As we usher in the New Year, Kele Kolam extends heartfelt wishes to all who respect the environment and the animal kingdom. May your year be filled with happiness, good fortune, and the fulfillment of all your aspirations.
Throughout life, we meet a variety of people—some remarkably inspiring, others more reserved. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting a gentle soul who embodies a deep love for nature and wildlife: Heshan Peiris. A passionate wildlife photographer with years of dedication, Heshan has captured rare and striking images of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. His latest work, a compelling book titled Prana, has just been released, offering a unique window into the lives of wild animals. This is his story.
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One of Heshan’s notable contributions is his involvement with Yala Leopard Diary, a comprehensive compilation of information on Sri Lanka’s endemic leopards. As a founding member of this group, Heshan has helped document the lives of these elusive creatures. Below, he shares insights into his journey and passion for wildlife photography:
“I began wildlife photography in 2012 while I was still in university. It started as a hobby to relieve the stress of working in the IT sector and gradually became a significant part of my life. Now, after more than 12 years, it’s still my greatest passion.”
Heshan’s talent and dedication have earned him national and international recognition. He won the Wildlife category of the State Festival of Photography Award and has also triumphed in global competitions such as Sanctuary and Nature in Focus.
“As a founding member of Yala Leopard Diary, I conducted a thorough survey on Sri Lankan leopards and published a dedicated book on the subject. My latest publication, Prana, represents the culmination of many years of exploration in Sri Lanka’s national parks and rainforests. Through it, I hope to share my experiences and provide readers with a unique perspective on the life cycles of leopards.”
Heshan’s extensive research spans across Sri Lanka, covering every national park and rainforest from north to south. His long-term observations even allowed him to study individual leopards from infancy through adulthood.
“In Prana, I also address the tragic loss of Sri Lanka’s elephant population due to the ongoing human-elephant conflict. Additionally, I’ve included rare photographs of endemic bird species and detailed information on various animals, alongside personal anecdotes from my wildlife encounters.”
As an experienced wildlife photographer, Heshan offers valuable advice for aspiring photographers:
“To truly capture wildlife, you must first understand the behavior of the animals. That’s when photography becomes an immersive and respectful experience. Always remember—we are guests in their world. Our presence should never disrupt their lives or their natural habitats.”
Heshan believes Sri Lanka offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography due to its unique ecological diversity.
“Within just a few hours, we can travel between dry zones and wet climates. This ecological variety allows us to observe a wide range of species—elephants, leopards, whales, birds, and more. With proper conservation and sustainable management, Sri Lanka’s forests and wildlife can become a haven not just for photographers, but for future generations.”
By Saman Halloluwa
