Summit Agenda
August 1 & 2, 2026 · Diamond Jubilee Hall · University of Peradeniya
Day 1
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Registration
Opening Ceremony
Keynote Address
Honorable Diyawadana Nilame — Pradeep Nilanga Daala
Panel Discussion 1 — Current Status & Situation of Sri Lankan Domestic Elephants
Panelists: Mr. Damsiri Bandara · Mr. Udupila Kumarapeli · Mr. Sunel Rambukpotha · Mr. Jayasekara · Moderator: Mr. Salinda Sampath
Panel Discussion 2 — Health of Sri Lankan Domestic Elephants
Panelists: Mr. Pradeep Miyanapalawa · Dr. Tharindu Wijekoon · Dr. Buddika Bandara · Dr. Ranga Prabhath · Moderator: Mr. Yoshitha Ranaweera
Lunch Break
Discussion — Requirements of Sri Lankan Domestic Elephants
Professor Ashoka Dangolla
Panel Discussion 3 — Life of an Elephant Caretaker
Panelists: Mr. Sumane Banda · Mr. Ajith Liyanage · Mr. Sarath · Mr. Sekara · Panel Guide: Mr. Pradeep Miyanapalawa · Moderator: Mr. Buddika Roshan
Special Speech
Dr. Harsha Darmavijaya
Thank You Speech
Day 2
Sunday, August 2, 2026
Registration
Opening Ceremony
Keynote Address — Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando
"Who is an Elephant? Understanding the Behaviour and Ecology of Wild Elephants"
Panel Discussion 01 — The Future of Elephant Conservation in Sri Lanka: Science, Policy and Coexistence
Panelists: Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya · Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando · Prof. Devaka K Weerakoon · Moderator: Dr. Chandima Fernando
Special Guest Address — Uruwarige Wannila Aththo
Lunch Break
Panel Discussion 02 — Beyond Treatment: The Role of Wildlife Veterinarians in Elephant Conservation
Panelists: Dr. Akalanka Pinidiya · Prof. Ashoka Dangolla · Dr. Chandima Fernando · Dr. Sashikala Sewwandi · Moderator: Mr. Geeth Welagedara
Conservation Partner Presentation — Uga Resorts
Speaker: Ms. Kathrina · Topic: Elephant Conservation Initiatives
Panel Discussion 03 — Protecting People and Elephants: Frontline Experiences from Sri Lanka's Wildlife Rangers
Panelists: Wildlife Rangers from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) · Moderator: Dr. Chandima Fernando
Technical Presentation 01 — Drone Technology in Human–Elephant Conflict Mitigation
University of Moratuwa
Technical Presentation 02 — Software Engineering Solutions for Human–Elephant Conflict Mitigation
SLIIT
Vote of Thanks
Alongside the Summit
Three special initiatives running as part of Alimankada 2026
Island-wide Photography Competition
Open to all Sri Lankans — capture the spirit and story of elephants through your lens.
Island-wide Art Competition
School and university students are invited to express the human-elephant relationship through art.
Sri Lankan Domestic Elephant Database
Official public launch of the first comprehensive domestic elephant database and website for Sri Lanka.
