"Biodiversity contains the accumulated wisdom of nature and the key to its future. If you ever wanted to destroy a society, you would burn its libraries and kill its intellectuals. You would destroy its knowledge. Nature’s knowledge is contained in the DNA within living cells. The variety of genetic information is the driving engine of evolution, the immune system for life, the source of adaptability." (D.H. Meadows, 1990)

The Sinharaja Guidebook offers a uniquie insight i nto Sri Lankas last remaining rainforest

Sewalanka launched a new guidebook for the Sinharaja World Heritage Site on December 7, 2007 at the Lake House Bookstore in Colombo. The guidebook, targeted at travelers who want to make the most of their time in Sri Lanka’s last remaining stand of old-growth rainforest, was written and illustrated by Sewalanka volunteer Stacy Vigallon and published by Lake House Press.

Vigallon has provided a wonderful overview of the climate, management, history and immense biodiversity of Sinharaja. She provides detailed information on the local plant and animal species, from the mosses, lichens and algae to the birds and mammals that can be found there. The book includes a complete list of species with scientific and common names. Illustrations of the most commonly found animals, insects and plants are provided in full color, to help guests identify what they see while exploring Sinharaja.

Vigallon provides advice throughout the book to help the reader catch sight of some of Sinharaja’s most ellusive species. She even suggests how to avoid dreaded leaches, giving details on both the “cover-everything method” and the “check-frequently method.”

The publication of this book has been a goal of Sewalanka’s for several years. Now that we have identified a publisher who is as dedicated to preserving Sinharaja as it is to publishing quality manuscripts, we believe the book will enjoy healthy sales throughout Sri Lanka.

No trip to Sinharaja would be complete without obtaining this guidebook prior to your excursion.