Life style
Vanishing Voices in the Mist: How Tea Country’s Birds Are Losing Their Sky
High above sea level, where Sri Lanka’s tea country meets the clouds, the Central Highlands once echoed with the calls of endemic birds. These mist-clad slopes were more than a landscape; they were a living sanctuary, revered by ancient communities who believed the forests were sacred protectors of water and life.
Today, the picture is starkly different. The calls of the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush grow quieter, and sightings of the Kashmir Flycatcher, a jewel-toned migrant, are now rare. “People see green hillsides covered in tea and think they are pristine,” says Rajika Gamage, Conservation Biologist at the Tea Research Institute (TRI) in Talawakelle.
He told The Sunday Island:”But ecologically, these are disturbed environments, and bird diversity is collapsing.”
A Landscape Transformed
The Central Highlands were once blanketed in dense montane forests, alive with species found nowhere else in the world. Colonial expansion in the 19th century changed this forever. Forested slopes were cleared for coffee plantations, and when coffee blight struck, tea took its place. Over time, this mosaic of plantations replaced much of the original forest.
Yet birds, remarkably, adapted. Shade trees, open glades, and remnants of native forests allowed species like the Sri Lanka White-eye, Pied Bushchat, and Yellow-eared Bulbul to survive. Surveys conducted near Shanthakum and Mattakelle tea estates recorded over 80 bird species, a testament to the resilience of nature.
Sri Lanka Dull Blue Flycatcher
-
- Crows at Horton Plains National Park
-
- Pied Bushchat
Kashmir Flycatcher
That fragile coexistence is now unraveling. The Silent Invasion
Introduced trees such as Eucalyptus grandis (Rose Gum), Toona sinensis (Toona), and the Ice-cream Bean (Inga edulis) have become widespread across tea landscapes. They were chosen for shade and fast growth, but their ecological consequences are stark. “They offer no nectar, fruit, or seeds for native birds, and they alter soil chemistry, reducing biodiversity,” Gamage explains.
Ground cover invasions are even more destructive. Crofton Weed (Eupatorium inulifolium), Gini Grass (Panicum maximum), Koster’s Curse (Miconia crenata), and Himalayan Knotweed (Persicaria wallichii) have smothered hillsides. These alien plants may appear lush, but they form dense mats that outcompete native flora.
Horton Plains awareness programme
“These invasive plants create a silent desert for birds,” Gamage says. “They look green, but they are ecological dead zones.
The Disappearance of the Kashmir Flycatcher
Few stories capture this transformation more vividly than that of the Kashmir Flycatcher. This delicate migrant, which winters in Sri Lanka, once thrived in the Central Highlands’ open glades and tea slopes, perching on low branches and darting after insects. Today, sightings are rare.
“The Flycatcher relied on open habitats rich with native vegetation and insects,” Gamage explains. “Dense invasive undergrowth has destroyed its feeding grounds.”
Yellow-eared Bulbul
The Sri Lanka White-eye, a highland icon, is also in decline. Its place has been taken by the Oriental White-eye, a hardy and aggressive cousin that thrives in disturbed environments. “It’s like losing a family heirloom and replacing it with a factory-made replica,” Gamage laments.
Invaders Rule the Skies
As native birds decline, aggressive generalists flourish. The Large-billed Crow, once confined to lower elevations, is now a permanent highland resident. It raids nests, preys on reptiles, and even hunts amphibians.
The common Myna and Yellow-billed Babbler have also surged in numbers, displacing smaller species. “Mynas dominate tree-hole nesting sites, leaving no space for birds like barbets or flycatchers,” Gamage says.
Even frugivorous species such as the Rose-ringed Parakeet and Red-vented Bulbul, once allies in seed dispersal, now serve invasive plants. “They spread seeds of alien weeds like Koster’s Curse,” he adds, “accelerating ecosystem collapse.”
Perhaps the most surprising newcomer is the Indian Peafowl. Once rarely seen in these misty landscapes, it is now a common sight in tea gardens and even Horton Plains National Park. “We’ve observed up to five individuals there,” Gamage reveals. “Peafowl are ground predators, so their rise is a serious threat to amphibians and nesting birds.”
Climate Stressors Intensify the Crisis
The Central Highlands are warming. Cloud belts that once cloaked the forests year-round now shift unpredictably. Rainfall has become erratic. These changes affect every layer of the ecosystem.
But Gamage argues that while climate change plays a role, habitat mismanagement is the greater threat. “We’ve effectively replaced native ecosystems with alien landscapes. Birds already under stress are now being pushed to extinction. Climate change just speeds up what poor land management started.”
Tea’s Unseen Dependence on Biodiversity
Ironically, the very crop at the heart of these landscapes—Ceylon tea—depends on healthy ecosystems. Montane forests regulate rainfall, protect watersheds, and stabilize soil. Without them, tea cultivation itself faces long-term risks.
“People see conservation and agriculture as opposing forces, but biodiversity safeguards tea,” Gamage says. “If you lose the forest, you lose the water. If you lose the water, you lose the tea.”
Tea estates, he believes, could become powerful conservation allies. “Even small patches of native trees can act as biodiversity refuges. Managing invasive plants, restoring native shade species, and training estate workers to value wildlife could make a huge difference.”
A Call to Action
Reversing this decline will require a bold, science-driven effort. Experts recommend:
1. Replanting native tree species such as Ceylon Oak, Rhododendron, and Stemonoporus to restore food sources for birds.
2. Targeted removal of invasive ground covers to bring back native plant diversity.
3. Establishing biodiversity corridors linking isolated forest patches with protected areas like Horton Plains.
4. Training estate managers and workers on eco-friendly plantation management.
5. Countrywide awareness campaigns to show the economic link between biodiversity and agriculture.
“This is not just about saving birds,” Gamage stresses. “It’s about safeguarding water security, livelihoods, and our heritage.”
Walking through the highlands today is like stepping into a muted version of history. The sharp whistles of the Whistling Thrush are faint; the Pied Bushchat’s cheerful song has faded. In their place come the harsh calls of crows and mynas. Even the vibrant Indian Peafowl—a symbol of royalty—feels out of place strutting across tea gardens where delicate flycatchers once ruled.
Still, Gamage remains cautiously hopeful. “We have a window,” he says. “If we act now—restore native vegetation, manage plantations sustainably, and curb invasives—we can bring back these birds. The Central Highlands are a national treasure, and we can’t afford to let them slip away.”
This isn’t just a story about birds. It’s a story about Sri Lanka’s cultural and ecological heritage, a landscape where plantations and wildlife have shared space for over a century. Whether future generations will wake to the whistle of a thrush or the caw of a crow depends on choices made today.
By Ifham Nizam ✍️
(Pictures courtesy Rajika Gamage)
In a country where creative pursuits are often treated as indulgences rather than vocations, Saman Halloluwa’s journey stands apart — carved patiently through brushstrokes, framed through a camera lens, and articulated through the written word. Painter, wildlife and nature photographer, and independent environmental journalist, Halloluwa inhabits a rare space where art, ecology and social responsibility converge.
His relationship with art began not in galleries or exhibitions, but in a classroom. From his school days, drawing was not simply a subject but an instinct — a language through which he learned to observe, interpret and respond to the world around him. Under the guidance of two dedicated mentors, Ariyaratne Guru Mahathaya and Gunathilaka Guru Mahathaya, he honed both skill and discipline. Those early lessons laid the foundation for a lifelong engagement with visual storytelling.
“His work navigates between traditional Sinhala artistic sensibilities, abstract compositions and expansive landscapes.”
That commitment eventually materialised in two solo art exhibitions. The first, held in 2012, marked his formal entry into Sri Lanka’s art scene. The second, staged in Colombo in 2024, was a more mature statement — both in content and confidence. Featuring nearly fifty paintings, the exhibition drew an encouraging public response and reaffirmed his place as an artist with a distinct visual voice.
His work navigates between traditional Sinhala artistic sensibilities, abstract compositions and expansive landscapes. There is restraint in his use of form and colour, and an underlying dialogue between memory and space. Yet, despite positive reception, Halloluwa speaks candidly about the structural challenges faced by artists in Sri Lanka. Recognition remains limited; fair valuation even rarer.
“This is not merely an artistic issue,” he observes. “It is a social and economic problem.”
In Sri Lanka, art is often viewed through the lens of affordability rather than artistic merit. Many approach a painting by first calculating the contents of their wallet, not the value of the idea or labour behind it. In contrast, he notes, art in Europe and many other regions is treated as cultural capital — an investment in identity, history and thought. Until this mindset shifts, local artists will continue to struggle for sustainability.
The decisive push toward wildlife photography came from Professor Pujitha Wickramasinghe, a close friend who recognised both Halloluwa’s observational skills and his affinity with nature. From there, the journey deepened under the mentorship of senior wildlife photographer Ravindra Siriwardena.
Both mentors, he insists, deserve acknowledgment not merely as teachers but as ethical compasses. In a field increasingly driven by competition and spectacle, such grounding is invaluable.
Saman Halloluwa
Wildlife photography, Halloluwa argues, is among the most demanding visual disciplines. It cannot be improvised or rushed. “This is an art that demands restraint,” he says.
Among all subjects, elephants hold a special place in his work. Photographing elephants is not merely about proximity or scale, but about understanding behaviour. Observing social patterns, movement, mood and interaction transforms elephant photography into a constantly evolving challenge. It is precisely this complexity that draws him repeatedly to them.
Halloluwa is cautiously optimistic about the current surge of interest in wildlife photography among Sri Lankan youth. Opportunities have expanded, with local and international competitions, exhibitions and platforms becoming more accessible. However, he issues a clear warning: passion alone is not enough
Sri Lanka, he believes, is uniquely positioned in the global nature photography landscape. Few countries offer such concentrated biodiversity within a compact geographical area. This privilege, however, carries responsibility. Nature photography should not merely aestheticise wildlife, but foster respect, aware ness and conservation.
Parallel to his visual work runs another equally significant pursuit — environmental journalism. For the past seven to eight years, Halloluwa has worked as an independent environmental journalist, giving voice to ecological issues often sidelined in mainstream discourse. His entry into the field was guided by Thusara Gunaratne, whose encouragement he acknowledges with gratitude.
An old boy of D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo, Halloluwa holds a Diploma in Writing and Journalism from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and has completed journalism studies at the Sri Lanka Press Institute. He is currently pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Wildlife Management and Conservation at the Open University of Sri Lanka — a testament to his belief that learning must remain continuous, especially in a rapidly changing ecological landscape.
Outside his professional life, he enjoys cricket, rugby and badminton. Yet even leisure intersects with responsibility. He is a founding member and former president of the D.S. Senanayake College Old Boys’ Wildlife Forum, an active member of Wild Tuskers Sri Lanka, and a contributor to several independent environmental and wildlife volunteer organisations. In an era dominated by speed, spectacle and short attention spans, Saman Halloluwa’s journey unfolds differently. It is deliberate, reflective and rooted in values. Through art, he captures memory and form. Through photography, he frames life beyond human control. Through journalism, he asks uncomfortable but necessary questions.
“What I do, what I love” is not fashion here.
It is conviction — patiently lived, quietly asserted, and urgently needed in a country still learning how to value its artists, its environment and its truth.
By Ifham Nizam ✍️
Ramani Fernando Sunsilk Hair and Beauty Academy
Ramani Fernando Sunsilk Hair and Beauty Academy marked their graduation of their latest cohort of aspiring hair professionals in a ceremony held at Kingsbury Hotel.
Senaka de Silva, creative force behind Ramani’s shows
For over two decades, the Ramani Fernando Sunsilk Hair and Beauty Academy has stood as a beacon of excellence in beauty education in Sri Lanka. Founded by industry icon Ramani Fernando, the Academy has built a reputation for producing highly skilled professionals who go on to make their mark in salons, both locally and internationally. As the newly minted graduates step out into the world, they carry forward not just certificates, but also the promise of creative authority and personal empowerment.
The chief guest for the occasion was Rosy Senanayake, a long-standing supporter of the Academy’s mission. Addressing the graduates her message echoed her enduring belief that the beauty industry is not merely about aesthetic but about. confidence, self-worth and future leaders.
Over months of rigorous training, these young professionals honed their skills in cutting colouring, styling and contemporary artistry readying themselves to set trends rather than follow them.
Each graduate walked the stage with confidence, their dedication signalling a promising future for Sri Lanka’s beauty and fashion industry! With this new generation of stylists preparing to raise the standard of professional hairstyling.
Ramani Fernando, addressing the audience reflected on the academy’s mission to cultivate not only skills but vision and confidence in every student.
She urged the graduates to embrace continuous learning to take risks with creativity .The world of beauty is ever evolving, stay curious, stay bold and never underestimate the power of your talent, she added emphasising the importance of confidence, discipline and passion in carving a successful career in shaping the future of style.
These graduates are stepping into a world of endless possibilities. They are future of the country, who will carry a forward legacy of creativity. Behind every successful graduate at Sun silk Hair Academy stands a team dedicated to excellence. While Ramani Fernando serves as a visionary Principal and it is Lucky Lenagala, her trusted person who ensures that the academy runs seemingly.
From overseeing training sessions to guiding students, through hands on practice, Lucky plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of hairstylists.
Kumara de Silva, who has been the official compere Ramani’s, Hair graduation ceremony, from inception has brought energy, poise and professionalism. The Sunsilk Hair Academy is a celebration of talent and mentor ship for the graduates stepping confidentially into the next chapter of their careers, ready to make their mark on Sri Lanka beauty landscape
A moment of pride Ramani with chief guest Rosy Senanayake
Statement in style
Gliding in romance and sophistication
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
By Zanita Careem ✍️
During this season, Romesh Atapattu’s Capello Salon buzzes with a unique energy – a blend of festive excitement and elegance. Clients arrive with visions of holiday parties, office soirees, seeking looks that capture both glamour and individuality. The salon itself mirrors this celebrity mood. Warm lights, tasteful festive décor create an atmosphere where beauty and confidence flourish.
Romesh Atapattu himself curates the festive décor, infusing the space with his signature sense of style. His personal eye ensures that the décor complements the salon’s modern interiors.
As Colombo slips effortlessly into its most glamorous time of year, the Christmas season brings with it more than twinkling lights and celebrity soirees – it signals a transformation season at salons across the city. Capello salons are no exception.
At the heart of this festive beauty movement is Romesh Atapattu of Capello salons, a name synonymous with refined hair artistry, modern elegance and personalised style.
Christmas is about confidence and celebration. Romesh believes ‘People want to look their best without losing who they are”. Our role is to enhance, not overpower. This philosophy is evident in the salon’s seasonal approach.
Beyond trends, what sets Atapattu apart is the attention to individuality. Each consultation is treated as a creative collaboration – face shape, lifestyle, hair texture and personal style all play a role in creating the best for Romesh.
Stepping into Romesh’s salon during the Christmas season is an experience in itself. The space hums with festive energy while maintaining an atmosphere of calm sophistication.
The décor embraces the Christmas spirit with understated elegance. Tastefully adorned décor, beautiful Xmas tree, soft gold and ivory tones, and gentle hints of red are woven seamlessly into the salon’s contemporary design.
His staff, known for their warmth and professionalism also plays a key role in shaping the salon’s atmosphere—friendly, stylish and always welcoming. The Capello staff combine skill and creativity to deliver results that have a lasting impression.
Beyond trends, what sets Romesh Atapattu apart is the attention to individuality. Each consultation is treated as a creative collaboration – face shape, lifestyle, hair texture and personal style all play a role.
He is a professional who blends technical mastery with a deeply personal approach to style. His dedicated team of skilled professionals, operate with quiet confidence ensuring styles that create an atmosphere of trust, turning every appointment into a personalised and memorable experience.
(ZC) ✍️
Pic by Rohan Herath
-
Sports6 days agoGurusinha’s Boxing Day hundred celebrated in Melbourne
-
News4 days agoLeading the Nation’s Connectivity Recovery Amid Unprecedented Challenges
-
Features5 days agoIt’s all over for Maxi Rozairo
-
Sports7 days agoTime to close the Dickwella chapter
-
News7 days agoEnvironmentalists warn Sri Lanka’s ecological safeguards are failing
-
News5 days agoDr. Bellana: “I was removed as NHSL Deputy Director for exposing Rs. 900 mn fraud”
-
Opinion3 days agoRemembering Douglas Devananda on New Year’s Day 2026
-
News4 days agoDons on warpath over alleged undue interference in university governance