Nature in Focus - fauna and flora exhibition

Nature in Focus is the second photographic exhibition of Ranjith de Silva which will be held on 28th, 29th and 30 October at the Lionel Wendt, Harold Peries Gallery, where incidentally his first exhibition was also held in July, 1987. With the advent of great technical improvements in the field of photography and the sophistry of digital cameras it has been possible to achieve results of an unprecedented magnitude.

Ranjith de Silva, a keen environmentalist who loves nature, fauna and flora especially the natural scenic beauty of our fair island.

When photographing wildlife and capturing the natural scenic beauty one must be cognisant of the natural elements of the environment so that what is captured in the camera lens is indeed an exposition of what is natural without disturbing its intrinsic value.

Sri Lanka is a developing country and I personally think, in order to overcome some of the challenges she faces, the promotion and encouragement of eco-tourism would suit her ideally. It is my fervent hope to become associated with reputed wildlife and scenic photographers in the world and to research and practise this form of art so that ensuing improvements both technical and otherwise shall have beneficial effects.

I am also keen to promote the study of photography and the preservation of fauna and flora, among schoolchildren particularly in close proximity of the National Park, thus enabling them to understand the inherent values of such an education consequently becoming good citizens and then protectors of their environment. The purpose of my exhibition is to convey my deepest message that human beings whilst enjoying the fruits of the earth, they must also respect and allow other forms of living beings to exist.

We must never deny those who are not us, to live in equality and harmony for the earth belongs to all, thus we create an equilibrium so necessary between man and other living forms.