Battles to save Sinharaja chronologised

Chief Guest Irangani Serasinghe lighting the traditional oil lamp. Also present were Prof. Tissa Vitharana, Juana Elena Ramos (Cuban Ambassador), Palitha Fernando PC, AHM Fowzie (former Environment Minister), Prof. Krishan Deheragoda and Dr. Prasanna Cooray.

“Politics of a Rainforest: Battles to save Sinharaja”, a book by Dr. Prasanna Cooray was launched at the Hector Kobbekaduwa auditorium, Colombo 7, recently with the participation of a large gathering that included academics, activists, politicians and journalists. The veteran actress, Irangani Serasinghe, who is also a pioneering environmental activist in the country, was the Chief Guest.

Prof. Tissa Vitharana was the Guest of Honour. His late wife Kamini and her sister Irangani were instrumental in forming the first environmental activist group in Sri Lanka, “Ruk Rekaganno” in the early 1970s.

Delivering the keynote speech, former Attorney General Palitha Fernando, PC noted that this book was important as it chronologized the public campaigns aimed at protecting Sinharaja since the independence.

Renowned herpetologist Mendis Wickremasinghe, and author Dr. Prasanna Cooray also spoke.