Research, Publications & Conference Proceedings

To solve systemic challenges, we first need to understand the data behind them. My research portfolio, comprising 4 publications and 3 conference presentations, focuses on quantifying the complex interactions between commercial landscapes and biodiversity. By applying statistical frameworks and spatial analysis to these ecological systems, I work to uncover hidden patterns in how human communities and natural environments coexist. This body of work represents my commitment to building the rigorous, data-rich foundations necessary for the next generation of smart, resilient sustainability solutions.

Publications

THE IMPACT OF LAND USE AND CLIMATIC FACTORS IN INDIRECT BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION OF SRI LANKA’S PLANTATION LANDSCAPE – CASE STUDY

highlights the critical potential of plantation landscapes in Sri Lanka’s wet zone—a region containing two-thirds of the country's threatened species yet only 14% protected coverage—to serve as vital conservation corridors. By analyzing three distinct plantation clusters, the research establishes a strong positive correlation between retained forest cover and species richness; specifically, areas with high forest cover supported the greatest diversity of mammals and birds, whereas landscapes dominated by intensive tea production exhibited the lowest. The findings suggest that a modest 4% increase in land designated for conservation within these corporate-held territories could significantly bolster national and global biodiversity targets, underscoring the urgent need for standardized assessment protocols to integrate these production landscapes into broader conservation strategies.

STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY IN A PLANTATION LANDSCAPE – CASE STUDY

This study analyzes a Regional Plantation Company in Sri Lanka's wet zone, using a SWOT framework to evaluate its conservation potential across 13,000 hectares. While land ownership and certifications provide a strong foundation, the company faces critical challenges regarding in-house expertise, climate change, and invasive species. The findings emphasize that leveraging opportunities like biodiversity credits and ecotourism can bridge these gaps, driving both environmental protection and long-term business resilience.

ANALYSIS OF THE INDIRECT CONTRIBUTION TO BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN SRI LANKA BY THE ESTATES MANAGED BY KELANI VALLEY PLANTATIONS PLC

This study evaluates the ecological value of Kelani Valley Plantations PLC (KVPL) estates in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, demonstrating that these privately managed landscapes serve as critical repositories for the island's endemic and threatened biodiversity. The analysis reveals substantial species richness, with the estates hosting 90% of the country's endemic birds and over 50% of its nationally threatened amphibians, freshwater fish, and odonates, particularly within the Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya districts. These findings validate the essential role of corporate plantations in complementing the protected area network, arguing strongly for the inclusion of such private estates in national conservation strategies to secure the long-term survival of high-priority species groups.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF VISITOR PERSPECTIVES FOR RESEARCH AND ECOTOURISM MODEL (REM): AN INITIATIVE BY KELANI VALLEY PLANTATIONS PLCCONTEXT FOR THE RESEARCH

Evaluates the feasibility of a "Research-Ecological-Model" (REM) at Kelani Valley Plantations' Halgolla estate, proposing a sustainable financing structure that monetizes the intersection of academic research and nature tourism. The analysis reveals a robust willingness to pay that extends beyond traditional university affiliates, particularly for structured field courses, invasive species studies, and birdwatching. By targeting specific interest groups like mountain hikers and stream explorers, the findings demonstrate that integrating paid educational experiences can effectively capitalize on the estate’s natural assets to fund long-term conservation.

Conference Presentations

First International Conference on Business Sustainability (ICBS 2024) Colombo, Sri Lanka

  • Organized by: University of Colombo in collaboration with ZPMC Lanka Company (Pvt) Ltd.
  • Date Held: 19th of November 2024. The conference proceedings cover November 18th–19th, 2024.
  • Was adjudged as "THE BEST PRESENTER" in the Environmental Sustainability track.

29th International Forestry and Environmental Symposium.

The 29th International Forestry and Environmental Symposium is a premier event for researchers and professionals to share insights on environmental sustainability.

  • Organized by: The Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
  • Date held: January 23 – 24, 2025

 WILDLANKA International Symposium 2024

Annual Session of the WILDLANKA Journal of the Department of Wildlife Conservation - Sri Lanka.

  • Organized by: The symposium was organized by the Department of Wildlife Conservation - Sri Lanka.
  • Date held: 21st & 22nd November, 2024
  • Theme of the symposium: "Conserve Blue Carbon Ecosystem for a Sustainable Future".