLC to establish a network of specialized leopard conservation locations and research centers across identified geographically important areas within Sri Lanka
November 17, 2025
When ignorance is bliss: Driving Mannar’s Birds Away
The Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS) is appalled to learn that so-called birdwatchers from
the Capital are visiting Mannar armed with drones, endangering the continued stay, and future<br
November 17, 2025
When ignorance is bliss: Driving Mannar’s Birds Away
The Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS) is appalled to learn that so-called birdwatchers from the Capital are visiting Mannar armed with drones, endangering the continued s
WNPS Partners with LOLC to Establish a Multi-Regional Monitoring System for the Conservation of the Sri Lankan Leopard
WNPS partners with LOLC Holdings PLC to establish a network of specialized leopard conservation locations and research centers across identified geographically important areas with
Update: Dung Beetle Project
The Dung Beetle Project, for which WNPS is sponsoring the scientific research component, aims to build an environmental quality model using dung beetles as a biological indicator.
Community Based Mangrove Restoration in Anawilundawa Stilted for Success in Partnership with WNPS, DWC and HEMAS
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) in partnership with Hemas Consumer Brands and Department of Wildlife Cnservation commemorated World Wetland Day by planting mangro
Protecting the Roots of the Sea
“If there are no mangroves, then the sea will have no meaning. It’s like a tree with no roots, for the mangroves are the roots of the sea!”
Seylan Tikiri supports ‘Wild Kids’ Signs partnership with WNPS as Banking Partner
Seylan Bank has announced its partnership with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) as official banking partner to support the ‘Wild Kids’ initiative; brought forw
THE LIFE OF 100,000 MACAQUES AT STAKE
As per the printed media, the Government of Sri Lanka is to capture, confine and sell 100,000 Toque Macaques (Macaca sinaca; S. Rilawa), to China – allegedly for display in its Z
Kill speed, not wiildlife
This long weekend remember that speed can kill. Here’s five tips from WNPS to help you drive with care, prevent roadkills and stay safe as you head out of town.
Plant featured on Kaleidoscope
Mr Sriyan de Silva Wijeratne, the chairman of Plant, was interviewed by Savithri Rodrigo on Kaleidoscope last week
Sensitive Budunwela – land acquired by WNPS for the Emerald Trails Wildlife corridor
PLANT (Preserving Land and Nature (Guarantee) Pvt Ltd), an affiliate of the WNPS (Wildlife and Nature Protection Society) envisioned Emerald Trails as a series of continuous wildli
PLANT [Preserving Land and Nature (Guarantee) Pvt. Ltd.]
PLANT [Preserving Land and Nature (Guarantee) Pvt. Ltd.] is one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) of Sri Lanka. Focused
Baring her bear fascination
It is feared by one and all……..but for ecologist Dr. Shyamala Ratnayeke it is a fascinating creature and she is a staunch believer that sloth bears, the only bear species found
A little can go a long way
The Human-Elephant Conflict has long plagued our nation – wreaking havoc across lives and livelihoods and threatening the future of this iconic species and their habitats.
BUTTERFLIES: Essential to Ecosystems
Butterflies, of silky wing and myriad colour, flitting from flower to flower in garden or forest glade, are truly one of the natural wonders of this island. However, they are often
The WNPS Encourages Wildlife Photographers to Look at Yala through a Different Lens
WNPS workshop by Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya and Kithsiri Gunawardena for any photographer wishing to gain a better understanding on how they can contribute towards the dawn of a new Yal
Call for Proposals: Conservation of Critically Endangered Endemic Species Project
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) and HEMAS MANUFACTURING (PRIVATE) LIMITED have partnered together to launch a new conservation project aimed at preserving critica
‘REWILDING’ – 25 years of Land Restoration on the borders of Wasgamuwa National Park
As forests continue to be cut, protected areas encroached on and many still deny that the Earth is warming, and the climate changing, we drift from certainty to insecurity.
Horana Plantations and WNPS PLANT building ambitious 9km forest corridor
Horana Plantations and WNPS PLANT have just announced the launch of an exciting new conservation initiative in the hill country which hopes to build a nine-kilometer-long forest co
Invasive Alert: Details of a preliminary investigation on Mytella strigata (Hanley, 1843)
Reliable information has been collected from few shrimp farms and adjacent natural ecosystems on the presence of Black mussel Mytella strigata (Hanley, 1843) (Bivalvia; Mytilidae)
Leading Restoration: WNPS is at the forefront of conserving Mangrove Ecosystems
Collaborative efforts led by WNPS restore Sri Lanka's mangrove ecosystem, earning UN recognition for sustainable conservation.
The Asoka Barb Project: Towards Conservation of a Critically Endangered Endemic Species
Partnership between WNPS and National Zoological Gardens focuses on saving Sri Lanka's critically endangered endemic species, the Asoka Barb, through captive in-situ breeding progr
Empowering Communities: From Mangrove Restoration to Entrepreneurship in Anawilundawa
In a bid to bridge the gap between scientific conservation efforts and community prosperity, the Anawilundawa Assisted Natural Regeneration of Mangroves project has been making wav
Adani wind energy project challenged in Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court
Adani Green Energy’s wind energy project, coming up in Sri Lanka’s northern Mannar and Pooneryn districts, has been challenged in the island’s apex court on grounds of potent
WNPS goes to Supreme Court against Adani’s Mannar wind power project
In a significant move aimed at protecting the unique ecosystem of Mannar island, the environmental protection organisation, Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), has filed
WNPS FILES SUPREME COURT CHALLENGE AGAINST WIND POWER PROJECT IN MANNAR ISLAND
WNPS files a fundamental rights application in the Supreme Court aimed at protecting the unique ecosystem of Mannar Island.
Saving a sanctuary
As the world marks Environment Day on June 5, Yomal Senerath-Yapa visits the threatened Anavilundawa wetlands where the WNPs together with the Wayamba University and Wildlife Dept.
WNPS seeks court intervention over Mannar wind power project citing irreparable, irreversible harm to ecosystem
An organisation, dedicated to the protection, conservation and preservation of the environment and the fauna and flora of the country sought the intervention of the Supreme Court o
130 years of dedication to Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation
In 1894, when the Game Protection Society of Ceylon was established by a group of British colonialists who recognized that the local wildlife and their habitats were beginning to d
Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC and WNPS PLANT bring meaning to World Environment Day, through a massive reforestation drive
Embarking on a visionary restoration journey, Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC (TTE PLC) and WNPS PLANT jointly initiated one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in recent tim
Masters of Camouflage
Leopards in Horton Plains National Park exhibit unique adaptations to their cold, mist-covered environment, including larger body size and thicker underfur, which align with Bergma
Why we need leopards in Sri Lanka
To me, the leopard, with its dappled coat, perfectly crafted by nature for camouflage, is the epitome of strength and grace in movement. To me, the leopard is an animal on which I
Enjoying the majesty of our leopard responsibly
The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and charismatic wildlife species. As the island’s only large predator, it plays a vital role i
What can a Leopard do with a Day?
On the 1 st of August each year, conservationists and the public in Sri Lanka take a break from the mundane to call out our National Leopard Day. Based on a proposal made by the Wi
Sri Lanka Leopard Day: Balancing conservation and coexistence
Today marks the fourth annual Sri Lanka Leopard Day – the day was first commemorated following a proposal made by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) in 2021 based
A spotted affair: Has Sri Lanka over-promoted the iconic Sri Lankan leopard?
Of all the charismatic animals seen in Sri Lanka, there is none that has created so much interest and popularity, than the Sri Lankan leopard. And today it has become arguably one
Twenty First Century Leopards- a context for Conservation
It is important to keep in mind that leopards have occupied this island for tens of thousands of years, perhaps hundreds of thousands of years. The important thing to remember is t
Managing visitor traffic for Sri Lanka’s iconic species
On August 1, Sri Lanka’s celebrates Sri Lanka Leopard Day, Sri Lanka Leopard Day, which is celebrated annually, was declared based on a proposal put forward by The Wildlife and N
Sri Lanka Leopard Day applause for efforts by conservationists to conserve an iconic species
Rapid urbanisation has posed considerable challenges to the balance of sensitive ecosystems and inhabitants. Wildlife are usually at the receiving end of haphazard urbanisation.
How to Preserve the Brand Value of Sri Lanka’s Wildlife Tourism
On August 1 Sri Lanka celebrates Sri Lankan Leopard Day, which will be observed annually following a proposal from the Wildlife and Nature Preservation Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS),
Senior planters commit to leopard conservation
Sri Lankan Leopard Day 2024 introduced Dr. Jeannine McManus, a renowned conservation expert from the Landmark Foundation in South Africa, to the Sri Lankan community dedicated to c
Spa Ceylon and WNPS to ‘Help Save the Majestic Ceylon Elephant’ Major efforts to save gentle giants of Sri Lanka
In view of World Elephant Day which falls on 12 August, Spa Ceylon together with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) have organized a series of events to raise awaren
Human-centric approach to HEC mitigation is not the way
They have no voice…….they are peppered with oozing gun-shot wounds, they are noosed causing grievous and agonizing injury and they are fed with tasty food with hakka-patas hidd
Leopard’s death at Luccombe Estate sparks urgent calls for action
Colombo, September 02 - A leopard's death at Luccombe Estate in Maskeliya has raised alarm among conservationists including the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS).
The Youth Wing of the WNPS Highlights the Need for Urgent Environmental Reform
The Youth Wing of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS), in partnership with USAID, recently conducted an exciting exhibition titled Tales of Conservation.
WNPS Youth Wing Fosters Conservation Education
The Youth Wing of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS), in collaboration with USAID, recently opened the "Tales of Conservation" exhibition, a compelling
WNPS Youth Wing Harnessing Art for Conservation: “Tales of Conservation” Exhibition
The Youth Wing of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS), in association with USAID, opened the "Tales of Conservation" exhibit that uses art to inspire env
Tears of the Gentle Giants
They roam the jungles in search of food and water. They cross from one forest to another when food is scarce and few. Some return back to their habitat alive, others die on the way
Anawilundawa ANRM Project: Where people, nature thrive hand in hand with mangroves
Located in between Chilaw and Puttalam is a pristine sanctuary that is now home to many flora and fauna. As one passes the Suruwila Wewa and adjoining paddy lands it gives a glimps
Need for a Trans-boundary Blue-Green Biosphere Reserve in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay
Blue-green land and waterscapes act as ecological corridors across land and water in creating an ecological continuity in order to protect and restore the habitats of native and na
Litigants against harmful wind power project demand safety of Mannar Island
Conservationists and environmental groups have renewed their concerns about this project and proposed to authorities to consider alternative locations for projects of this nature
Wired for the Wild: Innovation, Empathy & the New Age of Wildlife Photography
Join internationally acclaimed wildlife photographer and Sony International Brand Ambassador Lakshitha Karunarathna for an inspiring lecture that weaves together art, innovation, a
WNPS Urges Caution Over Monkey Numbers Reported by the Ministry of Agriculture
On 15th March 2025, the Department of Agriculture conducted a Rapid Visual Census (RVC) across Sri Lanka to assess the presence of commonly reported wildlife species considered agr
LEARNING FROM LEOPARDS
Leopards are one of the most mysterious and elusive creatures on our planet: they’re rarely seen and, when they are, it’s usually swiftly. Hannah and Noah, two wildlife filmmak
Can our leopard conservation efforts match other global conservation successes?
The Sunday Times readers may have read that the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is genetically distinct from its Indian counterpart. Many would have read that the Sri L
People and Leopards: A case study from Tourism
In this article, I would like to consider a few aspects of the evolving and complex relationships between people and leopards, particularly in connection with the tourism industry.
Government to Revoke Gazette Altering Boundaries of Wedithalathive Nature Reserve Following Supreme Court Intervention
The Government of Sri Lanka, through the Attorney General, informed the Supreme Court on 29.07.2025 that it has decided to revoke Extraordinary Gazette No. 2383/05 dated 06.052024,
Dutch foundation and WNPS ecosystem restoration with women at the root
In a significant step for both ecological restoration and women empowerment, three female-led native plant nurseries are being launched in Sri Lanka’s montane highlands through a
Do leopards and people actually share the same world?
I have a suggestion for everyone who loves Wilpattu and Neluma. For those of you who love to see leopards in the park, please look for other leopards when you go there next, and no
A deep dive into the threats faced by leopards in Sri Lanka
Once draped in myth, mystery, and majesty, the Sri Lankan leopard (Pantheraparduskotiya) — the island’s top predator and apex carnivore — now finds itself in the limelight of
Sri Lanka plans restoring revoked protection for an important mangrove patch in the island’s North
Mannar, SRI LANKA — The Vidattaltivu Nature Reserve, nestled along Sri Lanka’s northwestern coast in the Mannar district, is home to one of the island country’s largest and m
Mysterious Beauties of the Jungle
Among the lush greenery in dense forests, they hide behind large tree trunks. You may even see them perched on top of trees, some with their cubs, others alone. Some like the shade
New Islands of Hope: Geoffrey Bawa Trust and WNPS PLANT unite to restore Lanka’s vanishing ecosystems
In a landmark collaboration that blends ecological stewardship with cultural heritage, the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, through its partner The Lunuganga Trust, has joined with the Preserv
Launch of Sri Lanka’s First Livestock Insurance Scheme
Colombo, Sri Lanka, 19 August 2025: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, under its Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), together with the Wildlife and
How Sri Lankans Are Trying to Mitigate the World’s Deadliest Human-Elephant Conflict
An elephant broke the window of Mrs Neelamma's home, 69, while the whole family was sleeping. It happened at night about two years ago, in Wilachchiya, a town just 10 kilometres fr
The elephant transit home at Uda Walawe
Born free…and wild…to a devoted mother who would sacrifice her life for you, and to others of your kind who would do their utmost to protect you. Free to roam over vast spaces
Sri Lanka’s Elephant Crisis: “No Single solution, but a collective Will” – Jehan CanagaRetna
Sri Lanka has lost more than 6,400 elephants in the past 24 years — an average of over 260 per year — and 250 more have died in just the first six months of 2025.
Islands of Hope: Geoffrey Bawa Trust and WNPS PLANT Unite to Restore Sri Lanka’s Vanishing Ecosystems
In a landmark partnership blending ecology and heritage, the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, through The Lunuganga Trust, has joined with Preserving Land and Nature (Guarantee) Limited (PLANT
A Tribute to Dr. Jane Goodall
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) joins the global conservation community in mourning the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall — an extraordinary scientist, v