Shiranee Yasaratne, BSL’s Senior Technical Advisor, holds a BSc (Hon) in Zoology and Environmental Science and a MSc in Molecular Biology and Gene Technology. She was formerly the Deputy Director General of the Central Environmental Authority and Country Representative of IUCN ( International Union for Conservation) Sri Lanka. In each role she has pushed for practical, science-based solutions to some of the island’s most pressing environmental problems. As Sri Lanka eyes a greener future, her work is a blueprint for how vision, knowledge and persistence can transform policy into practice. This September 24th and 26th, Colombo plays host to LIFE 2025 – a two-day celebration under the theme: ‘Biodiversity Means Business: A Decade of Impact, A Future of Action’, which will bring together, the nation’s most influential business leaders, academics, policymakers, and conservationists for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and collaboration. This is more than a celebration. It’s a catalyst for next-generation leadership in Sri Lanka’s nature economy. It is a chance for private sector leaders to align with global best practices, build resilience, and shape national policy.

Organized by Biodiversity Sri Lanka — a national platform entirely owned and driven by the private sector, as it celebrates a decade of strong engagement by the corporate sector in biodiversity and environmental conservation in Sri Lanka, BSL’s 10th anniversary becomes a milestone moment to spotlight corporate leadership in biodiversity.

Q: Can you tell us about your journey into environmental conservation and what inspired you to work in bio-diversity?

I have been in the field of environmental conservation from the time I came out of the University of Colombo, armed with a degree in Zoology majoring in Environmental Science with first class honours. My first experience was at the Central Environmental Authority for which I served for 15 years. It was an interesting time, when the Authority was just being founded and I am happy to say that I played a leading role in the promulgation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures under the National Environmental Act which are still being enforced today. I then served as the Country Representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Sri Lanka at which I was able to take the lead in supporting the Government of Sri Lanka in framing biodiversity related policies and plans

. My journey then moved to the Asian Regional Office of IUCN located in Bangkok, Thailand working on the development of a programme with the private sector in Asia on the integration of Biodiversity into core strategies. This prompted the initiation of Biodiversity Sri Lanka, a platform established in 2015, which is entirely owned and driven by the private sector, designed to promote strong engagement of the corporate sector in biodiversity and environmental conservation in Sri Lanka. BSL’s overall mandate is to help raise awareness on biodiversity and sustainability issues amongst the Sri Lankan business community. Working to assist companies in understanding biodiversity and related issues, as well as to mainstream it into their core businesses, BSL has the ultimate aim of ensuring that a majority of Sri Lankan companies will eventually be on a sustainable ecological footing with vastly reduced negative impacts on our biodiversity.

We are proudly celebrating our tenth year of existence this month!

Q: Sri Lanka is known for its rich bio-diversity, what are the biggest challenges it faces today?

In the past decade, Sri Lanka has faced increasing biodiversity-related vulnerabilities, including habitat loss, climate change impacts, and human-wildlife conflict. While efforts have been made to conserve biodiversity, a lack of coordination and new priorities have hindered progress. Deforestation, particularly of lowland rainforests, and the degradation of wetlands continue to threaten biodiversity. Reclamation of wetlands and indiscriminate use of coastal lands are also major contributors to habitat loss.

Shiranee Yasaratne-a tireless champion for nature,turning words into action

Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity is vulnerable to climate change impacts like sea-level rise, increased storm surges, and altered rainfall patterns. These changes can affect the distribution and survival of species, as well as the functioning of ecosystems. Human settlements encroaching on wildlife habitats have led to increased conflict, particularly with elephants. This conflict results in damage to crops and property, and poses a threat to both human and animal lives. Poverty, malnutrition, inadequate waste management, and the impacts of natural disasters also pose challenges to biodiversity conservation.

While protected areas have increased, including the inclusion of more valuable wet zone forests, the overall impact of these efforts has been limited by a lack of a coordinated and holistic approach. Additionally, new priorities and developmental activities have emerged, sometimes conflicting with conservation efforts.

Q: In your opinion, what role do businesses and industries play in advancing sustainable environmentalism and what measures can they take to minimise their environmental footprint?

In a time when environmental issues are a major topic of worldwide discussion, the role of businesses in leading positive change is crucial. The increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship presents both a challenge and an opportunity for companies across various sectors.

Whether it’s adapting to stricter regulations, responding to the growing consumer demand for green products, or mitigating the risks associated with environmental degradation, businesses have a critical role to play.

However, navigating these environmental challenges requires more than good intentions. It demands strategic planning and the adoption of effective practices that not only reduce environmental impact but also offer economic benefits. In this context, there are several key strategies that businesses can employ to tackle these challenges effectively.

Q: How do you see technology and innovation contributing to sustainable environmentalism and what are some promising developments in this field?

Technology plays a crucial role in environmental conservation by providing innovative solutions to mitigate and reverse environmental degradation. It enables the monitoring and assessment of ecosystems, allowing for data-driven decision-making and informed conservation strategies.

Communication and information technologies enable global collaboration and knowledge-sharing among researchers, policymakers, and conservationists, facilitating coordinated efforts to address environmental challenges on a global scale. Overall, technology empowers environmental conservation efforts by providing innovative tools and solutions to safeguard ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable development for present and future generations.

Innovation is key to addressing the challenges of sustainable development. Innovation within companies must be encouraged by creating a culture that values creativity and problem-solving. By supporting research and development initiatives that focus on sustainable technologies and practices and fostering collaboration and partnerships with other organisations to share knowledge and resources companies can drive positive change in an industry.

Q: What policies or regulations do you believe are necessary to promote sustainable environmentalism on a broader scale, and how can the government and individuals advocate for these changes?

Governments play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices due to their ability to enact policies, set regulations, provide incentives, and create frameworks that encourage individuals, businesses, and industries to adopt sustainable behaviour. This could include setting emissions standards, regulating waste management, implementing renewable energy targets, or establishing sustainable agriculture Shiranee practices. Governments can offer financial incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans to encourage businesses and individuals to invest in sustainable technologies and practices. This can make sustainable options more economically attractive.

Governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals can run campaigns to raise public awareness about the importance of sustainability and educate people on ways to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. This includes programs in schools, public service announcements, and community initiatives. Governments, academia and science-based organizations can fund research and development into sustainable technologies, innovations, and practices. This support can drive technological advancements that facilitate sustainability in various industries.

Governments can invest in and support the development of sustainable infrastructure, such as public transportation, renewable energy infrastructure, and waste management systems, which can significantly reduce environmental impact and can participate in international agreements, conferences, and collaborations aimed at addressing global sustainability challenges. Governments can set clear and measurable long-term sustainability goals, providing a roadmap for businesses and individuals to work towards and align their efforts. Overall, a proactive and comprehensive approach by governments is vital in driving the transition towards sustainability, as it involves the coordination of efforts across sectors and society as a whole.

Q: What advice would you give to individuals or organisations looking to deepen their commitment to sustainable environmentalism?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to address the most pressing challenges of our times. These goals provide a roadmap for nations and societies to achieve a better future by 2030. While governments and civil society organisations have been working towards these goals, the involvement of businesses and the private sector is crucial to their success. Companies have the power to make a significant difference by incorporating the SDGs into business strategies to contribute towards their achievement.

To begin with a company must align its business with the goals that are most relevant to its industry and operations, taking the time to understand each goal and its associated targets. Identifying how a company can contribute to these targets through its products, services, and operations is key. For example, if a company is in the renewable energy sector, its contribution to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) is evident. By aligning a business with the SDGs, the company can create a clear roadmap for action and measure progress towards the goals.

In this journey, reviewing the supply chain from end to end to ensure that it upholds human and labour rights, promotes sustainable environmental practices. Working against corruption is critically important.

Q: Integrating biodiversity into national sustainability dialogues is key to ensure the protection of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. How easy or difficult is this today?

Integrating biodiversity into national sustainability dialogues in Sri Lanka faces both challenges and progress. While there are initiatives and frameworks in place, fragmentation of efforts and inadequate policy implementation hinder the mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation. However, growing awareness and some successful examples demonstrate the potential for positive change.

Private sector partners are increasingly involved in biodiversity conservation initiatives, demonstrating a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability, according to Bio Diversity Sri Lanka.

Some companies are incorporating biodiversity conservation into their corporate social responsibility initiatives. In summary, integrating biodiversity into national sustainability dialogues in Sri Lanka is a complex process with both challenges and progress. While fragmentation of efforts and inadequate policy implementation pose significant obstacles, growing awareness, community involvement, private sector engagement, and green finance opportunities offer promising pathways for a more sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.

Q: As Sri Lanka journeys towards a greener and more sustainable future, how important are multiple stakeholder collaborations in relation to biodiversity-related initiatives?

In Sri Lanka’s journey towards sustainability, multiple stakeholder collaborations are absolutely crucial for the success of biodiversity-related initiatives. A collaborative approach is essential to address the complex challenges of biodiversity conservation and to leverage the diverse resources and expertise needed for effective action.

Q: Which stakeholder groups are yet to participate in (and become more active in) these collaborations?

In Sri Lanka, while various stakeholder groups are involved in biodiversity conservation, some could become more active and engaged.

Specifically, the private sector, particularly businesses in tourism and other sectors, needs to be more proactive in supporting sustainable practices and contributing to conservation efforts. Additionally, mainstream stakeholders in economics and finance need a better understanding of the socio-economic importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Q: What needs to be done to foster more cross-sector collaboration in Sri Lanka to address biodiversity-related challenges?

To foster more cross-sector collaboration in Sri Lanka to address biodiversity challenges, a multi-faceted approach is needed.

This includes developing a national policy and strategy for Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs), enhancing capacity building, and promoting public-private partnerships. In addition, it’s crucial to integrate biodiversity conservation into land-use planning, encourage community involvement, and create financial incentives for corporate biodiversity leadership.

By Zanita Careem ✍️