“Guests arrive expecting to see animals, but they leave with something deeper: an understanding of how every sound, scent, and movement in the bush tells a story.”
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most iconic wilderness, home to elusive leopards, vibrant birdlife, and dense jungle that meets the ocean. At Uga Chena Huts, Head Ranger Janith Jayarathna plays a leading role in shaping how guests experience this extraordinary landscape. With over a decade of field experience, Janith combines local expertise with insights gained through ranger training and exchange programmes abroad. Here, he shares what it takes to guide in one of the country’s busiest parks, how he finds the quiet corners where wildlife thrives, and why the most meaningful safaris are about more than sightings alone.
- 01. What first inspired you to work in conservation and guiding?
- 02. What does a typical day in your role look like?
- 03. How does your African guiding experience influence the way you lead safaris in Sri Lanka?
- 04. What’s your approach to taking guests away from the crowds?
- 05. What do you find most rewarding about introducing travellers to Sri Lanka’s wilderness?
- 06. What do you personally find most special about working for Uga?
Beginning my career with Uga in 2013 as a Naturalist, I became a respected leader and mentor within the ranger team, overseeing all field operations, training programs, and guest activities to ensure an exceptional and safe wilderness experience. An avid bird enthusiast and lifelong naturalist, my fascination with wildlife began in my childhood. As a member of the Young Zoologists Association (YZA) since 2007 and a volunteer at the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, I have developed extensive expertise across a wide range of faunal groups. My deep passion for the natural world has also led me to contribute to marine mammal documentation and behavioural studies along Sri Lanka’s north-eastern coast.
What first inspired you to work in conservation and guiding?
What does a typical day in your role look like?
The day begins at 4:30 a.m., with preparation of all necessary equipment, food, and beverages for the morning game drive. The game drive departs promptly at 6:00 a.m. from the property and concludes in the late morning upon returning from the park. After returning, responsibilities include coordinating with fellow rangers to allocate duties for guest arrivals and the evening game drive. At 2:00 p.m., preparations commence for the afternoon game drive, which typically runs until 6:30 p.m. Upon returning to the property, attention shifts to hosting dinner service, organising plans for the following day, and engaging with guests to ensure their comfort and satisfaction.
My primary training and experiences took place in Sri Lanka, but as a leading premium game lodge in Sri Lanka, we maintain our up-to-date standards by regular cross-training, ranger exchange programs, and invited experts. Hence, it helps to deliver a much more authentic experience in the Sri Lankan wilderness. Yala can be busy, but you’re known for finding quiet corners where wildlife thrives undisturbed.
How does your African guiding experience influence the way you lead safaris in Sri Lanka?
What’s your approach to taking guests away from the crowds?
As a celebrated safari destination, Yala can certainly get busy, especially during peak times, but my approach is to focus on understanding the park’s rhythm and the behaviour of its wildlife. I plan my routes strategically, often exploring less-travelled paths and quieter areas where animals feel more at ease. By doing this, guests can experience the wilderness in its true form – calm, authentic, and undisturbed by human presence.
As the Head Ranger at Uga Chena Huts, what I find most special about working here is the harmony between nature, people, and purpose. Every day, I have the privilege of working in one of the most stunning natural environments in Sri Lanka, surrounded by wildlife and the ocean, where nature sets the rhythm of our day. The team here truly feels like a family – everyone supports each other and shares the same passion for creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. We take pride not only in showing the beauty of Yala but also in helping guests understand and respect the delicate balance of the wilderness. Meeting people from all over the world and seeing how their perspectives change after experiencing our safaris is deeply rewarding. At Uga, it’s not just a job – it’s a way of life that connects conservation, hospitality, and genuine human connection.
What do you find most rewarding about introducing travellers to Sri Lanka’s wilderness?
What do you personally find most special about working for Uga?
For me, the most rewarding part of guiding is witnessing the moment when the guests truly connect with nature – when their excitement turns into appreciation and respect for the wild. Many guests arrive expecting to see animals, but they leave with something deeper: an understanding of how every sound, scent, and movement in the bush tells a story.
Inspired by Janith to experience Yala for yourself? Let us create a tailormade Sri Lanka itinerary that includes a stay at Uga Chena Huts, where expert rangers bring the wilderness to life. Our thanks to Janith for sharing his story and knowledge of Yala’s wilderness.
Photography credits: Uga Resorts
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