Wildlife and Nature Protection Society

What Wildlife and Nature Protection Society does

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), founded in 1894, is Sri Lanka's oldest and the world's third-oldest conservation organization. Incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1968, it is headquartered in Battaramulla, employs between 11 and 50 staff, and serves a constituency comprising 1,400+ active members, 50+ corporate partners, 60+ local communities, and a student engagement base exceeding 22,000 across 20+ districts. Its mandate spans wildlife protection, habitat restoration, environmental education, species research, and conservation policy advocacy.

WNPS operates a portfolio of conservation programs and, since 2020, a wholly-owned subsidiary called PLANT (Preserving Land and Nature Guarantee Ltd) that ring-fences land acquisition and forest corridor restoration across 2,500+ acres in 35+ locations. Core programs include the Leopard Research and Conservation Project (LRCP, with LOLC Holdings), the Active Nature Restoration of Mangroves (ANRM, winner of a 2024 UN Flagship Award), the ROAR reforestation initiative, the Ali Pancha elephant coexistence project, and the Hemas Endemics Project. Member-facing products include three bungalow rentals near national parks, the monthly Lecture Series (with Nations Trust Bank), the Wild Kids and Youth Wing programs, the Marine Chats series, and the Loris Journal, published continuously since 1936.

WNPS's business model is a diversified non-profit construct: tiered membership subscriptions (ordinary, youth, life), donations, corporate sponsorships — including a long-running Sampath Bank relationship since 1994 and the Hemas Endemics commitment of Rs. 20 million annually — and eco-tourism revenue from member bungalows. The 2020 creation of PLANT signals a structural shift toward an asset-holding model that separates long-duration conservation capital (land, corridors) from the parent advocacy and membership body.

Name

Wildlife and Nature Protection Society

Legal name

Wildlife and Nature Protection Society

Website

https://wnpssl.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1894

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), founded in 1894 and incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1968, is Sri Lanka's oldest conservation organization. It runs wildlife, mangrove, and forest corridor restoration programs, supported by a 2020 subsidiary (PLANT), 1,400+ members, and a network of corporate and community partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Forestry (800), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD), Conservation & Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation (BPAGAIAI), Environmental Education, Capacity Building & Community Engagement (BPADALAO)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation services
• Ecosystem restoration programs
• Environmental education
• Nature protection society
• Biodiversity conservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Battaramulla

HQ country

Sri Lanka

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: WNPS generates revenue through various membership categories including Ordinary (LKR 5000 annual), Youth (LKR 2000 annual), Junior (LKR 1000 annual), Life (LKR 75,000 one-time), Non-Resident Life ($350), and Corporate memberships (LKR 15,000 annual).
2. Donations and Contributions: Individual and corporate donations support conservation projects and initiatives. The organization accepts donations through various channels.
3. Bungalow Rentals: WNPS operates three holiday bungalows near national parks (Yala, Uda Walawe, Wilpattu) offering members preferential rates and generating revenue from bookings.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partners sponsor specific projects, publications, and programs including the Monthly Lecture Series (Nations Trust Bank), Youth Wing activities (NDB Bank), and various conservation projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

WNPS is Sri Lanka's oldest conservation organization, delivering wildlife and ecosystem conservation through field projects (PLANT, LRCP, ANRM, ROAR, Hemas Endemics, Ali Pancha), environmental education programs for schools and youth, community coexistence initiatives, and member services including lectures, field trips, publications, and holiday bungalows. It operates as a membership-based non-profit funded by subscriptions, donations, and corporate sponsorships, with conservation delivery carried out by specialized subcommittees covering species, ecosystems, platform initiatives, and citizens and communities.

Product overview

WNPS is a conservation organization, not a technology product company. Its offerings consist of conservation programs and initiatives rather than a unified product platform. The main programs include: PLANT (land and forest corridor conservation), LRCP (leopard research), ANRM (mangrove restoration), ROAR (rainforest reforestation), Ali Pancha (elephant coexistence), Hemas Endemics Project, Education for Conservation, YLCA (youth climate leadership), Monthly Lecture Series, Marine Chats, Wild Kids, Youth Wing, Loris journal, and member services including bungalows and field visits. These are interconnected conservation initiatives that work across species protection, ecosystem restoration, community engagement, and education to protect Sri Lanka's biodiversity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PLANT: Preserving Land and Nature (Guarantee) Ltd - ecosystem conservation initiative focused on forest corridor restoration and land preservation in the Emerald Trails region.
• SPECIES
• ECOSYSTEMS
• PLATFORM INITIATIVES
• Citizens and Communities
• Loris

Products and services

• PLANT (Preserving Land and Nature) A private conservation initiative by WNPS focused on ecosystem restoration through forest corridor creation within the Emerald Trails region in southwestern Sri Lanka. PLANT acquires and manages land for conservation, engages private landowners, and works to restore degraded ecosystems across over 2,500 acres.
• Multi-Regional Leopard Research and Conservation Project (LRCP) The most extensive wild cat conservation programme outside protected areas in Sri Lanka. Spans six key regions (Kotagala, Belihuloya, Sinharaja, Kilinochchi, Sigiriya, Panama) with dedicated research centres for monitoring leopard presence, ecology, and human-leopard conflict.
• Ali Pancha Project

Quantifiable outcome

• Restored 45 hectares of mangrove habitat through ANRM project, winning UN Flagship Award
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• LOLC Holdings PLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partnership for the Multi-Regional Leopard Research and Conservation Project (LRCP), the most extensive wild cat conservation program outside protected areas in Sri Lanka. LOLC funds research centers across six key regions.
• Hemas Group of CompaniescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Annual investment of Rs. 20 million through Hemas Endemics Project targeting conservation of 52 critically endangered endemic species across plants, freshwater fish, amphibians, and arthropods.
• Nations Trust BankcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021Sole sponsor of WNPS publications including Loris journal, Warana/Varanam magazines, Jungle Telegraph newsletter, and funding for the Monthly Lecture series attracting 700+ viewers per lecture.
• National Development Bank (NDB)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive financial partner of WNPS Youth Wing and pivotal in implementing Education for Conservation program engaging 58 schools across 12 districts and 5,000+ students.
• US Forest ServicecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports the Small-Scale Sustainability Project addressing environmental challenges through youth-led initiatives including organic farming, reforestation, bio-fencing, waste management, and beekeeping.
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the ANRM Project along with research support from UK Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).
• Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based research partner providing scientific expertise for the Accelerated Natural Regeneration of Mangroves Project.
• British CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Youth Leadership for Climate Action (YLCA) project training youth aged 18-29 to develop climate-resilient interventions in their communities.
• Department of Wildlife ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner providing regulatory support and collaboration for conservation projects including ANRM project at Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary.
• Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLCmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner with PLANT for Maskeli Oya Restoration Project creating a 9km forest corridor along the Maskeli Oya river for biodiversity and water quality improvement.
• Horana Plantations PLCmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint agreement through PLANT allocating 350+ acres directly for conservation and reforestation in Horana and Deniyaya regions, with additional corridor enhancement covering 500+ acres.
• Kelani Valley Plantations PLCmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the landmark agreement through PLANT for forest corridor enhancement along the Kelani River and reforestation of identified land areas.
• Talawakelle Tea Estates PLCmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of PLANT partnership for conservation and reforestation efforts, contributing to the 1,000 hectare agreement covering almost 2,500 acres.
• Sampath BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-standing partner since 1994, donating Rs. 5 per new debit card issuance annually to WNPS. Head office achieved Carbon Neutral Certification.
• USAIDcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports Youth Wing initiatives including the 'Tales of Conservation' art exhibition and various youth engagement programs.
• Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in elephant conservation including support for Orphaned Elephant Infant care and Human-Elephant Coexistence programs.
• MAS HoldingsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReforestation project in Minuwanella through PLANT, aiming to rejuvenate 3.75 acres by 2023 and additional 7.5 acres by 2025, with documented species recovery.
• Geoffrey Bawa Trust / Lunuganga TrustmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to restore two islands in the Bentota estuary, combining ecological stewardship with cultural heritage conservation.
• Sabaragamuwa University of Sri LankacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner collaborating on LRCP research and development of mobile applications for data collection and field reporting.
• Colombo Jewellery StorescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst corporate partner on LRS project setting up LRS systems at northern border of Udawalawe, expanded to 25 locations in 4 districts for HEC mitigation.
• Seylan BankmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerBanking partner for Wild Kids initiative through Seylan Tikiri children's savings program, supporting environmental education for children.
• Spa CeylonmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates 10% of turnover from 'Save The Majestic Ceylon Elephant' range to elephant conservation projects and sponsors LRS method for HEC mitigation.
• Living Heritage KoslandamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation of 40+ acres of forested land through PLANT, providing critical wildlife corridor links and supporting eco-tourism.
• Sarvodaya Shramadana MovementmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollective MOU bringing extensive community network with 26 district centers and 3,000+ village societies for conservation outreach.
• Dilmah Ceylon Tea CompanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides refreshments for Monthly Lecture Series supporting WNPS public education events.
• UNDPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership under Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) for Sri Lanka's first livestock insurance scheme addressing human-wildlife conflict.
• IUCNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst NGO to become full member in 1967, continuing collaboration on international conservation standards and best practices.
• Penn International Impact ConsultingmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro-bono consulting support helping establish digital footprint for PLANT, advise on engagement strategies, and develop sustainability elements.
• RETRACE HospitalitymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerFunding camera traps within Minuwanella property providing wildlife monitoring insights for conservation.
• Nature's Beauty Creations LtdmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial Specialist Plant Nursery Partner for PLANT, providing plants, saplings, seedlings and specialist input for reforestation.

Scale indicators20 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Nature Conservancy: Global conservation organization using private-sector approaches (including land acquisition, corporate partnerships) to protect habitats. Highly comparable to WNPS's PLANT subsidiary model of private land conservation and corporate partnership-driven conservation finance.
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Global conservation NGO working on species and habitat protection across multiple countries. Highly comparable mission and multi-stakeholder partnership model, though at vastly larger scale and with a global mandate versus WNPS's Sri Lanka focus.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): Long-established conservation NGO combining field research, species protection, and community-based programs. Directly comparable to WNPS's combination of LRCP-style research, PLANT-style land conservation, and community engagement.
• Fauna & Flora International (FFI): One of the world's oldest conservation organizations (founded 1903, similar era to WNPS's 1894). Operates species-focused conservation programs globally with strong partnerships with local NGOs — directly comparable heritage and operating model.
• Conservation International: Global conservation organization focused on biodiversity hotspots, working with corporations, governments, and communities. Comparable to WNPS in combining biodiversity science (Hemas Endemics), corporate partnerships (Hemas, LOLC), and policy advocacy.
• Rainforest Trust: Conservation NGO focused on land purchase and protection of tropical forests, and an active funding partner of WNPS's PLANT initiative. Directly comparable on the land-acquisition-for-conservation model that PLANT operationalizes in Sri Lanka.

Regional players

• Wildlife Trust of India: India-based conservation NGO with comparable species, habitat, and community programs in South Asia. Directly comparable in operating model, regional species focus, and member/partnership-driven structure.
• Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement: Sri Lanka's largest community development NGO with 26 district centers and 3,000+ village societies, and an active WNPS partner via an MOU for community-based conservation outreach. Comparable Sri Lanka focus and grassroots delivery network.
• Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS): One of the oldest conservation organizations in South Asia (founded 1883), operating with a membership-based model, research publications, and field conservation. Highly comparable heritage, regional scope, and operating structure to WNPS.

Broad incumbents

• IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): Global conservation authority and membership organization of which WNPS has been a member since 1967 (first NGO admitted). IUCN is a broader policy/scientific body rather than a direct program operator, but it sets the international frameworks within which WNPS operates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wnpssl
• Facebookfacebook.com/wnpssl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wildlife-and-nature-protection-society-of-sri-lanka

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wildlife and Nature Protection Society