Protecting Sri Lanka’s natural heritage: The leadership we need for next 75 years
After nearly 77 years of wildlife conservation, Sri Lanka must strengthen the institutions, professional leadership and political will needed to safeguard its natural heritage for generations to come. By Dilum Alagiyawanna Sri Lanka has a long and proud history of protecting its natural heritage. Generations of wildlife officers, forest officers, scientists, researchers, field staff and […]
Sri Lanka has a rich history of wildlife conservation, with dedicated officers, scientists, researchers, and field staff working to protect forests, wildlife, and ecosystems. The Wildlife Department was established in 1949 following the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance of 1937 and the expansion of wildlife reserves. As the nation moves forward, it must consider what kind of leadership is needed for the next 75 years to safeguard its natural heritage.
The conservation landscape has changed significantly since the early days of protection efforts. Issues such as habitat fragmentation, climate change, human-elephant conflict, and invasive species now pose significant challenges. These problems are interconnected with various sectors like agriculture, energy, transportation, and tourism, making conservation a multidisciplinary national policy challenge.
Effective conservation leadership should combine administrative competence with scientific and technical understanding, field experience, strategic thinking, integrity, and a strong commitment to conservation outcomes. It should go beyond just administering conservation programs and become knowledge-driven institutions that generate, interpret, and apply scientific evidence to inform management decisions.
Dr. P. E. P. Deraniyagala serves as a prime example of scientific leadership in Sri Lanka's conservation history. As the first Director of the Department of National Museums, Dr. Deraniyagala combined scientific curiosity, intellectual independence, research capabilities, and a lifelong commitment to understanding Sri Lanka's natural heritage. He did not merely administer an institution but contributed to the body of knowledge that underpins our understanding of the country's natural heritage.
Rather than criticizing or dismantling existing institutions, Sri Lanka should focus on making them stronger and more scientifically capable. This means developing and appointing leaders with a diverse skill set, capable of navigating the complex challenges facing the country's natural resources in the 21st century.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
