With over four decades of diverse experience in ecology, conservation, and sustainable agriculture, Ajantha Palihawadana has contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s environmental and organic movements. Starting as a curator in entomology at the National Museum, Colombo, and later managing Sri Lanka’s pioneering Uva Herbarium, they transitioned into influential roles in organic farming, biodiversity conservation, and ecotourism.
Ajantha has served as a consultant and project manager for international and local organizations including Rainforest Rescue International, National Geographic Society, and Hansa Coffee, contributing to critical projects in rainforest restoration, amphibian conservation, and sustainable tourism. Leadership roles have included Director of the Biodiversity Neosynthesis Research Center, Project Manager for Eco Team, and Operations Manager for SriCert.
Internationally, Ajantha served as an Analog Forestry Consultant in Indonesia and contributed to projects supported by MISEREOR and the Schoech Foundation in Germany. As an IFAN-accredited forest garden inspector and senior trainer in organic certification and agroecology, Ajantha’s affiliations include IUCN, Orchid Circle of Ceylon, and the Lanka Organic Agriculture Movement (LOAM), demonstrating a lifelong commitment to ecological resilience and sustainable development. This work bridges science, community empowerment, and global advocacy, positioning Ajantha as a leading figure in environmental sustainability in South Asia.