Life - A journey into the wilds of Sri Lanka:

A new coffee table photography book

Humans, in their strife to attain maximum development in a short period, are causing a number of other animal and plant species to go extinct at extraordinary rates. In this process of development, forgetting that we, humans, are just one of the links of the web life depending on others for our own survival continue to destroy or alter the habitats of other living species. The book "Life: A journey into the wilds of Sri Lanka" written by Dr. Janaka Gallangoda and Nadeeka Hapuarachchi tries to convey this important message by taking our eyes through a photographic journey. This is done by highlighting the natural beauty of the landscapes and the extraordinary wealth of life forms found in our small island nation. This coffee table publication will be launched on January 17 at the Harold Peiris Gallery, Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre in Colombo 7. Gallangoda and Hapuarachchi will have a three- day photographic exhibition following the book launch at the gallery depicting the extraordinary beauties of mother nature.

Dr. Janaka Gallangoda	Nadeeka Hapuarachchi

In this journey you will encounter the elusive leopard trying to cope with a noisy crowd of tourists at the Yala National Park, and the juvenile Scops owl healed by a human.

You will experience the splendour of daybreak at the Horton Plains and the tranquillity of a rainbow at the Kumana villus. The images will also expose in vivid detail the survival strategies used by animals to stay alive in an ever-changing environment. The authors have dedicated their book to two extraordinary personalities - Dr. Sanjweea Ranwella and Dr. Amith Munidradasa - who died young leaving a legacy of love towards nature and people that only a few can follow.

Gallangoda and Hapuarachchi who are pursuing vastly different professions share a very strong passion for nature and wildlife photography. Dr. Janaka Gallangoda is a medical officer working at the General Hospital, Nuwara Eliya, while Nadika Hapuarachchi is the manager at E-Soft Computer Studies, Piliyandala Branch. As keen conservationists they are active members of several environmental groups striving to safeguard the rich biological wealth of Sri Lanka and noted for their creative and technically sound images.