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 University of Colombo.

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 Sri Lankahas also grown exponentially with time.

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 Sri Lankahas grown from being a middle-class pastime to a truly popular activity for Sri Lankans of all ages representing all economic strata. The wealth of information presented on Sri Lankan birds in this guide is systematic and comprehensive. So it will truly be a guide to assist amateurs to the expert birdwatchers.

Gamini Ratnavira is the most celebrated bird artist Sri Lanka has known. While he has focused recently almost exclusively on the birds of the New World (he lives and works in California), the series of plates he produced for this book are intended to depict especially those characters a birdwatcher would need to identify a bird and diagnose it differentially from similar species.

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 – University of Colombo: 5342609/5342604

Malaka Rodrigo – Editor, Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka: 0773589392 / 0718440144