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Sony Appoints Sri Lanka’s Lakshitha Karunaratna as Regional Ambassador for Wildlife Photography 06th June 2025, Colombo: Sony, in collaboration with CameraLK, the leading camera retail giant in Sri Lanka, officially announced the appointment of renowned Sri Lankan wildlife photographer Lakshitha Karunaratna as the Sony Regional Ambassador for Wildlife Photography, making him the first Sri Lankan to be selected for this prestigious role. The ceremonial signing took place, in the presence of representatives from Sony, CameraLK, and leading figures from Sri Lanka’s creative community. Lakshitha’s appointment spans the South and South East Asia region — including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Mongolia, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and beyond. His work will be featured and published on Sony’s platforms across this region. This milestone appointment recognizes Lakshitha’s extraordinary talent, deep commitment to wildlife storytelling, and his significant contribution to the growth of nature and conservation photography in Sri Lanka. ...

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The Sri Lankan Leopard: A National Treasure Under Threat – Malsha – eLanka The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is an endemic subspecies found exclusively in Sri Lanka. First described in 1956 by zoologist Paules Edward Pieris Deraniyagala, this majestic big cat is the apex predator on the island, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating prey populations.  Physical Characteristics Sri Lankan leopards are among the largest leopard subspecies globally, a trait attributed to the absence of competing large predators like lions or tigers on the island. Males can weigh up to 60 kg, while females average around 35 kg. Their coat is a tawny or rusty yellow adorned with dark spots and close-set rosettes, providing effective camouflage in various habitats.  Habitat and Distribution Adaptable to diverse environments, Sri Lankan leopards inhabit a range of habitats across the island, from arid zones receiving less than 1000 ...

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Mannar UnboundMannar and Its Surrounds: Stunning Wild Life and Landscapes Source:Thuppahis Nadika Hapuarachchi, Tamara Fernando, Thilak Jayaratne, Janaka Gallangoda in MANNAR UNBOUND 2018 Mannar Unbound is a photographic documentation of wildlife and archaeological ruins of Mannar. The book is the result of over five years of fieldwork stretching across various seasons during which places were visited and then revisited in order to get the perfect shot……………………. .Dec 16, 2018 A Review by Vashni Benjamin …. IN … http://www.themorning.lk/brunch-page-9-mannar-unbound-2/ well-known Sri Lankan wildlife enthusiasts Dr. Thilak Jayaratne, Dr. Janaka Gallangoda, Nadika Hapuarachchi, and Tamara Fernando, comes a book that explores the lesser-known beauty that is Mannar. When recalling places of scenic beauty within our country, Mannar isn’t usually a place that comes to mind. With a history spanning over centuries, this region is of significant archaeological and environmental importance. Since ancient times it has been a renowned port city, referred to as Mahathiththa at the time. Mannar ...

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Indian Paradise Flycatcher: The Enchanting Sudu Redi Hora – By Nadeeka – eLanka The Indian Paradise Flycatcher, scientifically known as Terpsiphone paradisi, is one of the most elegant and mesmerizing birds found across the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. Locally referred to as “Sudu Redi Hora,” which translates to “the thief of white cloth,” this bird has captured the imagination of many for its remarkable beauty and graceful flight. The name derives from the bird’s flowing, ribbon-like tail feathers, which resemble delicate strips of white silk fluttering through the air, evoking an image of stolen cloth carried away by the wind. The male Indian Paradise Flycatcher is especially striking during the breeding season, with its glossy black head, shimmering white or rufous plumage, and extraordinarily long tail feathers, which can extend up to thirty centimeters. These ribbon-like tail streamers trail behind them as they dart through the air, creating an ...

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Grizzled Giant Squirrel /දඬුලේනා (Ratufa macroura): Sri Lanka’s Endearing Arboreal Resident – By Nadeeka – eLanka The Grizzled Giant Squirrel, scientifically known as Ratufa macroura, is one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable and endearing wildlife species. This large, tree-dwelling squirrel is easily recognizable by its distinctive grizzled fur, bushy tail, and agile movements among the treetops. Found in both Sri Lanka and southern India, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as a seed disperser and a vital component of the forest food web. Physical Characteristics The Grizzled Giant Squirrel is one of the largest squirrels in the world, with adults measuring up to 50 centimeters in body length, and their tail can be just as long or even longer. Their fur is predominantly gray with a grizzled or mottled appearance, giving them a unique and rugged look. The squirrel’s underparts are often lighter, and their ...

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Graceful Elegance: Unveiling the Enigmatic World of the Sri Lankan Leopard – By Nadeeka – eLanka In the heart of Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes, a creature of unparalleled grace and mystery roams—the Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya). Cloaked in an aura of enigma, this elusive feline has captivated the imagination of wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike. As we journey into the depths of its world, we uncover the intricacies of its habitat, behavior, and the concerted efforts being made to protect its existence. Majestic Habitat and Range The Sri Lankan Leopard reigns over a realm of diverse ecosystems, each a canvas painted with nature’s brush. From the dense canopies of rainforests that echo with the calls of exotic birds, to the arid grasslands where sunlight weaves a tapestry of gold—these are the domains where the leopard stakes its claim. The central highlands, a patchwork of montane forests and mist-kissed ...

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