The maiden wildlife photographic exhibition of award-winning photographer Asela Karunaratne will be held at the Lionel Wendt Harold Peiris Gallery in Colombo on July 12, 13 and 14 from 9 am to 7 pm.

Asela who bagged the 2012 Nature photographer of the year at Chaaya Wild Yala and Etisalat, will focus on Sri Lankan wildlife.

“What better way to showcase our diversity than through the abundance of wildlife that inhabits this Paradise Isle. Therefore, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to my exhibition dedicated to Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife heritage. I humbly ask that you take a few minutes to not only see but also experience the images captured by me spanning most of the national parks and unspoiled natural surroundings of my home country. No doubt you will enjoy what Mother Nature has gifted to us in this beautiful paradise island. My photography not only reflects beauty but is also symbolic of my commitment to promoting conservation of this precious natural inheritance,” Asela said.

Asela who hails from Kurunegala is an old boy of Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala. The home he grew up in was surrounded by the natural beauty of a lake, paddy fields and mountains. His childhood was blessed with activities revolved around nature such as swimming in the cool waters of the lake, running with kites along the lush, green paddy fields and scaling the magnificent rocks. He always had a passion of becoming a wildlife photographer which began with his love for nature.

However, during his career as a professional and subsequently as an entrepreneur he found little time to pursue his interest in photography and exploring wildlife. But after nearly two decades of taking care of business and fulfilling his family responsibilities, he thought the time is right to pursue his dream. And indeed he is showcasing his talents to the nation at the right time.

“During my journey through the world of photography, I was privileged to receive many local and international accolades for my work. My images have been awarded with the Gold Medal at the Exhibition of the Photographic Society of Sri Lanka in the Wildlife section in the years 2007 and 2008 and the Silver Medal in 2011. I was also a finalist at the International Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition organized by the BBC in 2008, 2010 and 2013. More recently, I was adjudged as the “Nature Photographer of the year 2012” at the competition organized by Chaaya Wild Yala and Etisalat.,” he said.