Wildlife conservation: A view from DWC
View(s):Wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka: Are we headed in the right direction? This month’s Nations Trust Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) lecture will be presented by Ranjan Marasinghe, Director – Operations, Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) on September 15 at the Jasmine Hall, BMICH at 6 p.m.
Ranjan Marasinghe
With the human-wildlife conflict, rampant deforestation, illegal encroachment into natural habitats and increasing poaching, wildlife and the wilderness of Sri Lanka are under the greatest threats they have faced possibly since the British cleared the highlands for coffee, and later tea plantations. This time, however, it is happening from the mountains to the coast, in every national park, forest reserve, sanctuary, protected area and remaining natural habitat in between.
The pandemic and the country’s serious financial crisis have resulted in the worsening of the situation especially over the past two years. Some excellent conservation plans and policies, both for specific areas and species have been formulated, but are usually never, or only partially, implemented.
The DWC is the sole statutory body responsible for the protection of all wildlife in the country, and of the protected areas under their jurisdiction. While the commitment of the DWC staff in the field has never been in doubt, there have been doubts raised about the hierarchy of the department.
Ranjan Marasinghe first joined the DWC in 2006, as an Assistant Director of Planning and ICT. He is now the Director of Operations. Credited with many of the innovations within the structure of the department, he also has field experience as the Regional Assistant Wildlife Director for the Mahaweli Region. He is the current focal point for CITES in Sri Lanka, and for the South Asian Wildlife Enforcement Network.
The lecture is open to all, entrance free.
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.