Dr. De Vlas received his PhD in 1983, from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Since then, he has been involved in the conservation and management of natural resources.

Following the presentation Dr. De Vlas will be joined in a panel discussion of eminent scientists and conservationists, Dr. Magdon Jayasooriya and Mr. Jagath Gunawardene.

A noteworthy feature of this event will be the launch of the publication, ‘Illustrated Field Guide to the Flowers of Sri Lanka – Volume II” authored by Dr. De Vlas and Mrs. Johanna De Vlas-De Jong. Volume II has described 1,060 floral species of which 963 were not included in Volume I. Specimens included have been photographed throughout Sri Lanka including the Northern and North-eastern regions of the country. Quite a few very rare plants, including some that are new to the flora of Sri Lanka have been included.

The event is open to Members of IEPSL and to the general public.