Guardians of Mother Nature Playing a lead role in conservation battles and projects, Sri Lanka’s ‘Wildlife and Nature Protection Society’ celebrates 125 years View(s): View(s):By Kumudini HettiarachchiA strong thread, nay an unbroken rope, running distinctly through the tapestry of environmental gains and conservation battles had as its simple origins a meeting announced back in 1894. Wildlife at that time was known as ‘game’ as the emphasis was on hunting and not protection, explains Dr. Fernando. These two ordinances, even though with certain ambiguities and to some extent being inoperative, may be considered the beginnings of wildlife conservation in the country, points out Dr. Fernando. Spittel, had been passed with 28 voting for and 10 against, with the society becoming the Wildlife Protection Society of Ceylon. The society’s President Thilo W. Hoffmann had suggested a further name-change in 1970, on the grounds that wildlife could not be protected without conserving nature, with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Ceylon (later Sri Lanka) coming into being.

Source: Sunday Times April 20, 2019 18:45 UTC