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In the vast wilderness of southern Sri Lanka, where ancient forests merge with open grasslands and seasonal waterholes sustain an abundance of wildlife, few elephants have captured the imagination of nature lovers quite like Sando (T011).
A giant among giants, Sando is not merely another tusker roaming the forests of Ruhuna. He is a symbol of strength, dominance, resilience and mystery.
For years, his annual movements through the forests, bordering the Yala National Park, were eagerly anticipated by wildlife enthusiasts, safari operators, photographers and conservationists.
His arrival often signalled the beginning of a period of heightened excitement, within the park, where visitors hoped to catch a glimpse of one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wild elephants.
Today, however, Sando’s whereabouts remain unknown.
His disappearance for nearly three years has sparked concern, speculation and heartbreak among those who have followed his remarkable journey through the wilderness. Yet despite the uncertainty, many refuse to abandon hope that the giant tusker still roams the forests of Ruhuna, hidden deep within landscapes rarely visited by humans.
According to wildlife enthusiast Chamdika Lakmal of Wild Tuskers of Sri Lanka, Sando represents one of the finest examples of Sri Lanka’s remaining wild tuskers.
He told The SundayIsland: “Sando is unlike most elephants we see in the southern region. His physical appearance, stature and confidence make him truly exceptional. Whenever he appeared, people knew they were witnessing a remarkable animal.’’
Sando primarily inhabited Blocks 3 and 4 of the Ruhuna National Park. During his annual musth period, usually between January and March, he undertook a well-documented journey through Buttala, Gonagan Ara and Galge before entering Yala National Park’s Block 1. These movements became familiar to many wildlife observers who followed his seasonal travels, year after year.
The annual migration was more than just a movement from one location to another. It was a dramatic display of nature’s hierarchy. Musth is a period of heightened testosterone levels in bull elephants, making them more aggressive and dominant. During this time, Sando transformed into an even more imposing figure.
Estimated to be between 35 and 45 years old, he was widely regarded as one of the most powerful bulls in the region. His immense size and fearless demeanour ensured that few rivals challenged him directly.
One of the most famous episodes, associated with Sando, involved a confrontation with Gamunu, another legendary tusker of Yala. The encounter reportedly resulted in Gamunu losing one of his tusks, further cementing Sando’s reputation as a dominant force among Sri Lanka’s wild elephants.
For many observers, however, Sando’s appeal extended beyond his strength.
Unlike the typical “Ruhunu Getaw” elephants commonly seen in the southern dry zone, Sando possessed a distinctive physique. His body proportions and overall appearance gave him the look of an ancient war elephant, the kind depicted in historical chronicles carrying kings and warriors into battle.
“Whenever you looked at him, you felt as if you were seeing a living relic from Sri Lanka’s ancient past,” Chamidika said. “He had an extraordinary presence that photographs could never fully capture.”
Sri Lanka’s tuskers are themselves a rarity. Wildlife experts estimate that only a small percentage of the country’s male elephants possess tusks. This makes animals such as Sando particularly valuable from both ecological and cultural perspectives.
Historically, tuskers occupied a special place in Sri Lankan society. They featured prominently in religious ceremonies, royal processions and folklore. Even today, they remain powerful symbols of national heritage.
Their rarity, however, also makes them vulnerable.
Throughout Sri Lanka, wild elephants continue to face numerous threats, including habitat fragmentation, human-elephant conflict, poaching and accidental deaths. Expanding agricultural activities, infrastructure development and increasing human settlements have placed growing pressure on elephant habitats.
For tuskers, the risks can be even greater.
Their ivory makes them attractive targets for poachers, despite strict wildlife protection laws. Across Asia and Africa, ivory poaching has devastated elephant populations, and conservationists remain vigilant against similar threats in Sri Lanka.
These concerns intensified earlier this year when wildlife officials discovered the carcass of a tusker in the Kotiyagala area. The animal’s tusks had reportedly been removed by poachers. News of the discovery spread rapidly among wildlife enthusiasts.
Because Sando had not been seen for such a long period, many feared the worst. Could the carcass belong to the missing giant?
The possibility sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka’s wildlife community.
For many photographers and safari operators who had spent years documenting Sando, the prospect was devastating. Social media platforms were flooded with expressions of concern and calls for further investigations.
A year earlier, skeletal remains, believed to belong to a tusker, had also been discovered near Buttala. Once again, fears emerged that Sando’s fate had finally been uncovered.
However, officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation later determined that the skull was significantly smaller than what would be expected from an elephant of Sando’s size. The remains, therefore, could not be conclusively linked to the missing tusker.
For conservationists, this finding offered a glimmer of hope.
Despite the absence of confirmed sightings, there have been occasional reports from remote sections of Yala and surrounding forests describing a large tusker bearing a striking resemblance to Sando. None of these observations have been verified, but they continue to fuel optimism among wildlife enthusiasts.
According to Chamidika, history provides reasons to remain hopeful.
“There have been several instances where dominant bulls disappeared from their known ranges for many years before returning unexpectedly. Until there is definitive evidence, we should not assume the worst.”
Indeed, wildlife records contain numerous examples of mature bulls vanishing from familiar territories only to reappear years later.
Such behaviour may be linked to changes in habitat use, competition, food availability or breeding opportunities. Elephants are highly intelligent and adaptable animals capable of travelling vast distances through landscapes that remain inaccessible to people.
As August approaches, anticipation once again builds among those who know Sando’s traditional routes. Reports from Athiliwewa, Pelwatta, Gonagan Ara and Buttala will be monitored closely for any sign of the missing giant.
For now, Sando’s story remains one of Sri Lanka’s most compelling wildlife mysteries.
His disappearance has highlighted not only the challenges facing elephant conservation but also the deep emotional connection many Sri Lankans share with their wildlife.
In an era when biodiversity is under increasing pressure, the fate of a single tusker has become symbolic of a much larger struggle to protect the nation’s natural heritage.
Whether Sando eventually emerges from the forests of Ruhuna or remains forever a mystery, his legacy is already secure. He represents the wild spirit of Sri Lanka’s elephants—powerful, resilient and endlessly captivating.
Until definitive evidence proves otherwise, conservationists, safari guides, photographers and elephant lovers across the country will continue to hope that somewhere in the vast wilderness of the south, the warrior tusker of Ruhuna still walks unseen, carrying with him one of the greatest untold stories of Sri Lanka’s wild places.
Silver jubilee of grace and elegance
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In an age when photographs are taken by the millions, stored by the thousands and often forgotten within the depths of digital devices, wildlife photographer Vajira Wijegunawardane believes there is something profoundly important about giving an image a permanent physical form.
For him, photography has never been merely about pointing a camera at an animal or landscape and capturing a fleeting moment. It is about observation, patience, an understanding of light and, above all, preserving something of the natural world for generations to come.
Nearly three decades spent photographing wildlife and landscapes have now found expression in Wild Grace – A Celebration of Sri Lanka’s Wildlife and Nature, an ambitious fine-art photographic publication, featuring more than 200 images, across 348 pages.
It is, in many respects, a personal journey through the natural heritage of an island whose biodiversity is extraordinary, yet whose ecological wealth remains vulnerable to mounting human pressures.
“I have always believed that photography is about more than simply recording what we see. It is about capturing the character of a moment and preserving it in a form that allows others to experience it,” Wijegunawardane says.
The distinction is important. Wildlife photography is often judged by the rarity of a sighting or the technical perfection of an image. But Wild Grace seeks to move beyond the conventional wildlife album. It brings together animals, habitats, landscapes and changing natural light in a visual narrative that celebrates the richness of Sri Lanka’s environment.
Rather than arranging the photographs strictly according to geographical locations or animal species, Wijegunawardane has structured the book around the changing qualities of light, taking the reader from the first moments of dawn to the fading colours of dusk.
Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, birds, rainforests, waterfalls and landscapes become part of this unfolding story. The result is an attempt to capture not merely what inhabits Sri Lanka’s wilderness, but also the atmosphere and character of the places in which they live.
“I wanted the book to be a visual journey through Sri Lanka’s natural heritage, rather than simply a collection of wildlife photographs,” he explains.
There is also an international ambition behind the project. Wijegunawardane hopes the publication will serve as an ambassador for Sri Lanka, introducing its wildlife and landscapes to readers, collectors and nature enthusiasts beyond the island.
Sri Lanka’s natural heritage is remarkable for its diversity within a relatively small geographical area. Its elephants, leopards, endemic birds, amphibians, reptiles, rainforests and wetlands offer an extraordinary range of subjects for photographers and naturalists alike.
Yet the value of such a photographic record extends beyond aesthetics. As habitats shrink, ecosystems become fragmented and wildlife faces increasing pressures, images can preserve encounters and landscapes that future generations may find increasingly difficult to experience.
In that sense, Wild Grace carries an understated conservation message. It celebrates what remains, while reminding readers of the responsibility to protect it.
The foreword is written by internationally respected scientist and conservationist Dr Rohan Pethiyagoda, who describes the photographs as being of the highest calibre, with each image representing an exceptional work of art.
For Wijegunawardane, however, producing a book of this nature involves considerably more than selecting outstanding photographs. The physical publication itself must do justice to the images.
Paper selection, colour reproduction, printing, binding and presentation have therefore received particular attention. The objective has been to produce a publication in which the quality of the finished product complements the photographer’s original vision.
That attention to detail continues into his third photographic exhibition, which will take selected images beyond the printed page and present them as large-format fine-art prints.
The exhibition, featuring Sri Lankan and African wildlife, will be held at the Harold Peiris Gallery, Lionel Wendt, from November 27 to 29, from 9 am to 6.30 pm.
For Wijegunawardane, an exhibition of this kind offers an opportunity to demonstrate how the presentation of an image can fundamentally change the way it is experienced.
A photograph viewed on a mobile phone or computer screen is not necessarily the same experience as one reproduced on a carefully selected fine-art paper, framed and displayed at an appropriate scale.
“The photograph does not end when the shutter is released. The way it is processed, printed and presented is equally important in bringing out the photographer’s original intention,” he says.
This philosophy has led him to develop a comprehensive fine-art photographic printing workflow, bringing together professional printing technology, colour management and specialist archival papers.
At the centre of this process is colour accuracy. What a photographer sees on a computer monitor must be reproduced as faithfully as possible on the final printing medium. Achieving this requires a carefully calibrated workflow, beginning with the monitor and extending through image-editing software, printer settings and paper-specific colour profiles.
Different papers produce different visual effects. Their textures, whiteness, coatings and capacity to reproduce colour and tonal detail influence the final appearance of an image.
A photograph printed on smooth photographic paper, for instance, will have a different character from the same photograph reproduced on textured cotton-based fine-art paper.
Wijegunawardane uses paper-specific ICC profiles to soft-proof images on screen before printing, allowing him to anticipate how the finished photograph will appear on the chosen medium.
The technology supporting this process includes a professional large-format Canon image PROGRAF PRO-546 printer, equipped with a 12-colour LUCIA PRO II pigment ink system.
The combination enables the reproduction of fine details, subtle tonal gradations, deep blacks and accurate colours. Such characteristics are particularly important in wildlife photography, where the delicate patterns of feathers, the texture of an animal’s coat and the transition between light and shadow can determine the quality of the final image.
But technology alone does not determine the longevity or character of a fine-art print.
An equally important component is the paper.
Wijegunawardane has chosen to work with Hahnemühle, the German manufacturer renowned for its fine-art photographic papers, particularly its archival-quality Digital FineArt range.
Produced using carefully selected materials, including cotton and alpha-cellulose fibres, these papers are designed to provide exceptional resistance to ageing. Their acid-free and lignin-free properties contribute to their archival characteristics.
The argument for archival printing is also a cultural one.
Photography has become an integral part of modern life. Families document milestones, travellers record journeys and photographers capture landscapes and wildlife encounters. Yet much of this visual material remains confined to digital storage, vulnerable to technological changes, lost passwords, damaged devices or simply neglect.
A physical print offers a different relationship with an image. It can be displayed, appreciated, collected and passed down through generations.
“Many photographs that people consider special remain on their computers or mobile phones. With the technology available today, there is an opportunity to turn those images into something permanent that can be enjoyed for generations,” Wijegunawardane says.
The longevity of a print depends on several factors, including the combination of paper and ink, exposure to light, environmental conditions and storage. Hahnemühle’s archival papers are designed for exceptionally long life, while high-quality pigment inks can provide projected print permanence exceeding a century under appropriate conditions.
For collectors and photographers, this opens up possibilities that were once difficult to access locally. Images can now be reproduced as individual fine-art works using carefully selected archival media, with the printing process tailored to the character of each photograph.
The significance of this development extends beyond Wijegunawardane’s own work. It offers opportunities for other photographers and image enthusiasts to explore fine-art printing and develop a stronger appreciation of photography as a physical art form.
There is, nevertheless, a larger idea connecting the book, the exhibition and the printing initiative.
All three seek to extend the life of a photograph beyond the instant in which it was captured.
The book brings together nearly three decades of encounters with nature. The exhibition allows selected images to be experienced as individual works of art. The printing initiative, meanwhile, makes it possible for others to preserve their own visual memories through archival-quality reproductions.
In a world increasingly dominated by fleeting digital images, that proposition has considerable appeal.
For wildlife photographers, patience is often measured in hours, sometimes days, spent waiting for the right light, the right movement or the briefest opportunity to observe an animal behaving naturally. The resulting photograph may represent an encounter that cannot easily be repeated.
Yet its value need not end with the moment.
Wijegunawardane’s Wild Grace is ultimately an invitation to look again at Sri Lanka’s natural world, to appreciate its extraordinary diversity and to recognise that preserving its beauty is as important as celebrating it.
A photograph may begin with a moment in the wilderness. Through the careful marriage of artistic vision, technology and craftsmanship, it can become something that outlives that moment.
And perhaps that is the enduring idea behind Wild Grace : nature deserves not only to be seen, but remembered.
Organized by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, these awards recognise outstanding environmental practices by organisations and individuals, in the areas of green management approaches, sustainability reporting and disclosure mechanisms, pollution control, solid waste management and carbon emissions management.
Jetwing St. Andrew’s and Jetwing Vil Uyana stood out among a highly competitive field at this year’s ceremony, following a rigorous evaluation process that assessed over 1,000 applications from across a wide range of sectors. The selection process included on-site verification visits by a distinguished panel, comprising representatives from the CEA, academia, and government institutions, ultimately recognising 193 winners for their outstanding environmental contributions.
The recognition of Jetwing St. Andrew’s reflects the property’s long-standing commitment to responsible hospitality in Sri Lanka’s hill country. The hotel has invested in renewable energy through a 60kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system and utilises a biomass boiler, powered by responsibly harvested cinnamon wood, for hot water generation. Further sustainability measures include an effluent treatment plant that biologically treats wastewater, the use of reusable glass water bottles to reduce single-use plastics, and an onsite organic garden that supplies fresh produce to the kitchens.
Jetwing Vil Uyana, a Luxury Reserve, renowned as Sri Lanka’s pioneering man-made wetland resort, provides a thriving habitat for species, such as the slender loris, fishing cat, otter, and numerous bird species, while its interconnected lakes support groundwater recharge and water table stabilisation. Sustainability initiatives at the resort include a 115kW solar photovoltaic system, onsite biogas generation for renewable cooking energy, wastewater treatment facilities, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, reusable glass bottles to reduce plastic consumption, and an organic garden that supplies fresh produce to its kitchens.
Jetwing St. Andrew’s and Jetwing Vil Uyana add their names to the prestigious list of Jetwing Hotels properties recognised at the Presidential Environment Awards, joining Jetwing Kandy Gallery, Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, Jetwing Lake, Jetwing Yala, Jetwing Lighthouse, Jetwing Kaduruketha, and Jetwing Blue, which have also been honoured in previous years.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Central Environmental Authority of Sri Lanka, which reflects the dedication of our teams and the sustainability-driven ethos that guides our operations. As we look to the future, we remain committed to advancing environmental conservation and setting new benchmarks for responsible hospitality in Sri Lanka,” said Hashan Cooray, Director of Marketing and Development.
Enric Reina, Hotel Manager of Barcelo Nasandhra Male, represents the Spanish hospitality group’s growing presence in the Maldives, At the helm of this landmark city hotel, he is focused on delivering service of International standard, while preserving the hotel’s strong connection will Maldivian culture and local life. His regional perspective also offers an interesting insight into opportunities for stronger tourism links between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
What distinguishes Barceló’s approach to hospitality in the competitive Maldives luxury tourism market?
Barceló distinguishes itself by seamlessly marrying our rich Spanish hospitality with the incomparable natural elegance of the Maldives. Rather than following conventional resort templates, we pioneer an urban luxury lifestyle at Barceló Nasandhura Malé, connecting global sophistication, dynamic culinary concepts, and responsible luxury under our Barceló ReGen framework.
Sri Lanka and the Maldives are neighbouring island destinations. How do you view the evolving tourism landscape across the region?
Both nations represent some of the world’s most inspiring island landscapes, and healthy regional momentum elevates South Asia as a whole on the global stage. While each destination charts its own distinct path and development trajectory, the Maldives maintains an unshakeable, unique proposition built on unmatched marine biodiversity, island exclusivity, and world-class luxury standards.
What can the broader hospitality industry learn from the diverse cultural and professional strengths found across the Indian Ocean region?
The wider region possesses a rich tapestry of deep-rooted community warmth, service craftsmanship, and diverse tourism heritage. Across the board, properties thrive when they combine these regional traditions of hospitality with rigorous international management standards and localised cultural authenticity.
Enric Reina, Hotel Manager of Barcelo Nasandhra, Male
How valuable are regional professionals, including those from Sri Lanka, to the Maldivian hospitality sector?
Our industry thrives on a diverse, highly skilled local and international workforce. Professionals from neighbouring countries bring a strong work ethic, technical proficiency, and a collaborative team spirit. As a Spanish brand, we deeply appreciate colleagues who champion our core philosophy that true luxury is anchored in human connection and genuine care.
Could AI help hotels provide more personalised experiences, and where should human interactions remain essential?
AI serves as an exceptional tool for streamlining backend operations, logistics, and data-driven insights. However, true luxury is inherently human. Empathy, cultural intuition, and heartfelt personal engagement cannot be automated; technology should merely empower our teams to dedicate more time to meaningful guest interactions.
As travellers become more discerning, what will define luxury hospitality in the next few years?
Luxury is shifting away from material excess toward purposeful travel, authenticity, privacy, and personal well-being. Future industry leaders will be defined by their ability to deliver seamless convenience, hyper-personalised service, and an uncompromising commitment to environmental and social stewardship.
How important is the South Asian regional market to Barceló Maldives, and what opportunities do you see to attract more regional guests?
Neighbouring markets with strong connectivity represent a valuable segment for short-term getaways, executive staycations, corporate gatherings, and boutique celebrations. Given our strategic capital location, Barceló Nasandhura Malé provides a sophisticated, seamless metropolitan retreat for discerning regional travellers.
What makes the Maldives an enduringly appealing holiday destination for international travellers, particularly couples, families and honeymooners?
The Maldives offers a timeless, peerless appeal defined by pristine crystal-clear waters, secluded island environments, and absolute privacy. It remains the global benchmark for romantic getaways and serene family escapes, offering an atmosphere of tranquillity that is difficult to replicate anywhere else.
How can Barceló create packages that appeal specifically to discerning regional travellers?
By curating intelligent, flexible offerings such as short-stay weekend escapes, tailored wellness itineraries, and seasonal celebration packages. These are thoughtfully aligned with regional holiday patterns and flight schedules to ensure an effortless, high-value travel experience.
Beyond leisure travel, are there opportunities to attract corporate groups and enterprises for retreats and special events?
Certainly. As a premier business and lifestyle hub in Malé, Barceló Nasandhura is uniquely positioned to host corporate summits, strategic leadership retreats, and high-level regional celebrations. We offer advanced MICE facilities and ocean-view venues that effortlessly blend executive efficiency with island sophistication.
Barceló has its roots in Spain. What distinctive elements of Spanish hospitality does the brand bring to the Maldives?
Spain and the Maldives both share a profound, historic pride in welcoming the world with open arms. Barceló infuses this shared value with our signature Mediterranean mindset, characterised by high-touch service, attention to detail, and a celebratory approach to life. This creates a refined yet approachable atmosphere where international luxury meets authentic Maldivian grace.
If a traveller is visiting the Maldives for the first time, what three experiences would you recommend at Barceló?
Sunset Dining at B.Heaven: Experiencing our panoramic rooftop ocean views, paired with exceptional culinary artistry.- Personalised Wellness: Unwinding with bespoke spa treatments designed to restore complete harmony. Exploring the Capital: Utilising our central location as an upscale base to discover the cultural landmarks and vibrant oceanfront promenade of Malé.
What is your vision for Barceló Maldives, and how would you like the brand to be remembered?
Our vision is to anchor Barceló Nasandhura Malé as the definitive urban luxury landmark in the Maldives, where commerce, culture, and leisure intersect seamlessly. We want our guests to remember Barceló as a trusted, sophisticated sanctuary where Spanish warmth and Maldivian hospitality create unforgettable memories.
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