GENERAL COMMITTEE Innovative and thinking global
“WNPS should never become the domain of a few people for long durations. Rotation and vacation of General Committee roles should be expected after several years, where we nurture new members and youthful thinking. Members could continue to support through engagement in the Sub Committees”
Passionate about the conservation and protection of the Sri Lankas natural habitats and amazing biodiversity.
Prior to being elected President of WNPS, he served as Chair of the Marine Subcommittee from 2019 to 2023. Under his leadership, WNPS embarked on a landmark project- The Accelerated Natural Regeneration of Mangroves (ANRM) with the objective of regenerating destroyed mangrove habitats in the Anawilundawa RAMSAR wetland. This project was a pivotal contributor in Sri Lanka being awarded an UN flagship for Mangrove Restoration.
Graham is a graduate of the Institute of Chemistry Sri Lanka, holds an MBA from PIM (USJP), is a Graduate member of CIM (UK) and CMA (Aus.) and is a marketer by profession.
Describing himself as a Conservation Administrator, Jehan is energetic, focused and driven, adopting a common sense approach. Jehan just completed a 2-year term as the President of WNPS. As the Immediate Past President, he continues to be a key driver for the Society in fund raising and working on ground level activity whilst serving on a few Sub-Committees of the Society. Administratively strong, Jehan has been one of the key figures in bringing the relevant administrative disciplines to manage the society’s work in the last 9 years.
He serves on the Board of Greenpeace South Asia as the representative from Sri Lanka. He is also the Country Representative for Rainforest Alliance, Sri Lanka, a crop certification organization that promotes sustainable agriculture, and is a Trustee of the Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind (CSDB – Ratmalana and Kaithady, Jaffna)
Prof. Sampath S. Seneviratne is a research scientist specializes in the study of Evolution, Molecular Biogeography, and Ornithology. Sampath did his BSc specializes in Zoology at the University of Colombo and a PhD on Evolutionary Ecology of Arctic Seabirds in Alaska at the Memorial University (MUN), Canada. He also holds two postdoctoral positions at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada on Genomics of forest birds and Birds Canada on hybridization genomics of woodpeckers.
He currently works as a professor in Zoology attached to the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo. He heads the Avian Sciences & Conservation (ASC) research network and the Laboratory for Molecular Ecology & Evolution at the Colombo University. He leads several notable research programs such as the satellite assisted tracking of migratory birds in the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and Island endemicity in birds, mammals and reptiles. In that capacity he discovered several species new to science including two species of birds, a tree snake and several species of insects. Sampath had authored over hundred scientific publications, including a monograph on Sri Lankan Jackal and several book chapters.
He is a member of several government steering committees, a consultant scientist on environment impact assessments, and a subject editor for several international Scientific Journals such as Avian Conservation & Ecology and Marine Ornithology. Sampath is a birder, a forester, a conservationist, a writer and a public educator.
Rapti has over 30 years of experience in the travel industry. She is currently employed at an event management and recruitment company. Rapti played her part in conservation with the Society, serving on the Human Elephant Co-Existence Sub-Committee in the years 2020 to 2021. She holds a Diploma in Wildlife and Conservation from the Open University in Sri Lanka, with research on the rehabilitation of orphaned elephants. She has been a been a great help at the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) with her work through her collaborations and continues to contribute to conservation efforts at the ETH on various projects that need funding.
MBA holder, fellow member of CIMA , FCMA (UK) CGMA fellow.
Chair, South Asia Area Committee.
Chairman of PLANT, and a recent Past President of WNPS, Sriyan and his passionate team engineered a massive transformation and a renaissance of the WNPS during his tenure. The key conceptualizer of PLANT, the Emerald Trails, and the notion of a Sri Lanka Leopard Day, he also Edited the Loris Journal and chaired the Wildcats Subcommittee. He held several leading corporate and other roles across his multifaceted career and played catalytical roles in many as a CEO or Chairman. A Business Transformation Practitioner, Conservationists, and Social Catalyst, he has several academic and business awards to his credit. Engaging in local and global charities, he has served on several Boards, including Youth Business International of UK. He currently spends most of his time working on Conservation issues and solutions, and Consulting with limited business entities. He is a published wildlife photographer and passionate about travelling, music, and Community work.
With a lifelong passion for wildlife conservation sparked by travels across Sri Lanka, he has served the WNPS as General Secretary, Vice President, and President. Drawing on his communications expertise from Phoenix Ogilvy and Dilmah Tea, he has revitalised the WNPS brand over the past eight years, leading impactful PR campaigns and events that spotlight critical conservation issues.
Under his leadership, the WNPS Monthly Lecture series has become a premier intellectual gathering, attracting top professionals in biodiversity and conservation. As former Chair of the Wildcats Subcommittee, he launched the WNPS Cat Chat initiative, fostering collaboration among wildcat researchers.
His ability to unite scientists, policymakers, and media has advanced WNPS campaigns, ensuring conservation efforts reach wider audiences. Through effective media outreach, he continues to inspire meaningful action to protect Sri Lanka’s natural heritage
She is a banking professional and has switched professions to work in the leisure and hospitality industry. Devika is passionate about the environment and believes in fighting the good fight for the cause of conservation. Devika is currently on the Green Isle Sub-Committee and has been serving on WNPS subcommittees over a year.
Enoka P. Kudavidanage is a Professor in Conservation Biology, affiliated with the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka since 2001. She completed her B.Sc honours in Zoology and M.Sc in Environmental Sciences at the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, and her Ph.D. at the Department of Biological Sciences, the National University of Singapore in 2012. Her research areas include Wildlife Crime Mitigation, Ecology, and Conservation of the Sri Lankan Leopard, Protected Area Management, and Utilizing Biological Indicators to monitor the Impacts of Land-use change and Community-level impacts of Agro-Chemicals. She co-founded the Topical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), a non-profit organization to facilitate conservation work and networking. She has been conducting environmental education and awareness programs and facilitating community-based conservation programs islandwide for the last 25 years while working closely with a multitude of organizations at both national and international scales. Enoka is the country coordinator for the Association for the Tropical Biology and Conservation-(ATBC) Asia Pacific chapter, Co-chair of the Wild Cat Conservation Committee of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Advisor to the Multiregional Leopard Research and Monitoring Network of Sri Lanka, and a Trustee of the Federation of Environmental Organizations (FEO).
With over 25 years of experience in the environmental sector, Deepthi has an extensive track record in conservation and sustainable development. Currently, she serves as a Senior Professor in the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences at the University of Colombo. She considers herself an interdisciplinary human- environment scholar, being trained as an ecologist and socio-environmental scientist. Her previous experience is drawn from a variety of sectors including biodiversity, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, gender, water, and natural resources. She has held conservation leadership roles both in Sri Lanka and overseas. She has received recognition for her work with several local and international awards.
Dev Wijewardane is an IT professional with over 15 years’ experience in the industry and currently works for an IT consultancy. He has had a passion for wildlife and conservation from a very young age and is a self-taught amateur wildlife photographer. Dev has a deep love for Sri Lanka and takes every opportunity to travel off the beaten track and explore the hidden corners of the island.
Wildlife and Nature have been consistent throughout my life. I have always been fascinated by the natural and developing world.
I strongly feel that science has the potential to produce a sustainable planet if people are educated to understand its value. And my introduction to WNPS was no different. I first encountered the committee during one of their “Education for Conservation” programs held at my school in 2018. The program convinced me to join the WNPS Youth Wing, strongly believe that this committee is an exceptional platform to create awareness and execute conservation efforts. Currently working as a Junior Trainee Architect, I serve the organization by leading the Youth Wing to achieve its purpose.
Shehan Ramanayake is a development professional with a career spanning economic and capital markets research, tourism development policy, sustainable and experiential tourism, and project management. During the past 7 years he has focused on leveraging nature- based tourism models as well as donor funds to drive sustainable social and environmental impact. Shehan’s development experience includes working with the International Monetary Fund and leading projects backed by international bi-lateral donors. He has travelled extensively through Sri Lanka, as well as to Kenya, South Africa and Botswana and enjoys
learning about new conservation models, impact financing and impact reporting
frameworks.
Riaz runs a locally based travel agency that focus on luxury and wildlife travel to Sri Lanka and is an internationally recognized ground handler who has worked with production companies on wildlife and travel documentaries including BBC, CNN, National Geographic, Disney Nature and the Discovery Network. He is also a wildlife photographer who is very passionate about the conservation of wildlife and natural eco-systems in Sri Lanka and is currently the co-chair of the Wild Cats subcommittee at WNPS.
Sohan has been with MAS Holdings (Pvt) Limited since 2009 and currently serves as Business Director, leading the Indian market strategy in collaboration with the Tata Group. His background includes roles as General Manager of Strategic Planning, Head of Finance, Legal, and Administration at an MAS-Nike Innovation Centre, and setting up MAS operations in Indonesia. His managerial expertise encompasses business development, marketing, strategic and financial planning, corporate policy formulation, LEAN principles, and risk management. He has facilitated the formation of three Joint Ventures and managed global stakeholder relationships, involving extensive international business travel. He is a senior lecturer at the Imperial College of Business Studies, specializing in Corporate Finance, Accounting, Economics, and Business Management. He holds Associate Membership in professional accounting bodies (CIMA, ACCA, CGMA) and a Master's in Economics from the University of Colombo. He contributes to the 'Economy of Francesco' initiative, is involved in the Wildlife & Nature Projection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS), the 'Centre for a Smart Future (CSF),' and is dedicated to environmental conservation efforts.
Medhisha is a senior lecturer, naturalist, and a consultant with extensive experience and expertise in environmental management and sustainability. He possesses a keen interest in conservation and like examining various factors affecting land and seascape, biodiversity, their interactions, and conservation priorities amidst climate and ecosystem changes. Medhisha is deeply committed to conducting applied research for strategic management and is a dedicated educator for citizen scientists in the conservation and management of nature. He holds a B.Sc. (Honors) specialized in Environment Conservation and Management, along with postgraduate credentials in Environmental Sciences and Integrated Water Resources Management. He is a founder/co-founder and has been a dedicated life member of various environmental societies/organizations, and initiatives in Sri Lanka since 2012, including the WNPS. Currently, he serves as the chair of the WNPS Marine Subcommittee.
Sankha Wanniatchi is a wildlife researcher, conservationist, and strategic communicator with a unique blend of scientific expertise and marketing acumen. Over the past nine years, he has led dedicated leopard research in Sri Lanka’s Horton Plains National Park, resulting in the groundbreaking publication Ghost of the Clouded Plains—the first research-based coffee table book focused on the park’s iconic leopards.
With a double major in Business and Marketing and a CIM qualification, Sankha’s core expertise also lies in branding and marketing strategy. His ability to merge scientific insight with strategic storytelling has made him a sought-after consultant for world-renowned media organizations, including Warner Bros., BBC, and the National Geographic Channel.
Sankha believes that science is the cornerstone of effective conservation. His mission is to transform complex research into accessible, engaging narratives that resonate with the public and inspire meaningful action. Through his work, he aims to foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife and drive lasting conservation impact.
In addition to his publishing and media contributions, Sankha actively supports conservation initiatives through the WNPS Wildcat Subcommittee, WNPS Lecture Subcommittee, contributing to the protection of Sri Lanka’s Wildlife & Nature conservation efforts.