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“Art for Conservation” Talk in Colombo
Dilmah Conservation will host an exclusive presentation by internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan-born wildlife artist Gamini Ratnavira at 6 pm on Nov 12 at the Genesis – Dilmah Centre for a Sustainable Future, Colombo 10.
A member of the Society of Animal Artists, Ratnavira’s work has been showcased globally, including at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and the National Geographic Society. His illustrations, stamps, and conservation efforts have made him a powerful voice for wildlife protection in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Lanka among nations gaining $5.8M for biodiversity action
Sri Lanka is among seven countries that, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), have obtained $5.8 million from the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) to strengthen biodiversity integration in agrifood systems and implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), FAO said.
It said: The selected projects support multiple KMGBF targets on sustainable agriculture, ecosystem protection, knowledge management, the control of invasive species and the engagement of local communities – including Indigenous Peoples – in biodiversity management for food and agriculture.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu welcomed the announcement, saying: “The Kunming Biodiversity Fund is instrumental in helping developing countries achieve global biodiversity goals through sustainable agriculture under the overarching guidance of the Four Betters, and in amplifying the central role of agrifood systems in halting biodiversity loss, promoting food diversity and providing solutions to the climate crisis.”
Launched by the People’s Republic of China in 2021 during the first part of the UN Biodiversity Conference under China’s Presidency, the KBF supports developing countries for biodiversity protection and in meeting the KMGBF’s global goals, with a focus on regions rich in biodiversity but in need of stronger capacity and resources.
The funding will target the following projects:
1. Mainstreaming biodiversity into agrifood systems to implement National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
This project aims to mainstream biodiversity into agrifood systems by creating enabling conditions that accelerate the implementation of NBSAPs in Madagascar, Uganda, and Mexico. It will enhance policy alignment, strengthen institutional capacity, improve financial incentives for biodiversity-friendly practices, and promote knowledge sharing.
2. Empowering communities through knowledge management of ecosystems and species to achieve the KMGBF in the Cook Islands
By improving knowledge systems, modernizing data, and promoting sustainable practices, the project will empower communities to conserve, restore, and manage biodiversity. It will establish a national ecosystem classification, revitalize the biodiversity database, and support community-led conservation using traditional knowledge and agroecology, with a focus on women and youth.
3. Effective management of invasive alien species for ecosystem benefits in Nepal
By focusing on halting the spread and managing existing populations of invasive alien species, the project aims to reduce their impact on biodiversity and local livelihoods through community-based action, participatory approaches, and stronger institutional capacity.
4. Prevention and control of invasive alien species for enhanced biosecurity in Sri Lanka
This project will strengthen national capacity to prevent and manage invasive alien species by improving border controls, training frontline teams, and involving communities in removal efforts and awareness campaigns.
5. Strengthening ecosystem resilience and sustainable management of Lake E?irdir in Türkiye
The project will raise public awareness and promote biodiversity-friendly practices to protect the lake and its ecosystems. It will also support water-efficient agriculture and encourage sustainable livelihoods in the region.
The role of agrifood systems in implementing the KMGBF
Agrifood systems are directly linked to more than half of the KMGBF’s targets. FAO plays a key role in their implementation by fostering policy coherence, promoting best practices, and scaling up innovations to accelerate progress towards global biodiversity goals.
Three Sri Lankan male passengers who arrived from Muscat by flight no. OV 437 on Saturday (24) have been arrested by officers attached to the NCU at BIA as they were found to be carrying 12,306 grams of Cannabis class narcotics (suspected as Hashish & Kush) valued at 123 million rupees.
Building on its success in seizing major narcotic stocks in 2025, the Navy continued to support the “A Nation United” National Mission in 2026. In continuation of these efforts, during an
operation conducted on the high seas south of Sri Lanka, the Navy apprehended eleven (11) suspects aboard two local multi-day fishing trawlers suspected of drug smuggling.
Based on shared information, by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police, this special operation was conducted off the southern coast, deploying the Navy‟s Offshore Patrol Vessels. The operation
resulted in the interception of a multi-day fishing trawler suspected of smuggling narcotics, and the apprehension of five (05) suspects on board.
During further operations in the same area, naval units seized another multi-day fishing trawler (01), along with communication equipment and six (06) additional suspects, also believed to be involved in drug smuggling.
This morning (25 Jan 26), the two intercepted fishing trawlers, along with fourteen (14) sacks laden with suspected narcotics and the suspects, were brought to the Dikovita Fisheries Harbour.
An expert examination by the Police Narcotic Bureau confirmed that the fourteen (14) sacks contained more than 184 kilograms of heroin and over 112 kilograms of ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine).
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and the Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasuriya, inspected the narcotics at the Dikovita harbour.
The Deputy Minister of Defence said that the current administration has initiated several projects for national development. As a flagship initiative, under the directives and guidance of the President, and under the supervision of the
Ministry of Defence, well-coordinated anti-narcotic raids have been launched.
This effort, part of “A Nation United” National Mission, involves the tri-forces, police, and all intelligence agencies working together under a coordinated plan to ensure that drug smugglers have no opportunity to bring narcotics into the country, he opined. He further stated that despite the national disaster situation, the state machinery, including the tri-forces, the police, and the public at large, remains united in rebuilding the nation, no room will be left for drug trafficking, which poses a severe threat to national security and public safety. Those
who engage in or support drug trafficking, under the cover of fishing activities, will find no escape, he added.
The Deputy Minister also reaffirmed that the tri-forces, police, and all law enforcement agencies are fully committed to their duty of suppressing this menace.
The Deputy Minister of Defence reported that, throughout 2025, a series of highly successful operations were conducted leading to numerous arrests. This was achieved through close coordination and mutual cooperation among the tri-services, the police, the Special Task Force, Police Narcotics Bureau, local law enforcement and international agencies. He noted that this
same spirit of cooperation and commitment has continued into 2026, resulting in the seizure of a large stockpile of drugs.
On behalf of the Honourable President, he extended gratitude to all who contributed to these efforts, specifically acknowledging the Commander of the Navy, the Inspector General of Police, the Police Narcotic Bureau, and the crews of the Navy’s Offshore
Patrol Vessels.
Moreover, the Deputy Minister declared that drug smuggling has become a national crisis, fueled by youth involvement and social crime. With borders secured under the “Nation United” National Mission, he warned traffickers to cease operations and urged users to abandon the destructive habit.
The Deputy Minister urged the public to report suspected drug smugglers to law enforcement via the hotlines 1818 or 1997 and also commended the role of media institutions and journalists in raising public awareness about the dangers of narcotics through responsible reporting.
Meanwhile, the two (02) multi-day fishing trawlers, along with a haul of narcotics, eleven (11) suspects, and communication equipment, were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for
further investigation and legal proceedings.
The Indonesian Naval Ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’, which arrived in Sri Lanka for logistics replenishment and a goodwill mission, departed the island on 23 Jan 26.
The Sri Lanka Navy bade a customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the stay in Sri Lanka, crew members of the ship visited some popular tourist destinations within the city of Colomb
Three arrested with narcotics valued at Rs123 million at BIA
Navy intercepts 02 narcotics-laden trawlers with 11 suspects in southern seas
Indonesian Naval Ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’ departs island
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