Speakers & Panelists

Featured Speakers

Experts, conservationists, and elephant advocates from across Sri Lanka

Day 1 — Saturday, August 1

Domestic Elephants · Heritage, Care & Ethical Stewardship

D

Honorable Diyawadana Nilame

Guest of Honour

Opening Address

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

D

Mr. Damsiri Bandara

Domestic Elephant Owner

Panel 1

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

S

Mr. Sunel Rambukpotha

Domestic Elephant Owner

Panel 1

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

P

Mr. Poragedara

Domestic Elephant Owner

Panel 1

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

H

Mr. Hasitha Gunasekara

Domestic Elephant Owner

Panel 1

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

T

Dr. Tharindu

Veterinary Specialist

Panel 2

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

P

Mr. Pradeep Miyanapalawa

Elephant Health Expert

Panel 2

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

B

Dr. Buddika

Veterinary Researcher

Panel 2

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

D

Prof. Dangolla

Special Discussant

Special Discussion

A special session with one of Sri Lanka's foremost authorities on elephant welfare and research.

A

Mr. Ajith Liyanage

Elephant Caretaker (Mahout)

Panel 3

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

H

Mr. Herath Banda

Elephant Caretaker (Mahout)

Panel 3

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

R

Mr. Rathnayaka

Elephant Caretaker (Mahout)

Panel 3

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

H

Mr. Harsha Dharmavijaya

Guest Speaker

Closing Guest Speech

Closing address on the cultural significance of elephants in Sri Lankan society and the path forward.

Day 2 — Sunday, August 2

Wild Elephants · Conservation, Conflict & Coexistence

S

Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya

Wildlife Scientist

Keynote & Panel 1

Opening keynote on elephant biology and wild behaviour, followed by leading the Panel Discussion on Human–Elephant Coexistence.

P

Dr. Pruthvi

Wild Elephant Expert

Panel Discussion 1

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

D

Prof. Dewaka

Wildlife Researcher

Panel Discussion 1

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

C

Dr. Chandima

Moderator & Panelist

Panel Discussions 1, 2 & 3

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

A

Dr. Akalanka

Conservation Scientist

Panel Discussion 3

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

D

Prof. Dangolla

Elephant Health Expert

Panel Discussion 3

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

U

University of Moratuwa

Research Presenters

Presentations 1 & 2

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.