Sri Lankan wildlife photographer Lakshitha Karunarathna has once again brought international recognition to his country by winning an award at the world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, organized by the Natural History Museum in London. This achievement marks his second recognition at what is widely considered the "Oscars of Wildlife Photography," making him the first Sri Lankan photographer to receive multiple awards in the competition's impressive 61-year history.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, which began in 1965, received a record-breaking 60,636 entries from more than 120 countries this year. Out of this massive pool of submissions, only 100 images were selected as winners, highlighting the exceptional quality and significance of Karunarathna's work.
Karunarathna's award-winning photograph, titled "Toxic Tip," was captured in Sri Lanka's Ampara District, where he has been conducting extensive documentation work for nearly three years. His ongoing project focuses on the devastating impacts of human-elephant conflict and the serious consequences of irresponsible waste disposal practices throughout the region.
The powerful image depicts a solitary elephant scavenging at a vast waste dump, creating a haunting visual representation of how plastic pollution threatens Sri Lanka's elephant population. The photograph serves as a stark reminder of how polythene, plastic, and microplastic ingestion increasingly endangers these majestic animals. Scientific research has demonstrated that the consumption of such waste materials can cause severe digestive blockages, poisoning, and significantly shortened lifespans in elephants.
Sri Lanka currently faces one of the highest levels of Human Elephant Conflict in Asia, with approximately 400 elephants and 100 humans killed annually. This tragic situation results from various interconnected factors including habitat encroachment, rapid agricultural expansion, widespread deforestation, unplanned urban and rural development, increasing competition for food and water resources, and inadequate waste management systems.
Reflecting on his recognition, Karunarathna emphasized the broader significance of his award. "This award is not just for me. It is a reminder of the urgent need to address how our waste and lifestyles affect wildlife," he said. "As Sri Lankans, elephants are part of our cultural identity, and protecting them is protecting our heritage."
Karunarathna has established himself as one of Sri Lanka's most acclaimed and internationally recognized wildlife photographers. His exceptional work has earned him multiple prestigious awards, and his photographs have been published across leading global media platforms, bringing attention to important environmental and conservation issues.
The 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award Ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 13, 2025, at the Natural History Museum in London. Karunarathna's "Toxic Tip" was selected as one of only 15 photographs featured in the initial global media release, which was subsequently published by thousands of mainstream news outlets worldwide, amplifying its important conservation message to a global audience.
