Sri Lanka photographic exhibition held at UCLA art gallery in California on earth day 2023

A Review by --- Nandi Jasentuliyana, Former Deputy Director-General, United Nations. 

Adorning the UCLA Art Gallery, a panorama of seventy-five strikingly attractive nature photographs was exhibited on the Earth Day weekend, April 22-23. Visitors enjoyed discovering the works of seven award-winning photographers who brought their fascinating work all the way from Sri Lanka for this unique exhibition.   

With a fierce commitment to pushing boundaries and experimenting and exploring the possibilities of the still image, the America Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society Los Angeles (ASPAS), in association with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles, held 'The Beauty of Sri Lanka' photographic Exhibition at the Art Gallery at UCLA commemorating both the Earth Day 2023 and the 75th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and the United States for which special exhibit of historic photos was in display. The exhibition was supported by the Sri Lanka Embassy in The United States, The American Embassy in in Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Tourist Board while The Consul General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles, Dr. Lalith Chandradasa acted as the Chief Guest. 

The exhibition was also designed to promote tourism in Sri Lanka. As such, it depicted the scenic beauty of the Island and its fauna, flora and wildlife, and marine life, as well as the 2500-year-old historical and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.  

The work of award-winning photographers Mr. Chitral Perera, Mr. Lakshitha Karunarathna, Mr. K.G. Keerthiratne, and Ms. Hiranthi De. Silva, who spoke on behalf the four visiting artists from Sri Lanka, were on display. Three award-winning photographers Mr. Sanjaya Warnasuriya, Mr. Andy Samarasinghe and Mr. Shantha Weerasinghe who are resident in the United States joined them to exhibit their work. The exhibition featured outstanding photographs of Sri Lanka's beauty and heritage as seen through their keen eyes together with the work of Suriya Perera, president of the America Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society (ASPAS), who is credited with holding the first-ever Sri Lankan Photographic Exhibition in the United States. This year's exhibit was the third in the series.  

Suriya Jayalath Perera’s recently published coffee table book titled 'Kingdom of Ruhuna: Home of the Yala National Park" was also launched at the exhibition, containing unmatched photography and some hither to not photographed historical ruins deep in the jungle. An impressive work that chronicles a two-and-a-half-year journey of exploration to seek and record Sri Lanka's rich and diverse fauna and flora and the rich heritage surrounding the Ruhuna (Yala) National Park and its environs.

This exhibition was also intended to introduce viewers to a range of issues that currently impact the environment. Commemorating Earth Day 2023, the keynote speaker Prof. Glen MacDonald FRSC, a distinguished Professor of Ecology and Geography at UCLA, made a brilliant presentation addressing such concerns.  

He spoke about Sri Lanka during his Earth Day 2023 address and recounted that due to its incredible biodiversity of life, including mammal, bird, reptile, and plant species, Sri Lanka is considered one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. A number of species of animals and plants are found nowhere else in the world. The nation also has a remarkable history, culture, and important monuments. Accordingly, it contains 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Professor MacDonald noted that the population of Sri Lanka had grown significantly over recent decades to over 22 million people, which produces challenges in protecting the environment, the many rare species in Sri Lanka, and supporting its people. Unfortunately, the burden of anthropogenic climate change is weighing heavily on tropical regions such as Sri Lanka. Temperatures have increased in most areas of the Island in recent decades, and this trend is projected to increase into the 21st century. The sea level is also rising and will continue to do so. 

Along with high temperatures and rising seas, incidences of drought, destructive cyclones, floods, and landslides have been projected to increase in portions of Sri Lanka. Professor MacDonald commented that a report by the World Bank Group concluded that increased flooding may be one of the most significant challenges. As is the case for many tropical nations, Sri Lanka faces economic challenges in developing the adaptations to meet these climate change vulnerabilities while at the same time being responsible for only a very tiny fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, Sri Lanka has embarked on a solid path toward reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and preserving its forest cover and other natural resources. Professor MacDonald believes that in these efforts, Sri Lank could serve as an example to the tropical and the world in general. 

Professor MacDonald concluded by discussing the importance of the visual arts, and particularly photography, in making people aware of the immense beauty of Sri Lanka, its natural environment, flora and fauna, and peoples, and in motivating environmental efforts. He emphasized that a single picture has the power to achieve a catharsis in an individual while a litany of words cannot.  

In a message read at the exhibition The American Ambassador in Sri Lanka Her Excellency. Julie Chang said that “This photo exhibition, conveniently timed with Earth Day, showcases the beauty of Sri Lanka, and highlights the island's flora and fauna. As you revel in the beauty of this island, it is worth considering the looming threat of climate change and its impact on species, habitats, and ecosystems. The United States is active in helping Sri Lanka to advance solutions including support for green technology industry, climate-sma1t agriculture, climate finance, and climate change policy. Working together, we want to keep Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity thriving for generations to come. That kind of partnership is nothing new. This year we are celebrating Sri Lanka's 75^th anniversary of independence, as well as the 75^th year of diplomatic relations between our countries.”

She further stated that “perhaps you will be inspired to come see for yourself: Yala National Park with its shaggy sloth bears and gracefully athletic leopards; miles and miles of glorious coastline, warm cerulean waters inviting you to swim; tea plantations and hill country open for exploring and fun. Sri Lanka also has ancient cities and diverse cultural relics celebrating life and history. I hope you will be tempted to come explore this resplendent island in person soon.”

Also displayed at the exhibition was a collection of historical photographs depicting the 75-year story of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and the United States. Ms. Medini Rathnayaka conducted the program. In attendance at the opening was a distinguished gathering of diplomats, professors, physicians and visiting dignitaries from Sri Lanka including the Presidential Counsel Chandana Liyanapatabendy.