“I never hoped to win; I just submitted my passion,” shared one of our winning photographers.
The One Earth Photography Competition – Unveiling Sri Lanka’s Biodiversity was never just about capturing beautiful photographs, it was about gathering stories of the wild: its fragility, resilience, and wonder.
An Open Invitation
The competition welcomed everyone without barriers – just a shared passion for capturing Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. And that’s exactly what poured in. Seasoned professionals stood alongside newcomers, and the most inspiring part? Some winning images were captured on nothing more than a smartphone.
Several participants said they entered simply out of love for nature, never expecting to win yet their heartfelt images rose to the top. This was the magic we hoped for: celebrating not only skill, but a true heart for nature.
Beyond Beauty
The competition’s goal of showcasing Sri Lanka’s breathtaking diversity while revealing the challenges our ecosystems face was fulfilled beyond doubt. Each image carried a question to ponder, a reminder, or a call to action, whether highlighting shrinking habitats or the delicate balance of species. These photographs spoke to the urgency of protecting what we so often take for granted.
The image titled “Crime Scene” captured what first appears to be degraded forest land, but on closer look reveals the distant shape of a dead elephant and, just metres away, the plastic waste dump that caused its death. Another powerful image, “A Polluted Hunt,” showed a Brahminy Kite swooping into Bolgoda Lake to catch a fish, only to release it after discovering it was trapped in plastic. The exhibition also highlighted often-overlooked species such as fungi, caterpillars, and ants. One photograph featuring a mushroom growing in the photographer’s backyard, submitted almost by chance, won first place in the ‘Biodiversity in the Backyard’ category, showing that conservation stories can emerge from even the smallest and most ordinary moments, encouraging a shift from focusing solely on charismatic species to appreciating everyday biodiversity.
“Appreciate nature in its entirety as an ecosystem. There’s no need to rush behind only charismatic species. Train yourself to see beauty in everything, and you will be the greatest beneficiary,” said Luxshman Nadaraja at the awards ceremony.
Fairness with a Touch of Suspense
Judging such a rich mix of talent and stories was no easy task. Hats off to our three judges, Mr. Luxman Nadarajah, Mr. Sankha Vanniachchi and Mr. Ravisara Jayamanna, whose experience and patience guided them through every entry. To keep the process fair and transparent, each photograph was judged anonymously and identified only by a code keeping the suspense alive right up to the award ceremony.
A Night of Celebration at Genesis by Dilmah
From over 300 entries, the top 70 were selected and brought together for an unforgettable evening at Genesis by Dilmah in Maligawatte. As an appreciation for their dedication to conservation, the winners carried home cash prizes collectively worth three million rupees. The exhibition that followed was more than a display; it was an experience. Visitors journeyed through backyards, waterscapes, nightscapes, and challenging habitats, pausing to witness moments that captured Sri Lanka’s beating heart. There were expressions of awe, moments of heartbreak, bursts of laughter, and quiet admiration, each reaction a reminder of why biodiversity matters.
Looking Ahead
The One Earth Photography Competition proved that together we can inspire, educate, and create awareness. And this is only the beginning. We invite you to keep walking with us—capturing, sharing, and protecting. Join Dilmah Conservation’s future events as we continue to celebrate Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and inspire the world to protect it.
Because in the end, there is only one Earth—and it is ours to care for.
To view the Top 70 and winners of One Earth: Revealing Sri Lanka’s Biodiversity please visit – https://www.dilmahconservation.org/image-gallery/
