Prof. Sarath Kotagama launches ‘An Illustrated Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka’
March 31, 2010 03:50 pm
The new field guide “An Illustrated Guide to the Birds of
Sri Lanka” by eminent Sri Lankan ornithologist Prof. Sarath Kotagama will be
launched on Monday 05 April 2010 at the New Biology Lecture Theatre at the
The launch ceremony which is open to the general public begins at 05.00 pm with a lecture on ‘Birds of Sri Lanka’ by Prof. Sarath Kotagama. The new book will also be available at a special concessionary rate at the event.
In 1994, based on a set of 32 plates and numerous line drawings by Prithiviraj Fernando, Prof. Sarath Kotagama published the first truly affordable field guide to the island’s birds. In the 16 years that have passed since Kotagama & Fernando’s work, much has changed in Sri Lankan Ornithology. New research has shown that the number of endemic species is in fact much higher than previously thought, and the increasing affordability of digital photography has served to make new sightings more easily verifiable. This new knowledge is, up to end 2009, reflected in the new book authored by Prof. Sarath Kotagama and illustrated by world famous wildlife artist Gamini Ratnavira.
Bird watching is a fascinating, ever-changing activity that
increases our awareness and appreciation of natural wildlife. Public interest
in the birds of
There are several guide books on Birds of Sri Lanka, so why
another book..? The answer to this lies in the personal philosophy of Sarath
Kotagama who, in the course of the past three decades, has spearheaded not only
the study of Sri Lankan birds, but also the cause of conserving Sri Lankan
biodiversity. Alongside effective advocacy, Professor Kotagama has succeeded in
inspiring a new and growing generation of birdwatchers. Thanks to his efforts,
ornithology in
Gamini Ratnavira is the most celebrated bird artist
As always, both author and artist have given of their labours freely so as to make this book affordable to everyone. An Illustrated Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka will soon find itself in the hands of thousands of Sri Lankans.
Book Description: 382 pages, 492 species descriptions - 52 Colour Plates, 492 Colour Distribution Maps.
Size: 138 x215 mm 382 pp
ISBN 978-955-8576-26-7
Price: Rs. 2000 (will be available for a concessionary rate at the launching)
Contacts: Prof. Sarath Kotagama –
Malaka Rodrigo – Editor, Field Ornithology Group of