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Protecting wildlife

Kaludiya Pokuna project: Putting up sign boards to educate visitors

“Conservation in a country should involve the awareness of its people.” The students of S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia have, for many years, been focusing on the importance of awareness and consciousness of the country’s wildlife and natural heritage. Founded in 1887 and one of the oldest and most active societies in STC, the Natural History Society helps enhance knowledge of wildlife conservation.

“Our activities are many,” says Rajiv Welikala, President of the Society. Regular meetings and lectures are conducted for members by distinguished wildlife enthusiasts. Wildlife documentaries are shown at the College audiovisual theatre every month.

The society also participates in research excursions to national parks every term holiday. “We camp out during our stays in these parks as we want to get as close to nature as possible,” says Rajiv. These trips encourage them to learn and appreciate natural habitats and bio diversity. The members have explored all of Sri Lanka’s parks and in 1996, they visited the Periyar Tiger Reserve in India.

Apart from these activities, the society has engaged in many environmental projects in Udawalawe, Bundala, Yala, and Kaludiya Pokuna. In Bundala, they assisted in a drought aid project by filling all the parched water holes. “This brought great relief for the many animals in the park,” says Rajiv.

During the past two years, student visitors to the Yala National Park have faced problems with accommodation. In their latest effort at fund raising, the Society has decided to take up the challenge of renovating the badly damaged dormitory in Yala as this dormitory complex consisting of a sleeping area, kitchen, toilets and dining room is in a state of total neglect. With a target at Rs. 900,000, the members have held many fund raising projects. They hope to achieve this task and thereby help their fellow wildlife enthusiasts learn and appreciate the wonders of nature and preserve the country’s heritage.

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