The stunning photographs on display are just a mere glimpse into the breathtaking scenery and rich diversity of wildlife at the Yala National Park. Vying for the top spot in the Yala Village Nature Photographer 2009 competition the images ranged from magnificent leopards and majestic elephants to the humble thalagoya.
The piercing stare of an eagle right into the camera of Dr. Gamini Kathriarachchi won him the title of Yala Village Nature Photographer of the Year while Uthpala Perera bagged the Junior Nature Photographer of the Year award for his photo of the thalagoya.
The other winners, in this photographic competition held among guests at the Yala Village in July were:
‘Wild Places’ category –
1st and 3rd Prizes :
Yasmin Margurite 1st Prize – Sarini Wijekoon (Juniors) ‘Leopards of Yala’
category –
1st Prize -- Sriyan de S. Wijeyeratne 1st Prize Dimitri Gunewardene (Juniors)
‘Other Animals of Yala’ category –
1st Prize -- Dr. Gamini Kathriarachchi 1st Prize -- Uthpala Perera (Junior) .
We launched the competition to foster art and encourage our guests to engage in a pastime that helps them learn the value of co-existence and the importance of conservation of wildlife, said the Executive Vice President of the John Keells Group, Jayantissa Kehelpanna at the award ceremony held on October 21 at the Cinnamon Lakeside.
The two-member panel of judges comprised well-known nature photographers Rukshan Jayewardene and Ranjith Silva.
Entries were judged on composition and appeal of the photograph, definition, degree of difficulty in taking the photograph and the character of the animal displayed.
The competition is to be an annual event, the organisers said.
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| Leopards of Yala category -- Sriyan de S. Wijeyeratne |
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| Thalagoya by Uthpala Perera |
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| Leopards of Yala Junior Winner - Dimitri Gunewardene |
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| Wild Places Junior Winner - Sarini Wijekoon |
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| A photograph by
Dr. Gamini Kathriarachchi |
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