WILDLIFE SAFARI GUIDE SRI LANKA BORN FROM THE WILD
A journey shaped by Wilpattu, wildlife, photography and a lifelong connection to nature.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
GALKADAWALA • WILPATTU
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
I was born and raised in Galkadawala, a small village near Wilpattu National Park. Growing up close to the forest shaped my connection with nature from an early age. In 2013, I began working as a safari jeep driver, spending my days in the wilderness and learning to read its landscapes, wildlife and rhythms.
.jpg)
WILDLIFE SAFARI GUIDE SRI LANKA
THE JOURNEY INTO PHOTOGRAPHY
FROM SAFARI DRIVER TO WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER
Working in Wilpattu introduced me to wildlife photographers from around the world and changed the way I saw the wilderness. I began learning photography and, in December 2017, invested in my own professional camera. Photography taught me to slow down, study animal behaviour and anticipate moments rather than simply search for sightings. Over time, that passion grew into guiding photographers and sharing the wilderness through a photographer’s perspective.
.jpg)
RECOGNITION & EXPERIENCE
A DEEPER CONNECTION TO THE WILD
Wildlife photography opened a new chapter in my journey. My work received international recognition, including recognition from Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Bird Photographer of the Year and other international wildlife photography competitions. More importantly, years spent observing and photographing wildlife shaped the way I guide today — with patience, respect and an understanding that every encounter in the wild is different.
.jpg)
2017 — Wildlife Photographer of the Year, UK — Shortlisted
2017 — Golden Turtle, Russia — Finalist
2017 — White Swan, China — Selected for Exhibition
2018 — Wildlife Photographer of the Year, UK — Shortlisted
2020 — Bird Photographer of the Year, UK — Commended, Birds in Flight
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Born near Wilpattu, my life has always been connected to the wild. What began as a journey behind the wheel of a safari jeep grew into a passion for wildlife photography, guiding and understanding the animals I encountered. Leopard Expeditions was created from that journey — to share Sri Lanka’s wilderness through local knowledge, patience and a deep respect for nature.