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The Secret to Saving Asian

Published

2 years ago

2023/12/31

The Sri Lankan elephant is a sub-species of the endangered Asian elephant. They’re responsible for more than 90 deaths a year in Sri Lanka

Elephants ? Oranges

BY ZINARA RATNAYAKE

In Sri Lanka, human-elephant conflict has disrupted farmers for generations. In some cases, people are killed. Now, a local conservation organization is looking to citrus as a solution. Bees and fences can’t stop elephants from attacking villages—but orange trees miraculously can.

The November morning was blue-skied and bright. When Wije appeared behind the large orange tree shading his front yard, his eyes crinkled with a broad smile. He wore a rainbow-coloured sarong, a blue face mask, and a Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) T-shirt. This is where he works as a fieldhouse manager. He plucked an orange from a tree to prepare juice. In his village, oranges aren’t just a fruit. They’re a solution to an age-old environmental problem: human-elephant conflict.

Like many villages in the countryside of Sri Lanka, Pussellayaya boasts postcard-worthy landscapes. Wije, short for Aluthgedara Wijerathne, is a 43-year-old native of Pussellayaya, which sits in the southern boundary of Wasgamuwa National Park, about 143 miles from the capital city Colombo in Sri Lanka.

When the charred evening clouds in November bring rain to the village, farmers start sowing the fields of paddy that disappear into a ridgeline of the Knuckles Mountain Range. In the coming months, farmers toil in the fields, but the surrounding wildlife doesn’t make their life easy.

“During the last decade, elephants killed four villagers,” says Wije in his native language Sinhala. “We get very scared at night. Elephants came to destroy our crops and houses. We didn’t have a choice but to retaliate. We lit firecrackers to scare them off, but they became more aggressive, so we fired gunshots into the air, and sometimes at elephants. We didn’t want to harm wild animals, but they were destroying everything we had.”

Growing up in the village, Wije remembers the sleepless nights he spent with his parents. They lit fires and slept on rickety treehouses in the open air in the rice fields, trying to scare off hungry elephants looking for ripe paddy—the only source of income Wije’s parents had.

Orange trees have helped protect Wije’s rice crops while helping him branch out into the world of citrus.

Wije’s story is not different from that of thousands of others living in rural Sri Lanka. The country’s rapidly growing human population and subsequent demand for land result in clearing of natural habitats, squeezing wild animals—like elephants—into smaller pockets of land

The Sri Lankan sub-species of the Asian elephant is already endangered—with as few as 2,500 elephants remaining in Sri Lanka today—but this forces them into shattered jungle habitats. Wild elephants rampage adjacent villages (their original habitat) looking for natural sources of food and water.

A 2010 report by Columbia University’s Earth Institute found that, historically, elephant deaths coincided with reduced rainfall in Sri Lanka’s eastern region. The climate crisis is set to change precipitation patterns in the country and increase the risk of drought. Sri Lanka, which ranked second in the 2019 global climate risk index, already experiences erratic weather patterns.

During Sri Lanka’s dry season, water bodies dry up. Trees wither. Water buffaloes resort to the last remaining mud puddles while searing hot weather cracks the arid soil. In this fetid heat, elephants frequently wander around looking for water, some of them migrating through human habitats where resources exist.

Every year in Sri Lanka, the elephants destroy $10 million worth of crops and property. For the last two years, elephants have killed more than 90 people a year in Sri Lanka. Fearful farmers fight back; in 2019, they killed a record 405 elephants. While human-elephant conflict is a threat to these jungle giants, it also puts impoverished farmers in a vulnerable situation.

“We need to help humans first. If we do that, we can save elephants.”

In the early 1990s, conservationists in Sri Lanka tried to solve the problem by installing electric fences around the villages. But elephants are smart creatures: They began using sticks or branches to break these wires. Busy farmers then have to spend time rebuilding the wires. Ravi Corea, founder of SLWCS, says that farmers who live hand to mouth don’t have the luxury of spending time on such repairs.

Corea understood the need for a long-term solution during his time near Wasgamuwa about three decades ago. After he launched SLWCS in 1995, Corea initiated the project Saving Elephants by Helping People (SEHP) in 1997 to research community-led responses. “I realized that we need to help humans first,” he says. “If we do that, we can save elephants.”

The Knuckles Mountain Range looms in the background as farmers work the fields

Around 2005, Corea got a surprising tip from the villagers. “Elephants are amazing creatures,” he says, laughing. “They like to remind us that they are the kings in the jungle.”

Elephants often display their power by uprooting trees—but there was one type they left alone: citrus.

So a year later, SLWCS conducted a series of feeding trials with six captive Asian elephants at Dehiwala Zoo, located in suburban Colombo. While elephants gulped down other things such as melons, bananas, paddy, and palm leaves, they tended to eschew oranges and lime fruits and leaves. Their study (which has not been peer-reviewed) concluded that Asian elephants in Sri Lanka have a natural aversion to citrus.

The researchers never found out why elephants didn’t like citrus—they suspect the compound called limonene might be behind it—but those results were promising enough to expand the solution. Corea had already tried other options in between—like beehive fences. They involve fencing the farmer’s crops with beehives. This invention has worked in parts of Africa, but Sri Lankan bees don’t sting as hard as the killer bees of Africa. Moreover, the bees would leave in the dry season in search of water.

By 2011, SLWCS moved forward on the potential citrus solution: It donated orange trees to 12 farmers in Radunna Wewa, another small hamlet in Wasgamuwa. After three years, as the orange plants grew, the farmers saw the difference the plants made. While elephants still stormed through the surrounding main roads, they would take a detour when they smelled citrus. The strong smell of orange now keeps the elephants out of the village, protecting crops and property.

Sixty-year-old Waththegedara Anulawathie is one of Radunna Wewa’s first orange growers. “Elephants don’t come now,” Anulawathie says, her wrinkled face lighting up. Her black and gray hair is loosely braided; her baby pink blouse bright against the backdrop of paddy fields nearby. “Some months, we lost most of our harvest,” she says, pointing to where elephants reduced a house to nothing. “Now we go to sleep at night,” she smiles.

Since their earliest program in Radunna Wewa almost 10 years ago, SLWCS has planted trees in more than 12 villages in the Wasgamuwa region, distributing 25,000 orange plants. Pussellayaya is one of their latest additions. Each of the village’s 300 houses has at least 10 orange trees. In the last five years, SLWCS has estimated that the Wasgamuwa region contributed only about two percent to national human-elephant conflict—including property and crop damage, human deaths, and elephant deaths—according to annual data the organization collects from the region’s Department of Wildlife Conservation.

“Now elephants don’t harm the poor farmers, and farmers don’t harm the elephants,” Corea says, “It’s a win-win for both parties.”

While oranges kept elephants away, their commercial value further incentivized farmers to cultivate the crop. Most traditional paddy farmers struggle to meet their needs, but oranges now provide them an additional income. Farmers grow Bibile sweets, a green orange from Bibile, Sri Lanka, which suits the climate. Anulawathie says a fully grown tree yields about 300 to 500 oranges, which she sells for 15 rupees (about $0.10) each.

However, soaring heat and extreme drought threaten these orchards. In Anulawathie’s garden, two young trees died in August, the driest month of the year. While SLWCS has already developed an irrigation system that brings in water from nearby canals, lakes, and springs, farmers are still struggling.

As more farmers grow Bibile sweets, Corea says they will help protect the natural water springs. Once the trees grow into large orchards, they’ll help shade the bare soil from the harsh sun. Birds, butterflies, and other insects come for orange flowers, too, increasing the area’s biodiversity. “Oranges are addressing the issues of the ecosystem shared by elephants, humans, and other wildlife,” Corea says.

SLWCS relies on volunteers and donations for its projects. While Corea has plans to expand this program, the conservation efforts would require more financial support and intervention from government authorities. Corea and his team had planned to begin feeding trials in Tanzania to African elephants, but the pandemic put that on pause. “We want to see if African elephants show a resistance to citrus as well.”

Now that elephants don’t come to raid their paddy, farmers in Pussellayaya can sleep peacefully. They can reap and sell their harvest in full. Wije, for instance, was able to buy a tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) with last year’s earnings. Wije walks me around the village and shows me a home. The garden is dotted with orange trees, planted only four years ago. In May, the family sold their first harvest.

We walk to the SLWCS field office, and Wije squeezes a few oranges for juice. It’s a great way to kill the scorching heat. Wije peels off the orange rind, but he has already learned that the outer skin is also useful. SLWCS is planning to make essential oil from orange peel, as well as introduce products with a longer shelf life: jam, bottled-juices, and cordials.

Wije believes these products can help bring more income to the villagers. “Until then, we are thankful that elephants don’t come here anymore. Our rice is safe. Our houses are safe. We are safe,” Wije says, smiling. “Elephants are safe, too.”

(BBC)

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The power of being heard, with psychologist Anita Sharma

Published

5 days ago

2026/01/4

Thilina Walpola

Anita Sharma is from Singapore and holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Clinical and Health Psychology

Anita Sharma is a psychologist, who approaches the human mind with equal measures of empathy and insight. Known for her calm presence and thoughtful perspectives, she works closely with individuals navigating anxiety, relationship, trauma and the quiet emotional struggles that often go unseen. With experience working with individuals, couples and families, she has built a reputation for helping people navigate emotional challenges with clarity. Compassion and confidence. Anita Sharma stands as a reassuring voice bridging science, sensitivity and cultural understanding.

What inspired you to pursue a career in psychology?

I was inspired to pursue a career in psychology because I have always been curious about how people think and behave, especially when observing the world around us today. With so much happening in society, I often found myself wondering why people responded differently to similar situations and what influenced their choices, emotions, and behaviours. Psychology allows me to explore these questions on a deeper level and understand how factors like the environment, experiences, and social pressures shape a person’s behaviour. This interest motivated me to want to better understand others and eventually use that knowledge to make a positive impact.

How has your journey been as a psychologist? Have you faced unique challenges?

My journey as a woman in this field has required a lot of resilience and self-belief. In a world that is not always kind, there have been moments where certain spaces felt intimidating, but I chose to turn those experiences into strength rather than allow it to limit me. Instead of shrinking myself, I learned to speak up and trust my inner voice. These challenges have shaped my confidence, sharpened my perspective, and reinforced my commitment to the field.

What areas of psychology Do you specialise in and why did you choose them?

I specialize in counselling, focusing on people experiencing depression and anxiety, as well as adolescents, couples, and individuals recovering from surgery. I chose this area because I’m passionate about helping people go through life’s challenges. Supporting adolescents allows me to guide young people through critical stages of growth, counselling couples strengthens relationships, and working with individual’s post-surgery helps them cope emotionally and adjust to major life changes. Overall, this field lets me make a meaningful impact on people’s mental and emotional well-being.

How Do you approach therapy or counselling with clients facing anxiety or depression or trauma?

When working with clients facing anxiety, depression, or trauma, I approach therapy with empathy and patience. I start by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. I focus on understanding their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, and together we identify coping strategies and goals that are realistic and meaningful for them.

In your opinion, what are the most promising mental health challenges facing women and men?

In my opinion, some of the most pressing mental health challenges today revolve around stress, anxiety, depression, and the pressures of balancing personal and professional life. For women in particular, societal expectations, gender bias, and body image pressures can take a significant toll. Women are often expected to excel at work, manage family responsibilities, maintain social roles, and meet certain standards of weight and beauty appearances. Society frequently makes remarks or judgments about women’s bodies and looks, which lowers their self-esteem. Men also face challenges, like societal pressure to suppress emotions, which can lead to untreated stress or depression. Addressing these challenges requires awareness, supportive environments, and access to mental health resources

What role do you think society can play in reducing stigma around therapy and counselling?

Society plays a crucial role in reducing the stigma around therapy and counselling. By openly talking about mental health, sharing personal experiences, and normalizing seeking support, we can challenge the idea that needing help is a sign of weakness. Media, workplaces, schools, and communities all have a part to play in creating safe, supportive environments where people feel comfortable accessing mental health care. Education and awareness campaigns can also help people understand that therapy isn’t just for crises

Psychology can be emotionally demanding. How do you maintain your own mental health and balance work like pressures?

Psychology can definitely be emotionally demanding and it’s not a field that is suited for everyone. Maintaining my own mental health is a priority. I make a deliberate effort to detach from work at the end of the day, which allows me to process my own emotions and recharge. I also practice regular self-care, such as meditation, listening to music, and spending time with my family. Seeking supervision and peer support helps me gain perspective on challenging cases, ensuring I don’t carry that emotional weight alone

Would you say has been your most rewarding experience as a Psychologist?

Looking back, the most rewarding part of my work in psychology is hearing a client say, ‘I feel so much better after speaking to you.’ In those moments, I’m reminded that simply being present, listening without judgment, and offering support can truly make a difference in someone’s life. Knowing that I’ve helped someone feel lighter, more understood, or more hopeful is incredibly fulfilling and just reinforces why I chose this profession.

Where privacy and social perceptions matter greatly. How do you help individuals feel safe and comfortable seeking psychological support?

In a close-knit society where privacy and social perceptions are deeply valued, some women face pressures from traditional family expectations, including arranged marriages and strict cultural norms. To help them feel safe seeking psychological support, I focus on creating a space built on trust and understanding. For many, it’s the first time they can truly voice their thoughts and emotions, and helping them express themselves is incredibly empowering. By being sensitive to their cultural and societal context, I guide them towards confidence, emotional relief, and the belief that their feelings matter.

Ultimately, I hope this helps people understand the importance of mental wellbeing and seeking support when needed. I believe that at some stage, everyone can benefit from counselling. It’s not just for when you face a problem, seeking support can help you understand yourself better, manage challenges, and grow stronger. Life is always changing and nothing stays the same forever. By taking steps to care for our minds, we can move forward with clarity, courage, and a sense of inner balance, trusting that even difficult moments will pass.

By Zanita Careem ✍️

Life style

New era of wellness

Published

5 days ago

2026/01/4

Thilina Walpola

Tranquil and tropical with a rugged beauty and temperate climate, Sri Lanka’s south coast is blessed with a naturally restorative environment. On a rocky outcrop overlooking a secluded cove of golden sand, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort harnesses the nurturing qualities of its shoreline home to create a sophisticated oasis of soothing and renewal.

Entering its second decade, the resort has announced a fresh expansion of its Anantara Spa menu, enriching an already extensive range of traditional and modern therapies. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort now hosts the region’s only spa overseen by three resident Ayurveda doctors. Led by Head Ayurvedic DoctorBhagya Wellapilli, these qualified medical officers work alongside accomplished practitioners in immaculate facilities, ensuring authentic and effective experiences, delivered by the safest hands.

In addition to enhancing its wellness team, the resort has also launched the pioneering Ayurvedic beauty sanctuary, Ayu Lavanaya. Named from the Sanskrit words Ayu (life) and Lavanaya (grace), the sanctuary is a modern reimagination of a quintessential Ayurvedic parlour. It aligns physical care with deeper wellbeing through timeless rituals and ancient wisdom. Offered in a new space within the lush, floral environs of Anantara Spa, each meditative treatment at Ayu Lavanaya is formulated for immediate results and long-lasting benefits.

Signature therapies complement a full menu of Ayurvedic manicures, pedicures and eye rituals. The brightening and firming Kumkumadi Royal Facial uses the esteemed Kumkumadi oil to leave skin supple and luminous. The Kesha Revive Hair Ritual pairs a lime and onion extract head massage with warm triphala therapy to relieve tension, fortify roots and boost scalp health. The 120-minute Prana Radiance Ritual detoxifies the senses and rejuvenates vital energies through carefully crafted steps that promote release, balance and renewal. Also available are Abhyanga massages, Pizhichil Kerala-style oil baths, Sweda thermal infusions and more.

Beyond Ayurveda, the award-winning Anantara Spa has also introduced four specially curated aromatic massages, showcasing the sensory potency of the island’s indigenous ingredients. Melt away stress and tension with a Four Hand Massage in which two skilled therapists work in perfect synchronicity to induce profound relaxation. Invoking the natural healing of the ocean, a unique Seashell Massage releases muscles and improves circulation by moving polished shells in graceful, flowing strokes across the body.

Age is no barrier to bliss at Anantara Spa with tailored 30-minute Kids’ Massages for ages four to 12. Using light pressure and natural coconut oils, these gentle treatments support healthy care for growing bodies. For mums-to-be, a 60-minute Pregnancy Massage eases the back, neck, and shoulders, reducing swelling and assisting sleep to boost comfort for mother and baby throughout their shared journey.

Yoga sessions by the sea, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and nutrient-rich menus augment all therapies and treatments, maximising every benefit and laying the foundation for long-term vitality. For more intensive healing, five-day programmes focus on inner harmony, deep sleep, natural weight management, or holistic detox and rebuilding.

“Since our doors opened, we have been honoured to continue and grow Sri Lanka’s long-lasting tradition of Ayurvedic practices and natural wellness,” said Erik Billgren, General Manager at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. “By expanding our spa menu and opening the exciting Ayu Lavanaya sanctuary, we are proud to set a new benchmark in holistic healing for every treasured guest.”

“As a fully-trained Ayurvedic Doctor, I understand the importance of fostering a calm and welcoming environment in which guests can feel completely comfortable,” added Ms Wellapilli, Head Doctor at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. “By offering this alongside an extensive menu of expertly delivered rituals, we are excited to redefine the possibilities for soothing stays on Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast – now, and for many years to come.”

Life style

ITC Ratnadipa awarded prestigious 5-Star classification by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

Published

5 days ago

2026/01/4

Thilina Walpola

ITC team together with SLTDA and SLTPB Officials

ITC Ratnadipa has been awarded the coveted 5-Star Classification Certificate by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), reaffirming its commitment to delivering world-class hospitality and sustainable luxury.

The certificate was formally presented by Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of SLTDA & SLTPB, and accepted by Mr. Keenan McKenzie, Area Manager – Sri Lanka and General Manager of ITC Ratnadipa.

General Manager, Keenan McKenzie accepting the Certificate from Buddhika Hewawasam from SLTPB

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished officials and industry leaders, including, Board Member, SLTDA; Mrs. Malkanthi Rajapaksha, Director – Standards & Quality Assurance, SLTDA; and Mr. Trevine Gomas, Chairman, Hotels’ Classification Committee. Their presence underscored the significance of this milestone for Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector.

ITC Ratnadipa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, opened its doors in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on April 25, 2024, introducing a new benchmark in responsible luxury and sustainability-driven hospitality. Since its inception, the hotel has been committed to offering exceptional experiences that blend opulence with environmental stewardship.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Keenan McKenzie stated:

“We are grateful to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Hotels’ Classification Committee for their guidance and trust, and to our partners and stakeholders for their continued support. This milestone strengthens our resolve to elevate Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape while delivering responsible luxury rooted in sustainability.”

This recognition underscores ITC Ratnadipa’s dedication to excellence, sustainability, and its vision to redefine luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka.