In our tenth episode, we dive into a topic that blends economics, environmental policy, and global conservation efforts—conservation finance.

We speak with Ashani Basnayake, a policy researcher, to unpack what conservation finance is and how tools like debt-for-nature swaps can support large-scale environmental protection. Ashani explains how these mechanisms work, highlights successful case studies—particularly in marine contexts—and discusses their growing relevance in today’s economic and ecological landscape.

This episode offers a clear look at how financing mechanisms can shape conservation outcomes, and why young professionals and practitioners should be paying close attention to this evolving space.

Welcome to our ninth episode! This time, we explore the field of maritime archaeology and the work involved in uncovering Sri Lanka’s submerged cultural heritage.

We speak with Rasika Muthucumarana, Senior Archaeology Officer at the Maritime Archaeology Unit of the Central Cultural Fund, about his journey into underwater archaeology and what it means to work at the intersection of history and the ocean. From his long-term work on the Godawaya shipwreck, the oldest known wreck in Sri Lanka and the Asia-Pacific region, to curating the Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle, Rasika shares insights into some of the country’s most significant underwater discoveries.

We also talk about new projects on the horizon, the practicalities of excavation, and what advice he has for those curious about entering the field.

Welcome to our eighth episode! This time, we explore the work behind protecting Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems, both through research and management on the ground.

We sit down with Nishan Perera, marine biologist and co-founder of Blue Resources Trust, to discuss the realities of marine protected area (MPA) management and the role long-term research plays in supporting conservation efforts. Nishan shares insights from a decade of reef monitoring in Kayankerni, reflecting on how continuous fieldwork shapes our understanding of ecosystem changes, conservation planning, and the practical side of marine protection.

Through this conversation, we get a closer look at what marine conservation looks like beyond policy—rooted in day-to-day realities, persistence, and adapting to challenges as they arise.