Speakers & Panelists

Featured Speakers

Experts, conservationists, and elephant advocates from across Sri Lanka

Day 1 — Saturday, August 1

Domestic Elephants — Heritage, Care & Ethical Stewardship

Honorable Diyawadana Nilame

Guest of Honour

Keynote Address

Keynote address as the Guest of Honour on the cultural and heritage significance of the Sri Lankan elephant.

Mr. Damsiri Bandara

Domestic Elephant Owner

Panel Discussion 1

Sharing first-hand experience on the current situation and challenges faced by domestic elephant owners in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Sunel Rambukpotha

Domestic Elephant Owner

Panel Discussion 1

Perspectives on the day-to-day realities of owning and caring for a domestic elephant in modern Sri Lanka.

Mr. Poragedara

Domestic Elephant Owner

Panel Discussion 1

Contributing to the discussion on welfare standards and ownership challenges for domestic elephants.

Mr. Hasitha Gunasekara

Domestic Elephant Owner

Panel Discussion 1

Insights into the economic, social, and ethical responsibilities of elephant ownership.

Dr. Tharindu

Veterinary Specialist

Panel Discussion 2

Expert perspectives on the medicine of elephants, current veterinary challenges, and welfare standards.

Mr. Pradeep Miyanapalawa

Elephant Health Expert

Panel Discussion 2

Addressing medical and health-related issues facing captive elephants in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Buddika

Veterinary Researcher

Panel Discussion 2

Research insights on elephant medicine, diagnostics, and healthcare innovations.

Prof. Dangolla

Special Discussant

Special Discussion

A special session on the requirements and welfare of Sri Lankan domestic elephants, led by one of the country's foremost authorities on elephant care.

Mr. Ajith Liyanage

Elephant Caretaker (Mahout)

Panel Discussion 3

The lived experience of a mahout — dedication, challenges, and the unbreakable bond between caretaker and elephant.

Mr. Herath Banda

Elephant Caretaker (Mahout)

Panel Discussion 3

Perspectives on the life and responsibilities of an elephant caretaker in contemporary Sri Lanka.

Mr. Rathnayaka

Elephant Caretaker (Mahout)

Panel Discussion 3

Sharing the daily realities, rewards, and hardships of a lifetime spent caring for elephants.

Dr. Harsha Darmavijaya

Guest Speaker

Special Speech

Special address on the cultural significance of elephants in Sri Lankan society and the path forward for elephant conservation.

Day 2 — Sunday, August 2

Wild Elephants — Conservation, Conflict & Coexistence

Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando

Elephant Scientist & Chairman, CCR Sri Lanka

Keynote & Panel Discussion 01

Keynote address on understanding the behaviour and ecology of wild elephants. Elephant Scientist and Chairman of the Centre for Conservation and Research (CCR), Sri Lanka.

Dr. Pruthvi

Wild Elephant Expert

Panel Discussion 01

Academic expertise on the status, ecology, and conservation challenges of wild elephants in Sri Lanka.

Prof. Devaka K Weerakoon

Wildlife Researcher, Dept. of Zoology, University of Colombo

Panel Discussion 01

Research perspectives on wild elephant populations, habitat requirements, and corridor conservation.

Dr. Chandima

Moderator & Panelist

Panel Discussions 01, 02 & 03

Moderating the Human–Elephant Coexistence and Wildlife Conservation panels, and participating as a panelist in the Health and Welfare of Wild Elephants discussion.

Dr. Akalanka

Conservation Scientist

Panel Discussion 03

Scientific insights on wild elephant health, diagnostics, and evidence-based conservation.

Prof. Dangolla

Elephant Health Expert

Panel Discussion 03

Expertise on the health and welfare of wild elephants, contributing to the Health and Welfare of Wild Elephants panel.

University of Moratuwa

Research Presenters

Technical Presentations 01 & 02

Two research presentations on technology-based conflict mitigation — drone surveillance and radio wave systems for Human–Elephant Conflict reduction.

Speaker lineup subject to confirmation. Additional speakers will be announced as the summit approaches.