Wetlands are more than ecological systems. Across civilizations, they have supported traditional medicine and Ayurveda, spiritual practices and mindfulness, community livelihoods and food systems, and emotional balance and psychosocial wellbeing.
Wellness in Wetlands 2026 is an international conference bringing together global leaders, researchers, mental health professionals, conservationists, policymakers, tourism experts, indigenous knowledge holders, youth, and communities to explore the deep connection between wetlands, cultural wisdom, and human well-being.
Building on the success of Wellness in Wetlands 2025 and the historic Kingdom of Kotte Declaration, this conference positions wetlands as living landscapes of healing, resilience, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.
World-Renowned Environmental Psychologist College of Wooster, USA
“A leading global voice on how ecosystems shape mental health and identity.”
Leader – Indigenous Vedda Community, Sri Lanka
“The guardian of Sri Lanka’s indigenous heritage, preserving ancestral wisdom and cultural identity for future generations.”
Senior Professor & Clinical Psychologist, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
“Pioneering culturally grounded mindfulness and clinical psychology in Sri Lanka.”
Senior Professor, Department of Zoology & Environmental Sciences – University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
“Leading conservation biology & wildlife science in Sri Lanka.”
Founder President, Indian Association of Life Skills Education, India; Former Registrar, Central University of Kerala, India; Visiting Professor, Assam Don Bosco University, India; Dean, School of Behavioural Sciences, International Hindu University, Florida, USA.
“A visionary architect of life skills education in South Asia, advancing holistic development through policy, pedagogy, and practice.”
Chartered Clinical Psychologist & Counterterrorism Instructor, Sri Lanka Ph.D. in Policing Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, Macquarie University, Australia
“An influential voice at the intersection of psychology and security, bridging mental health and counterterrorism across global contexts.”
Dean, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine University of Colombo, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka
“A leading academic voice preserving and advancing indigenous medical knowledge for modern healthcare solutions.”
Associate Professor & Former Registrar, Purbanchal University, Nepal Founder Chairperson, Life Skills Education, Nepal
“A passionate advocate for emotional intelligence and life skills education, shaping resilient minds across South Asia.”
Former Commissioner General, Bureau of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Government of Sri Lanka Former Director General, Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Sri Lanka
“A strategic leader in national resilience—advancing rehabilitation, disaster preparedness, crisis response, and institutional governance.”
B.Sc. (Special, Hons.), M.Sc. (Japan), Ph.D. (Japan), C.Biol.Vice Chancellor Chair Professor - Department of Zoology Chair, Research Council Ecotoxicology and Microbial Ecologist, Water Quality Specialist, Environmental Scientist University of Sri Jayewardenepura Sri Lanka.
“A renowned academic leader in conservation biology and water quality—bridging scientific research and institutional leadership.”
Professor in Tourism Economics, University of Colombo | Coordinator, Sustainable Tourism Unit (UOC-STU) | Secretary General, THERAA | Lead Trainer, GSTC
“A leading academic in tourism economics and sustainable development—advancing research, education, and global best practices for responsible tourism and resilient destinations.”
Thought Leader and International Environment and Climate Expert | Former Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Environment, Climate Change & Green Finance
“Catalysing sustainable development by bringing global experience, innovative financing and strategic partnerships to create impactful local solutions.”
Consultant Psychiatrist Queensland, Australia.
“An expert who advocates for a wholistic approach to mental wellbeing.”
Professor in Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, The Open University of Sri Lanka
“An academic leader in environmental sustainability—shaping policy, engineering practice, and future professionals through expertise in water, waste, and climate systems.”
International Vice President, Movendi International | Consultant, ADIC Sri Lanka | WHO STAG-MNS Member
“A globally respected health promotion and alcohol-control leader—bridging international advocacy, technical policy advisory, and on-the-ground prevention in Sri Lanka and beyond.”
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo
“A trailblazer in Ayurveda psychiatry and integrative wellness—bridging traditional healing, research, and sustainable tourism through innovative practice and academic leadership.”
Deputy General Manager, Wetland Management, SLLDC / SLLDC’s Senior Management
“A leading wetland and environmental manager in Sri Lanka—bridging science, policy, and conservation in landscape development.”
Director Southwest Delta Staatsbosbeheer (Dutch National Agency for Nature Conservation)
“A leader in wetland conservation and restoration projects linking biodiversity, climate resilience, and human well-being.”
(University of Birmingham) Principal Research Officer – Health & Wellbeing, WWT, UK
“Bridging ecological science and mental wellbeing through innovative wetland-based health solutions.”
Former Director, Environment & Landscape Division, Urban Development Authority, Sri Lanka
“A visionary leader in urban ecology and landscape design—championing sustainable wetlands, green infrastructure, and ecological resilience in Sri Lankan cities.”
Life Skills Master Trainer & Coach | Managing Editor, IJLSE, Chennai, India
“A psychologist and educator empowering people through resilience, purpose, and growth.”
MA, LCPC, LPCC, BC-DMT Fulbright Scholar Alumna | Licensed Psychotherapist & Dance/Movement Therapist
“A global leader in dance/movement therapy—bridging mental health, cultural healing, and community resilience across borders.”
Vice President, Indian Association of Life Skills Education, India | Senior Vice-President, World Curriculum, Comparative Education Societies, Geneva
“An international leader in life skills and comparative education—bridging research, policy, and practice to empower learners and communities.”
Founder & Chairperson, Mother Lanka Foundation, Sri Lanka
“A pioneering business leader and nation-builder—driving entrepreneurship, responsible citizenship, and sustainable development through innovation and leadership in both private and public sectors.”
BSc, MSc Project Manager – International Engagement, WWT, UK
“Advancing global wetland conservation through education, behaviour change, and collaboration.”
Chairman & Director General, National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), Sri Lanka
“A distinguished Chartered Accountant and business leader with over 30 years’ experience—championing MSME growth, enterprise development, and strategic leadership in both public and private sectors.”
Professor & Director, Center for Planetary Health, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
“Linking smart childhood diets with healthier lives and a healthier planet.”
Senior Lecturer & Paediatrician, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
“Highlighting climate change impacts on children’s health and everyday choices.”
Senior Lecturer & Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
“Addressing youth eco-anxiety and fostering resilience for the planet.”
Psychologist & Banking Professional, Sri Lanka | Internationally Affiliated Member, American Psychological Association
“An internationally affiliated psychologist and seasoned banker—blending expertise in mental health, finance, and marketing with over four decades of cross-cultural experience.”
Associate Professor & Head of Psychology, VIT University, Chennai, India
“An accomplished psychologist and educator with over two decades of teaching, research, counselling, and training—empowering students and professionals through life skills, emotional intelligence, and mental health development.”
Professor & Head of Psychology, Mizoram University, India | Hony. Director, Women’s Studies Center
“An academician, social worker, and activist—advancing mental health, HIV/AIDS awareness, substance use prevention, and women’s empowerment through research, counselling, and global advocacy.”
Biology Educator & Researcher, S. K. Somaiya Junior College, India
“A passionate biology educator and researcher with over three decades of teaching experience—advancing science education through innovative, low-cost learning tools, teacher training, and the integration of life skills and compassion in pedagogy.”
Professor in Crop Science, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
“A distinguished scholar in forestry and crop science—shaping sustainability, research, and education in Sri Lanka.”
Former Dean of Research & Director, PG Department of Education, MT Training College, Trivandrum, India
“A distinguished educationist and scholar—advocating for life skills education in teacher training to empower educators as agents of change and to foster holistic student development.”
Sri Lanka is home to an extraordinary range of wetlands—from coastal mangroves and lagoons to urban marshes and freshwater swamps. These environments are not only biologically rich but deeply embedded in local culture and community life.
Sites like Baddagana Wetland Park and Rampart Wetland Park in Colombo are perfect backdrops to explore how nature and well-being can thrive together—offering lessons for the world.
The Emotional Intelligence and Life Skills Training Team (Gte) Ltd is the driving force behind Wellness in Wetlands 2026. With over 18 years of experience, this nonprofit team has been a pioneer in promoting emotional intelligence, life skills, and behavioral change through creative and cost-effective initiatives.
Our team consists of professionals from across Sri Lanka, representing diverse ethnicities, religions, and cultural backgrounds. We have successfully worked with national and international organizations on projects involving tourism, youth development, counseling, and community building. With expertise in designing sustainable tourism strategies and implementing innovative social marketing campaigns, we are committed to fostering conservation and community development.
Local Roots, Global Impact 🌍✨
This global event is strengthened by the participation of 40 identified members, including homestay owners from the Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte Divisional Secretariat area. As dedicated volunteers for wetlands conservation and promotion, they represent the future leaders of this movement, ensuring long-term sustainability and community-driven stewardship.
As part of the ongoing project Conserving Nature's Treasures: Empowering Communities for Sustainable Wetland Management and Eco-Tourism in Baddagana and Rampart Wetlands Park, funded by UNDP GEF SGP Sri Lanka and supported by the Urban Development Authority (UDA), Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte Divisional Secretariat, the Western Province Tourist Board Sri Lanka, and several university academics, we have trained 40 local site guides and launched Sustainable Homestays in the Ramsar-certified Colombo Wetland City.
This initiative invites visitors to stay with local families, offering a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and biodiversity of wetlands while embracing sustainable tourism practices. The homestay program empowers local communities by allowing them to showcase their culture and environment while fostering meaningful connections with visitors from around the world.
By staying with local families, you contribute directly to wetland conservation efforts, encouraging sustainable livelihoods and increasing awareness of the importance of protecting these valuable ecosystems. This community-driven approach to conservation and eco-tourism ensures long-term benefits for both the wetlands and the people who rely on them.
Join us at Wellness in Wetlands 2026 is more than a conference—it’s a movement. A movement to reconnect people with nature, and to reshape conservation as a pathway to human flourishing. We invite you to be part of this journey. Whether you’re a scientist, teacher, policymaker, youth leader, wellness practitioner, or nature lover—your voice matters. Let’s work together to protect wetlands and nurture our collective future.
We invite researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts to submit their abstracts for presentation at our upcoming conference. The conference will focus on wetland conservation, mental health, eco-tourism, and interdisciplinary approaches, offering a platform to share innovations, case studies, and best practices.
All abstracts submitted for the Wellness in Wetlands 2026 conference will undergo a rigorous anonymized review by a panel of subject experts to ensure quality, clarity, and alignment with the conference’s thematic areas.
To support early travel planning—particularly for international participants—we are committed to a quick review turnaround:
You will be notified of acceptance within 5 working days of submission.
Please contact the Conference Secretariat
secretariat@eilifeskills.org
The International Conference on Wetlands in Wellness 2025 is a global platform that brings together researchers, environmentalists, wellness experts, educators, life skills trainers, policymakers, and volunteers to explore how wetland conservation supports human wellness. This 4-day event, held at the scenic Colombo Wetland City, Sri Lanka, will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, poster and paper presentations, field visits, and cultural experiences — creating a unique learning and networking opportunity.
Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, has earned a groundbreaking recognition as the world's first Ramsar Wetland City. This prestigious accolade celebrates Colombo's unparalleled commitment to conserving its urban wetlands, offering visitors an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and urban elegance.
Explore Colombo's interconnected network of wetlands, each offering a unique experience for nature enthusiasts:
Colombo's wetlands are more than picturesque; they are lifelines for the city:
Immerse yourself in Colombo's rich biodiversity and vibrant wetland life:
Colombo's commitment to urban wetland conservation has been celebrated globally, earning prestigious titles and awards:
Visit Colombo to experience a groundbreaking approach to urban conservation and sustainability. Witness firsthand how a bustling capital city seamlessly integrates thriving wetland ecosystems, offering a model for the world. Sri Lanka’s dedication to preserving these
We are excited to announce the International Conference on Wetland Conservation, Mental Health, and Behavioral Change 2025, taking place in Sri Lanka, a country known for its rich biodiversity, unique wetland ecosystems, and growing commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation. This event will bring together experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts to explore the important connections between wetlands, mental health, and behavioral change.
If you are interested in attending this transformative conference, we invite you to Register by filling out the Google Form linked below.
We welcome motivated volunteers from around the world to support our organizing team as Volunteer Conference Ambassadors. Your role:
Join us in shaping a sustainable future while experiencing the serene beauty of Sri Lanka!
The Wellness in Wetlands 2026 conference will be held in a serene and biodiversity-rich area near the Baddagana, Diyasaru, and Rampart Wetland Parks. These tranquil locations provide a peaceful environment that will relax your mind, rejuvenate your spirit, and enhance your overall wellness. The natural beauty and calming atmosphere of the wetlands make it the perfect venue for meaningful discussions on conservation and sustainability.
We warmly invite you to experience our Sustainable Homestay Program by staying with local families near Baddagana, Diyasaru, and Rampart Wetland Parks. By choosing a homestay, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy authentic hospitality, and learn firsthand about the rich biodiversity and conservation efforts surrounding these wetlands.
Staying with local families doesn’t just enhance your experience—it also motivates and empowers these families to actively conserve and protect these valuable ecosystems. Your stay supports sustainable livelihoods, strengthens community ties to conservation, and fosters a deeper understanding of the vital role wetlands play in our environment.
Let this unique experience inspire you while contributing to a global effort to promote harmony between humans and nature. Together, we can create a legacy of conservation, community development, and sustainable tourism.
Exact event details, including the venue, will be announced shortly. Stay tuned for updates!
Sri Lanka, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a commitment to sustainable practices. Recognized globally for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, the island nation offers a harmonious blend of cultural richness and environmental conservation.
Sri Lanka has consistently captured the attention of global travelers, earning accolades such as:
The country's natural diversity includes stunning beaches, lush tea plantations, ancient cities, and unparalleled wildlife, making it a top destination for adventure, culture, and luxury.
Sri Lanka’s wetlands are vital to its ecological balance and biodiversity. From the expansive Muthurajawela Marsh to the Baddagana and Rampart wetlands in Colombo, these ecosystems serve as critical habitats for a variety of flora and fauna. Wetlands also play a significant role in flood control, water purification, and climate regulation, demonstrating their importance beyond environmental conservation.
Sri Lanka has taken substantial strides in wetland conservation through community engagement and eco-tourism initiatives. These efforts align with the global call for sustainable development and climate resilience. The country’s recognition as a Global Green Destination underscores its dedication to preserving its natural treasures.
Sri Lanka is emerging as a hub for progressive conversations on mental health and behavioral change. Its diverse communities have embraced sustainable lifestyles, often inspired by the interconnectedness of humans and nature. Events like the International Conference on Wetland Conservation, Mental Health, and Behavioral Change 2025 highlight Sri Lanka's pioneering role in fostering global dialogues on these critical issues.
With its unique blend of serene landscapes and vibrant biodiversity, Sri Lanka offers the perfect setting to explore the symbiotic relationship between mental health, behavioral change, and environmental conservation. Its globally recognized initiatives in sustainable tourism and eco-tourism provide a model for balancing development and preservation.
Whether you are captivated by its wetlands, inspired by its cultural heritage, or moved by its commitment to sustainability, Sri Lanka stands as a beacon of hope for those working towards a better, more balanced world.
Join us at the International Conference on Wetland Conservation, Mental Health, and Behavioral Change 2025 to experience this remarkable country and be part of the global movement for conservation and wellbeing.