Environmentalist, wildlife enthusiast and expert on Sri Lankan elephants, Srilal Miththapala gave a talk on ‘Sri Lanka Wildlife and Sustainable Tourism with a special focus on elephants’ at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra on 10 July.

The audience consisting travel writers, tourism industry representatives, wildlife and elephant enthusiasts enjoyed the informative and insightful presentation with video clips of elephants in Sri Lanka.

This is the second talk given by Srilal Miththapala at the High Commission and the third in the series of tourism promotional events hosted by the High Commission to provide the tourism industry, travel writers and wildlife experts in Canberra, an opportunity to see a glimpse of what Sri Lanka has to offer in terms of wildlife and sustainable tourism.

After a brief overview of Sri Lanka’s topography and tourism factors, Miththapala focussed on the Sri Lankan elephant which is fast becoming an icon for Sri Lanka tourism. He described the cultural and religious importance of this special animal in Sri Lanka as well as its demographics, behaviour and social life: he also entertained the audience with stories of personal encounters with these gentle giants revered in the Island nation, along with images and videos.

High Commissioner Somasundaram Skandakumar in introducing the speaker highlighted his vast experience in the hospitality industry and in developing sustainable tourism practices in Sri Lanka. The audience was able to interact with the speaker at the end while savouring Sri Lankan tea and delicacies.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Sustainable-tourism-and-Sri-Lankan-elephants-promoted-in-Canberra/27-659125