By Ifham Nizam

In an awe-inspiring achievement that highlights the beauty of the natural world, Sri Lankan wildlife photographer Tharindu Dilshan Sendanayake recently clichéd the Grand Prize at the Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 competition. Held in Mumbai, India, this prestigious event brings together the best photographers from across the globe to celebrate the intersection of artistry and conservation.

Tharindu’s winning photograph, Primal Fury, captured a dramatic and emotionally charged moment in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. It’s not just an image but a window into the complex and raw beauty of the wild—a moment that exemplifies his dedication to his craft and his passion for conservation.

From humble beginnings in Sri Lanka to the global stage of wildlife photography, Tharindu’s story is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the power of photography to inspire conservation. In an exclusive interview, he shares his journey, challenges, and vision for the future of wildlife conservation.

Speaking to The Island, the young lad added: “Those early experiences instilled in me an urge to pursue something related to wildlife,” Tharindu recalls. This passion influenced his academic choices, pushing him to study Biology for his Advanced Level exams. His love for nature wasn’t just an interest; it became a purpose.

This purpose took a creative turn when Tharindu made his first visit to Yala National Park, armed with nothing but a mobile phone. Witnessing a leopard in the wild for the first time left an indelible mark on him. “A friend captured a stunning photo of the leopard with his camera, and that moment changed everything for me,” he says. Inspired, Tharindu acquired his first camera, and his journey as a wildlife photographer began in earnest.

Excerpts of the interview given below.

Q: Congratulations on winning the Grand Prize at the Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024! Could you tell us about the journey that led to this momentous achievement?

Thank you so much! My journey to this achievement began in my childhood when I developed a deep fascination with wildlife. I spent countless hours watching documentaries in Sinhala and English on television, which fueled my curiosity and passion for nature. Those early experiences instilled in me an urge to pursue something related to wildlife. This passion influenced my academic choices as well—I chose Biology for my Advanced Level exams, driven by my love for understanding and connecting with the natural world.

It’s been a long and rewarding journey, from observing animals as a child to photographing them as a professional. Winning this award is a dream come true and a moment that validates all the hard work and challenges I’ve faced along the way.

Q: What inspired you to pursue wildlife photography, and how has your passion evolved over the years?

My journey into wildlife photography began during my first trip to Yala National Park. At the time, I only had a mobile phone to capture what I saw, but that trip became a life-changing experience. I had the thrill of seeing a leopard in the wild for the very first time.

A friend who accompanied me had a camera and managed to capture an incredible photograph of the leopard. That moment stayed with me—it was amazing to see how a single photograph could encapsulate such beauty and emotion. Inspired by that, I decided to start capturing these moments myself. I eventually got my first camera, and from there, my passion only grew stronger. Every trip into the wild has deepened my connection with nature and my commitment to wildlife photography.

Q: Can you walk us through the story behind the winning photograph? What challenges did you face while capturing it?

My winning photograph, Primal Fury, captures a truly unforgettable moment in the wild. We were tracking a mating leopard couple in Yala National Park, observing their behaviour and hoping to document something unique. The environment was calm and serene until a wild boar suddenly appeared, disturbing the pair. The male leopard, annoyed by the intrusion, attempted to attack the boar.

To our surprise, the boar was not alone. A group of 10–15 wild boars charged forward to defend their companion, forcing the leopard to retreat. The sheer intensity of this encounter was incredible to witness, and I was determined to capture the moment.

However, it was not without challenges. I was using a relatively basic camera, and capturing a fast-paced action scene with clarity required a lot of trial and error. To get the perfect low-angle shot, I had to sit on the trunk bed of the safari jeep for over two hours. With my disabled leg, this posed a significant physical challenge, but I persevered. The resulting image, showcasing the raw power and drama of nature, made every effort worthwhile.

Q: As a wildlife photographer, how do you balance the technical aspects of photography with capturing the natural beauty and emotions of animals in the wild?

Balancing the technical and artistic aspects of photography is both a challenge and an art. The technical side—adjusting camera settings, managing lighting, and ensuring focus—requires constant attention. At the same time, the emotional essence of wildlife photography lies in capturing the beauty, behaviour, and spontaneity of animals.

I spend a lot of time observing the animals and understanding their behaviour. This helps me anticipate special moments, allowing me to stay ready with the right settings. I believe that preparation is key, but patience and immersion in nature are equally important. It’s a delicate balance, but with experience, I’ve learned how to stay in the moment without letting technicalities disrupt the experience.

Q: In your opinion, how does wildlife photography play a role in raising awareness about conservation and protecting endangered species?

Wildlife photography is a powerful medium for raising awareness about conservation and protecting endangered species. A single photograph can offer people a glimpse into the lives of animals they may never encounter in person. By showcasing the beauty, struggle, and resilience of wildlife, photographs evoke emotional connections and inspire action.

When people see images of endangered species in their natural habitats, they begin to understand the urgency of protecting them. Striking photographs can convey complex conservation issues in a way that words often cannot, influencing public opinion and even policy decisions. Wildlife photography helps bridge the gap between people and the natural world, encouraging a sense of responsibility for its preservation.

Tharindu receiving the award from Bittu Sahgal, Sanctuary Nature Foundation Chairman.

Q: What impact do you hope your photography will have on both the public and policymakers in terms of wildlife conservation?

Through my photography, I hope to inspire both the public and policymakers to recognise the importance of wildlife conservation. In Sri Lanka, iconic species like tuskers, elephants, and leopards are not only vital to our biodiversity but also significant contributors to our economy through tourism. Protecting them ensures that future generations can experience their beauty while supporting local livelihoods.

I try to emphasise this message through my work, urging people to take action to safeguard these majestic creatures. By raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility, I hope my photography can contribute to meaningful conservation efforts and help shape policies that prioritise wildlife protection.

Q: Wildlife photography often requires long hours and patience in sometimes difficult conditions. What is the most memorable or challenging experience you’ve had while shooting in the wild?

One of my most memorable experiences occurred while tracking a notorious tusker named Ratta in the Galgamuwa area. Ratta was known for his unpredictable behaviour, and after some effort, we managed to locate him. Nearby, two workers at a mango farm decided to chase Ratta away, startling the tusker. With nowhere to go, he began moving toward us.

At first, Ratta didn’t notice us, but as he got closer, he sensed our presence and began charging. I quickly retreated into my Toyota Hilux pickup, continuing to photograph through the driver’s side door. As he approached too rapidly, I had no choice but to slam the door shut, startling him and causing him to bolt back into the jungle.

It was a tense and unforgettable encounter, underscoring the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining safe distances to avoid such situations.

Q: What message would you like to convey to young aspiring wildlife photographers who want to follow in your footsteps?

To young aspiring wildlife photographers, my advice is simple: be patient, passionate, and persistent. Wildlife photography is not about instant results—it’s about understanding the creatures you photograph and respecting their environment.

Take the time to learn about animal behaviour, connect with nature, and refine your skills. Your journey may be filled with challenges, but every setback is an opportunity to grow. Remember that your photography can be a powerful tool for conservation. Use it to tell stories that inspire others to protect the natural world.

Stay dedicated, and never stop learning—your passion will lead you to incredible experiences and opportunities.

Tharindu’s work goes beyond photography; it serves as a call to action for conservation. By capturing the beauty and struggles of the natural world, he hopes to inspire global efforts to protect wildlife and preserve their habitats for generations to come. His story is a reminder that passion and perseverance can create ripples of change, leaving an indelible mark on the world of wildlife conservation.

The unmistakable expressions of fascination which were written all over the faces of most attendees at the swearing-in formalities on January 20th of comeback US President Donald Trump and the roaring approval the latter drew from them at the end of almost every rhetorical sentence he uttered, told it all. Here is hard evidence that these Trump adulators are allowing their emotions to get the better of them and that they would be an uncritical, mesmerized cheer squad of their leader. The ‘Trump Magic’ was working all over again.

The world would have much to think about from now in the area of foreign policy, considering Trump’s pronouncements in relation to the latter, but as matters stand, the ordinary citizenry of the US would likely be the hardest hit from another Trump presidency.

Considering that the US economy would come in for some beating in the days ahead as a result of Trump’s cavalier trade policies, for instance, the lot of the average American could be expected to aggravate as we go along. There is unlikely to be any quick relief from nagging ‘Bread and Butter’ issues and the question could be reiterated; what’s in this second Trump tenure for the US citizen?

Moreover, the occupation of some of the most important positions in government by ‘tech giants’ and like ‘money bags’ would ensure that there would be little or no ‘trickle-down’ wealth for the average US citizen. The rich could not be expected to give much ear to the wailings of ordinary people, since their sole fixation is financial empire-building and it could not be otherwise; ‘Social condition determines consciousness.’

Issues of equal magnitude emerge from the arena of domestic politics. Within minutes of taking the top job, Trump stands accused of subverting the US Constitution and of unreservedly taking the US in the direction once again of a populist, rightist and repressive state which is least sensitive to the principles of democratic governance.

For example, the Rule of Law has been grossly violated by the US President’s decision to pardon the rightist rabble who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 and made a mockery of the democratic process.

Among Trump’s virtual avalanche of executive orders are moves to nullify the former administration’s measures relating to climate mitigation, equity and minority concerns, for instance, which hitherto have testified to the US’ commitments of a democratic nature.

The question arises; did Trump’s rank-and-file supporters bargain for such costly compromises and betrayals of the democratic ethos when they voted for him? Moreover, they would need to consider that the US was nowhere near being the unchallenged ‘first’ during Trump’s first term. They could be accused of wild wishful thinking if they entertain the idea that the US will be the pre-eminent ‘first’ under Trump in this his comeback tenure.

However, such is the stuff of populist governance. The leader appeals to the gut emotions of his supporters and rallies them to consolidate his power. But whether these diehards would in any respect be individually empowered is an open question.

Moreover, such emotional appeals could result in further erosions of law and order and the Rule of Law. For example, Trump’s claim that ‘very soon we will begin the largest deportation exercise in US history’ could steadily aggravate antagonisms between the white majority and the US’ minorities, resulting in stepped-up racial discord and violence. Race relations could come to be characterized by increasing intolerance and hatred, which situation would be in no-one’s interest.

The depth of the gullibility of Trump’s support base could be gauged also from the fact that it has fallen for his rhetoric on international relations despite some hard realities staring it in the face. For instance, it ought to be plain to see that most of the powers the President is threatening to confront on a number of questions are no ‘push overs’.

On the Western front, the rest of the G7 states and NATO, for instance, could be counted on to defy Trump on issues relating to the Ukraine and the Middle East. These countries are unlikely to see eye-to-eye with the US President on the matter of arming Ukraine and on containing the influence of Russia in Eastern Europe. Thus far, they have been, broadly, for continuing to arm Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and expansionist designs and on this policy it is difficult to see the rest of West caving-in, as it were, to US demands.

Nor would the EU look on tamely as the US President seeks to exercise his suzerainty over the world and tries to establish a single world order, fashioned basically in the US’ image. Any confrontations with the rest of the West would prove very bruising for the US, considering the economic, military and political power wielded by the former.

International relations have been increasing in complexity over the decades and it would smack of simple-mindedness for any substantial power to forget this fact. It calls for foreign policy sagacity of the first order for even the foremost powers to navigate the current ‘world disorder.’ Such navigation was not easy for Trump during his first tenure and it would be no different this time around as well. It would not be a case of the US riding rough-shod over the rest of the powers that matter.

A species of foreign policy myopia is prompting President Trump to be focused primarily on his backyard and the West at present. His rhetoric on annexing Canada and buying Greenland, for example, could have been music in the ears of his followers in the run-up to the US presidential poll but these aims would be difficult to achieve, given that the rest of the world’s powers are unlikely to stand idly by when any attempts are made to turn these dreams into reality.

Trump misses out badly on also the complexities of the Eastern hemisphere. He would have to deal very delicately with ASEAN, considering that it remains the ‘economic powerhouse’ of the world. The US would be challenged to ‘give’ to ASEAN in economic terms inasmuch as the US ‘receives’ from it. Once again, simplistic thinking is inapplicable.

Likewise, China and India also call for perceptive foreign policy thinking. If the US deals roughly with China in the trade field, for instance, it should be prepared for like retaliatory measures from China, given its economic importance for the world.

The same applies to India. Going forward, the US would find in India a strong contender in science and technology and the economic fields. It too would be no easy ‘pushover’. India, for example, is virtually breathing down the neck, so to speak, of the US in space exploration.

Accordingly, Trump rhetoric is currently palatable for only some simple-minded domestic sections. Given the complex realties of the present ‘world disorder’, the Trump administration would do well to be prepared to deal with creeping disenchantment among its diehard domestic supporters.

…and for what purpose?

You have only got to browse through social media and you would be amazed to see the number of beauty pageants that keep cropping up in the local scene, on a regular basis.

In fact, the local beauty pageant scene is now turning out to be a big joke, with various competitions sprouting up – here, there, and everywhere!

One must keep in mind that the four major international beauty pageants for women are Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Earth.

In our scene, some of these beauty pageants have some crazy titles and are unheard-of, and only serve to promote the image of the local national director (organizer).

They make sure that they are always in the spotlight while the pageant winners are forgotten, on their return home from an international event.

During their reign as beauty queen, the local organisers should ensure that their beauties are involved in projects that are beneficial to the community, society, etc.

This does not happen and one only sees the local organisers getting busy calling for applications for the next event.

The question that is also being asked is whether the winners of some of these so-called beauty pageants, are qualified enough to wear the crown, and then go on to represent the country, internationally?

Unfortunately, what I’ve seen on social media doesn’t answer that question in the affirmative.

Local organisers love to hog the
spotlight

In fact, some of them look pathetic and give the impression that they badly lack what is required to wear…even the local crown.

I wonder if such contestants have a purpose and a reason for participating in a pageant!

First and foremost, you need to have a rational outlook to social issues, be confident, and have a positive aura and an inspiring personality, in addition to beauty.

The organisers are the key to all this and must keep in mind that when a winner is selected, that particular contestant should be trained for the big event – starting from the basic personality skills, like communication and social graces, and then the shaping of a normal person into a model-like personality, which includes catwalk training, dressing, microphone utility, preparation for Q &A round, dress rehearsal, and so on.

Local organisers must remember that selecting a winner and sending her /him abroad for the sole purpose of participating at an international event is a waste of money, time and energy.

Our franchise holders must get their act together or else we will have to be satisfied with some minor, insignificant title, which the international organisers dish out in order to keep the participating countries happy.

Without proper guidance, the language barrier, too, could be a problem for our contestants at international events.

According to knowledgeable sources, and experts in the beauty pageant industry, you need three important qualities to win an international pageant – Attitude, Personality and Confidence.

I’ve also been told that some of the local winners have to fork out quite a tidy sum to go for the international event. In other words, you need the money to win the title, locally.

What’s more, while abroad, contestants hardly have any support from the local organisers.

I believe local beauty pageants should have some level of centralization and coordination, laws, regulations and industry standards.

Over to you, the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, for remedial action.

Of course, there are local pageants that are well organised, and done in a very professional way, and kudos to the people responsible for such pageants.