The inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Wildlife Conservation and Preservation Arts (WiCAP) Club of the University of Kelaniya was held on 29th May 2025 at 12:00 noon in Hall A7 201. The event commenced with the lighting of the oil lamp and the university anthem, followed by a welcome address and a video presentation outlining the club’s vision and objectives.
WiCAP is a newly formed student-led initiative under the Faculty of Science, involving students from the Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, with a focus on promoting wildlife conservation and artistic expression in environmental preservation. The club was initiated as a concept by Senior Professor Mrs L. D. Amarasinghe, pioneered by Dr Hasitha Karawita, and established under the guidance of Professor Priyantha Epa (Senior Advisor) and Dr (Mrs) B. G. N. Sewwandi (Senior Treasurer).
During the AGM, the newly elected executive committee was officially introduced. The President, Ms Jinanjali Sumanasekara, presented the annual work plan, which outlined several key initiatives:a
- Establishing a forest patch within the C1 Ground premises to enhance biodiversity and provide an outdoor learning environment.
- Introducing taxidermy as a practical learning activity for wildlife specimen preparation.
- Launching a webinar series to raise awareness on wildlife conservation among students.
The meeting included addresses by Senior Professor Mrs L. D. Amarasinghe and Dr (Mrs) B. G. N. Sewwandi, who emphasized the value of student involvement in conservation efforts. The session concluded with a vote of thanks and the national anthem.
Prior to the AGM, a symbolic tree planting ceremony was held at 11:00 a.m. at the C1 Ground, marking the official launch of the club. The event saw the participation of both academic and non-academic staff, demonstrating institutional support for the initiative.
The WiCAP Club is expected to serve as a vibrant platform for fostering environmental awareness and wildlife conservation through academic collaboration and creative engagement.
