Global experts gather in Sri Lanka for historic first World Congress on Snakes

Kandy, Sri Lanka will become the global scientific hub from October 1 to 4, 2026, with the inauguration of the inaugural World Congress on Snakes (WCS 2026) at the Grand Kandyan Hotel. This marks the first international conference exclusively focused on snake biology, conservation and public health. Over 400 delegates from 25 countries, including more than 300 international scientists, ophiologists - experts studying snakes - and medical experts, are expected to participate in the four-day event on the Indian Ocean island.

Joined by more than 100 local researchers, they will tackle critical ecological challenges and the global issue of snakebite envenomation. Sri Lanka was chosen as the host due to its remarkable and unique reptilian diversity, with 112 snake species, 63 of which are endemic to the island. The congress chairperson and global herpetology authority, Anslem de Silva, stated that this event will establish Sri Lanka as the epicenter of global snake research and conservation policy.

For years, snake research has been sidelined in broader herpetological forums, and WCS 2026 aims to provide a dedicated platform for these ecologically vital creatures.