Sri Lanka’s southern coastline is attracting growing interest from international visitors seeking to experience the country’s rich marine biodiversity and learn more about efforts to protect endangered sea turtles.
Turtle conservation centres located along the coastal belt around Ambalangoda, Kosgoda, Ahungalla and Akurala are playing an important role in raising awareness of marine conservation while giving visitors an opportunity to gain practical knowledge about protecting marine wildlife.
The centres carry out a range of activities aimed at safeguarding sea turtles, which face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, pollution, fishing-related risks and illegal exploitation.
International tourists have shown particular interest in visiting these conservation centres, where they can learn about the different species of sea turtles found in Sri Lankan waters, their life cycles and the challenges they encounter in the marine environment.
The Ahungalla Turtle Conservation Centre is among the attractions drawing visitors from overseas. Tourists can observe conservation activities and gain first-hand insight into the efforts being made to protect these threatened marine species.
The growing interest in turtle conservation experiences also highlights the increasing role of wildlife and environmental tourism within Sri Lanka’s broader tourism offering.
A photograph of foreign tourists visiting the Ahungalla Turtle Conservation Centre reflects the growing appeal of marine wildlife experiences and Sri Lanka’s natural conservation initiatives among international travellers.
Sri Lankan Renewable Energy Expertise Opens Doors to Global Opportunities
Renewable energy is no longer simply a vision for the future; it has become a global priority. As countries accelerate their transition towards cleaner power, large-scale renewable energy infrastructure is becoming increasingly important to meeting rising electricity demand while reducing carbon emissions.
New Zealand, which already generates a significant share of its electricity from renewable sources, continues to invest in projects aimed at advancing its long-term sustainability goals and strengthening the national grid.
Among these major developments is the Te Rahui Solar Farm near Taupo, one of New Zealand’s largest utility-scale solar projects. Spanning more than 1,000 hectares, the development will feature approximately 360,000 solar panels and is expected to make a significant contribution to the country’s renewable energy capacity, with completion planned in phases from 2027.
For Sri Lankan engineer Jayan Shirantha Mendis, who is based in New Zealand, taking on a key project delivery leadership role in a development of this scale represents a significant professional milestone. It also highlights the expertise and capabilities of Sri Lankan engineers contributing to major renewable energy projects on the global stage.
Jayan spoke to the Daily News about the Te Rahui Solar Farm, its significance to New Zealand’s renewable energy ambitions, and the professional journey that took him from Sri Lanka to one of the country’s most significant renewable energy developments.
Growing Interest from Foreign Visitors in Sri Lanka’s Rich Marine Biodiversity
