Environment Lanka – Dr Hiran Amarasekera

Explore Sri Lanka’s Rich Ecological Heritage

EnvironmentLanka, led by Prof. Hiran Amarasekera, offers in-depth resources on Sri Lanka’s biodiversity, fostering education and awareness of our unique environment’s wonders and challenges.

EnvironmentLanka

Education, Ecology, and Environmental Awareness in Sri Lanka

EnvironmentLanka is an educational and information platform focusing on ecology, biodiversity, forestry, and environmental issues in Sri Lanka.
This site brings together academic knowledge, student resources, and public awareness related to biological and environmental sciences.

The platform has its roots in early web-based science education initiatives started in the late 1990s and continues today with updated content and modern digital tools.

About Prof. Hiran Amarasekera

Prof. Hiran Amarasekera is an academic attached to the
Department of Forestry and Environmental Science,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.

His work spans biology, forestry, environmental science, education, and science communication. He is actively involved in teaching, student mentoring, and public engagement through digital platforms.

Academic profile:
https://science.sjp.ac.lk/fes/prof-hiran-amarasekera/

Academic and Student Engagement

EnvironmentLanka supports students and young learners through:

  • Study guidance and learning resources
  • Biology and environmental science content
  • Links to student organisations and academic communities
  • Public science communication and outreach

Related organisations and communities:

Biodiversity of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tropical island of about 65,610 km², located near the southeastern tip of India.
Despite its small size, the country is recognised globally for its exceptional biodiversity.

Key features include:

  • High levels of endemism
    • About 25% of flowering plants
    • About 16-22% of mammals
  • Wide variation in climate and topography
  • Multiple ecosystems ranging from rainforests to dry zone scrublands
    This diversity makes Sri Lanka one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots

This diversity makes Sri Lanka one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Ecotourism and Natural Heritage

Sri Lanka has rich potential for ecotourism, supported by:

  • Fifteen distinct bioregions
  • Diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats
  • Ancient civilisation with strong cultural heritage
  • Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Major ecotourism attractions include Sinharaja World Heritage Forest, national parks, waterfalls, and forest reserves.

Environmental Issues in Sri Lanka

Environmental challenges in Sri Lanka share similarities with other developing countries but are unique due to:

  • Small land area and complex topography
  • Dense population and land use pressure
  • Numerous micro-ecosystems
  • Rapid social and economic change

EnvironmentLanka aims to highlight these issues through education and awareness rather than activism.

Early History

EnvironmentLanka traces its origins to one of the early Sri Lankan biology websites created in 1999, which is still accessible at:
https://ybiol.tripod.com/index.html

That early initiative focused on biology education, student interaction, and environmental awareness at a time when online resources were rare in Sri Lanka.

Connect and Follow

For updated information and related projects, please also visit:

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Academic Resources on Sri Lanka’s Biodiversity

EnvironmentLanka, led by Prof. Hiran Amarasekera, is dedicated to advancing ecological education and fostering awareness of Sri Lanka’s unique biodiversity, promoting informed environmental stewardship across communities.

Ecology Insights

Explore a rich collection of articles and research focused on Sri Lanka’s unique ecosystems, environmental challenges, and conservation efforts.

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Discover Sri Lanka’s Ecological Treasures

Explore key insights and unique offerings that deepen your understanding of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and environmental challenges.

Comprehensive Academic Resources

Access a wide range of scholarly materials curated to support ecological research and environmental education in Sri Lanka.

Engaging Student Initiatives

Participate in interactive programs designed to inspire students and foster active involvement in conservation efforts.

Public Awareness & Outreach

Gain valuable knowledge through campaigns and events that promote understanding of environmental science among the general public.

Learn More

Championing Sri Lanka’s Rich Ecological Heritage

Explore our platform’s unique role in promoting ecological education, fostering student involvement, and enhancing public understanding of Sri Lanka’s environment.

Academic Resource Hub

Access comprehensive academic materials tailored to Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and environmental sciences.

Student Engagement Programs

Participate in interactive projects and workshops designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Public Awareness Initiatives

Join campaigns and events that raise awareness about Sri Lanka’s unique environmental challenges and conservation efforts.

Explore Our Approach

Discover how EnvironmentLanka guides you through ecological education and biodiversity awareness in Sri Lanka.

Step One: Understanding Sri Lanka’s Ecosystems

Begin by exploring the unique biodiversity and environmental challenges specific to Sri Lanka, laying the groundwork for deeper learning.

Step Two: Engaging with Academic Resources

Access extensive academic materials and participate in interactive learning to enhance your environmental knowledge.

Step Three: Fostering Community Awareness

Join public initiatives and student programs to promote conservation and sustainable practices across Sri Lanka.