The Wycherley Elephant Scholarship Awards ceremony 2024 celebrated the achievements of 18 outstanding secondary school students from areas affected by the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Sri Lanka.
The Wycherley Elephant Scholarship program was established to support secondary school students from HEC-affected regions, to encourage the next generation of leaders to champion elephant conservation and promote human-elephant coexistence. This year, 18 exceptional students from the districts of Karuwalagaswewa, Nochchiyagama, Wanathawilluwa, and Giribawa were awarded scholarships for their commitment to education and conservation.
Eleven students received Elephant Scholarships valued at Rs. 100,000 each, while seven other students were provided grants of Rs. 10,000 each to support their educational pursuits.
The ceremony featured a keynote address by a renowned wildlife conservationist and expert on the social behaviour of 
elephants, Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya. Dr. Pilapitiya shared insights into the complexities of the Human-Elephant Conflict and the importance of understanding elephant behaviour to develop effective solutions.
“Elephants are not only a symbol of our natural heritage, but they are also a crucial part of the ecosystem. Understanding their behaviour is vital to resolving conflicts and ensuring a sustainable future for both wildlife and local populations,” said Dr. Pilapitiya.
The event also highlighted the importance of community engagement in conservation. As Principal of Wycherley International School-Colombo, Dayan Fernando, eloquently put it, “Together, we are building bridges between people and nature, ensuring a future where both can coexist and thrive.”
The Department of Wildlife Conservation, local school principals, and individuals such as the Wildlife Ranger at Karuwalagaswewa, Ramasinghe, were instrumental in ensuring the program’s success.
Ramasinghe’s work on the ground is critical to mitigating human-elephant conflict, was acknowledged for his dedication to the wildlife and the local communities. His tireless efforts in conservation and education continue to inspire those around him.
Pix: Sulochana Gamage
