Our Story
Where sustainable agriculture meets rainforest conservation at the frontier of Sri Lanka’s last primary forest
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To protect and restore the biodiversity of the Sinharaja rainforest ecosystem through sustainable agricultural practices, scientific research, and community partnership—demonstrating that economic prosperity and environmental conservation can thrive together.
Our Vision
A future where Sri Lanka's plantations serve as guardians of biodiversity, where local communities prosper through conservation, and where the Sinharaja rainforest remains intact for generations to come.
How We Began
From traditional plantation to conservation pioneer
Knuckles Valley Conservation emerged from a simple realization: our tea and spice plantation, located at the boundary of the UNESCO World Heritage Sinharaja Rainforest, had a unique responsibility and opportunity that extended far beyond agriculture.
For decades, our plantation operated like most others in Sri Lanka—focused solely on production, using conventional methods, with little consideration for the incredible biodiversity just beyond our boundaries. But as deforestation accelerated and wildlife populations declined, our workers began reporting disturbing changes: fewer birds, declining insect populations, elephants and leopards increasingly entering the plantation in search of lost habitat.
The Turning Point - 2018
We began documenting the wildlife using our plantation boundaries. The results were astonishing: over 80 species in the first year alone, including endangered leopards, elephants, endemic birds, and butterflies found nowhere else on Earth. We realized our plantation sat at a critical juncture—a potential corridor between fragmented forest patches.
In 2020, we made a formal commitment to conservation, establishing Knuckles Valley Conservation as our dedicated initiative. We partnered with universities, conservation organizations, and most importantly, our own workers and local communities to transform our approach.
Today, we’re pioneering a new model: plantations as conservation partners. Through organic farming, habitat restoration, beekeeping programs, and community engagement, we’re proving that protecting biodiversity and maintaining agricultural productivity aren’t opposing goals—they’re complementary ones.
The Sinharaja Connection
Why our location matters for conservation
Gateway to the Last Rainforest
Our 500-hectare plantation shares a 15-kilometer boundary with the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve—Sri Lanka’s last viable primary rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
This proximity isn’t just geographical—it’s ecological destiny. Wildlife doesn’t recognize human boundaries. Leopards hunt across our land. Birds nest in our trees. Butterflies feed on our flowers. We are, whether we intended it or not, part of the Sinharaja ecosystem.
60%+
50%+
15 km
Daily
Our Core Values
Conservation First
Science-Based
Community Partnership
Transparency
Long-term Thinking
Innovation
Meet Our Team
The people dedicated to protecting Sinharaja’s biodiversity
Dr. Nimal Silva
Conservation Director
Amara Wickramasinghe
Plantation Manager
20+ years in sustainable agriculture. Champions organic practices and worker welfare. Coordinates daily conservation activities.
Chamari Fernando
Community Outreach Coordinator
Builds partnerships with local villages. Manages beekeeping programs and educational initiatives. Born in the Sinharaja region.
Rohan De Silva
Field Research Coordinator
MSc in Wildlife Biology. Manages camera trap networks, species surveys, and volunteer programs. Expert butterfly identifier.
Our Journey
Foundation of Plantation
Knuckles Valley Plantation established as traditional tea and spice operation at Sinharaja boundary.
First Wildlife Documentation
Began informal recording of species observed by plantation workers. Early recognition of biodiversity value.
Conservation Awakening
Discovery of endangered butterfly species catalyzes formal commitment to conservation.
Official Launch
Knuckles Valley Conservation established with partnerships with universities and conservation organizations.
Forest Corridor Project
Launched major initiative to create wildlife corridors connecting fragmented habitats.
Organic Certification
Achieved organic certification for 80% of plantation. Expanding beekeeping to 25 families.