Sri Lanka's Silent Conservation Revolution:

Dr. Ranil Senanayake Calls for Ahimsa, Science and Sanity in Wildlife Policy

- By Irnam Nizam

In a nation renowned for its ancient spiritual traditions and biodiversity, eminent systems ecologist and environmental visionary Dr. Ranil Senanayake has made an impassioned plea for Sri Lanka to return to its roots, not just culturally, but ecologically.

Speaking to The island on animal conservation, Dr. Senanayake challenged the prevailing narratives of culling and wildlife control with a radically humane and scientifically grounded message: Sri Lanka must be proud of its Ahimsa-based identity, and embrace intelligent, nonlethal methods to deal with wildlife-related challenges.

“You can go on any road anywhere in this country and you see dogs. The dogs will not even get up for a car when it comes close, because they’re confident no one will run over them. That is Ahimsa in practice, the deep cultural respect for life,” he said. If a snake or monitor lizard crosses the road, traffic will stop and let them pass.

Drawing on decades of field experience and global travel, the veteran conservationist argued that Sri Lanka’s compassion toward animals is not only unique but is also fast eroding due to dangerous policy shifts and ignorance.

“Don’t teach our people to be killers. That’s a dangerous and slippery road. It starts with killing dogs or monkeys, and soon you've lost the connection to the forest, to the lizards, to the elephants,” he warned.

Scientific Alternatives to Culling

Dr. Senanayake took specific issue with current attempts to justify the culling of monkeys, particularly rhesus macaques, claiming there are science-backed alternatives available right now if only Sri Lanka would listen to its own experts.