Presentation & Discussion by Gamini Ratnavira, A Master Wildlife Artist’s Mission to Inspire Environmental Action

6 pm, Wed, 12th November 2025, Genesis – Dilmah Centre for a Sustainable Future 52 Maligawatta Rd, Colombo 10

Dilmah Conservation presents an exclusive talk by internationally renowned Sri Lankan-born wildlife artist Gamini Ratnavira, titled “Art for Conservation: A Journey Through the Wild.” The event explores how art can serve as a powerful instrument for conservation—transforming admiration for nature into awareness and action.

For over fifty years, Gamini has traversed more than 55 countries, documenting the rare and the endangered through his brush. His work captures not just the likeness of animals but the spirit of the wilderness itself—its fragility, its wonder, and its interconnectedness. Combining field sketches, photography, and imagination, he brings to life the complex relationships between species and their habitats, often embedding subtle ecological lessons within his compositions.

A member of the prestigious Society of Animal Artists, Gamini’s works have been exhibited at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Charleston’s Southeastern Wildlife Art Expo, and at leading auction houses including Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Bonhams. His bronze sculpture “Jewel of the Emerald Forest” was featured in the National Geographic Society’s Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C. His art is part of notable collections worldwide, including the San Diego Natural History Museum and the Rare Bird Club of the United Kingdom.

Beyond his artistry, Gamini has made profound contributions to conservation and education. He illustrated Birds of Sri Lanka and Mammals of Sri Lanka, created 38 Sri Lankan postage stamps, and served as Advisor to the President on Conservation. His collaboration with global institutions—from the Smithsonian to the Houston Zoo—and his role in founding the Natalie Ratnavira Nature and Education Centre in Sri Lanka reflect a lifetime devoted to protecting the natural world.

Through “Art for Conservation: A Journey Through the Wild,” Gamini invites audiences to rediscover nature—not as a distant subject of admiration, but as a living masterpiece in need of stewardship. His story is a testament to how art, at its finest, transcends beauty to become an act of conservation itself.
6 pm on the 12th of November, Venue: Dilmah Centre for a Sustainable Future, 52 Maligawatta Rd, Colombo 10

The event is free and to open to all, entry by pre-registration 
Link: https://www.dilmahtea.com/art-for-conservation/