Celebrating diversity of the natural world

From the 225 members of Parliament, one is a highly talented shutter bug and he is none other than Megapolis and Western Development Minister, Patali Champika Ranawaka. Ranawaka’s luck and prodigious skill with the camera has enabled him to capture some astounding and remarkable wildlife pictures during his visits to other countries – Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, elephants, giraffes and antelopes and stunning pics of colorful birds!

Chief Guest, the Chinese Ambassador,  Cheng Xueyuan  at the opening

Recently he held a photographic exhibition ‘Mega Pride – Pride of the Lion’ at the Dutch Hospital Premises which drew a huge crowd to witness the phenomenal skill of this parliamentarian.

“The pictures that you see at this exhibition are pictures taken by Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka on his various tours to other countries. The pictures numbered over hundreds and it was my task and Ravi Ranasinghe’s task to select the pictures that you see now at this exhibition. We brought it down to around 68 and that is what you see here today – it has been a lot of hard work and commitment on the part of the Minister. As you can see these pictures are of very high international standard, clear and beautiful,” said veteran photographer Henry Rajakaruna.

He commented that it is unusual for a politician to display such skill and involvement in this profession. The pictures range from Sri Lanka to Africa and has been a labour of love.

“I have 57 years of experience in photography and I am very qualified. As a photographer I can say that these photos are of a very high standard. The minister has been able to capture the various nuances of the animals. You cannot say that these photos were taken by an amateur photographer. These photos are so good that a stranger would jump to the conclusion that this is the work of a professional photographer whose photography is his bread and butter,” said Rajakaruna.

“Selecting good photographs is an art a philosophy. Almost a science. The quality needs to be judged and ascertained by a photographer who excels in his or her field. It is clear that the Minister has a love for wildlife and nature. This has been a colossal task but it has been accomplished,” stated Rajakaruna. The Chief Guest at the opening was the Chinese Ambassador, Cheng Xueyuan.

Pictures by Saman Sri Wedage