Environment & Wildlife

This Mangrove Forest Survived The War But May Not Survive A Shrimp Farm

As Sri Lanka’s armed conflict intensified in July 2008, a fierce battle was waged between government forces and the Tamil Tiger rebels over the strategically important coastal town of Vidataltivu in the Mannar district. After heavy fighting that lasted many days, government troops finally captured the area, considered one of the main bases and logistic […]

Merry Plastic Free Christmas

Is There Hope For Sri Lanka’s Coral Reefs?

Coral reefs are one of Sri Lanka’s most precious marine ecosystems, but their numbers here have dramatically reduced due to human activity and climate change.

How One Solar Power Plant In Batticaloa Cultivates Energy And Agriculture

Despite #SriLanka having the potential to meet as much as 32% of its annual power demand with solar energy, only 0.01% of that potential was developed as of 2016.

Big Game Hunting In Colonial Ceylon

Between 1796 and 1948 when the British ruled over our island nation, the hunting of wild game was encouraged, rewarded and even celebrated as a sport. And among the many hunters who revelled in it — justified at the time as a means of population control — was Major Thomas William Rogers, who killed roughly 1,500 elephants within 10 years.

Strong Foundations – Episode 02 – Mangrove Restoration

Mangroves are one of our most valuable and critically endangered natural ecosystems.

‘Environment Advocacy Can’t Always Be Donor Driven’ : Anoka Abeyrathne on #TheDebrief w/Roel Raymond

Anoka Abeyratne is an environmentalist and conservationist who is currently the environmental lead for the Royal Commonwealth Society. Here, she speaks with our Editor-in-Chief Roel Raymond on the state of the environment in Sri Lanka, and highlights what more needs to be done in the area of conservation.

Is Climate Change Giving You Anxiety?

After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can often seem that lately there are more and more things to worry about.

Urban Crocodiles: Where Did They Come From?

Finding crocodiles along the coast is not a new thing — but no one wants a saltwater crocodile as their swimming buddy.

Thousands of Flamingos In Mannar For The Winter

Have you ever seen a flock of 2,0000 flamingos in one place? If you visit Mannar any time between now and April, there’s a good chance that you might.

Sea Cucumbers: Sri Lanka’s Lesser-Known Seafood Export

Sea cucumbers are soft-bodied, slow-moving creatures very much like starfish or sea urchins. Although not part of the local cuisine, Sri Lanka exports them to other Asian countries. Sea cucumbers are considered one of the most over-exploited marine resources in most countries. In an unregulated environment, can the Sri Lankan industry survive in the future?