Sri Lanka is ready to host the 18th Session of the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in 2019, and a discussion was held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, yesterday (30th Aug.) regarding the preliminary organization work of this conference. It is expected that around 4,500 experts from over 187 countries will participate in the Session scheduled for May,2019 in Colombo. Holding this Session in Colombo is a victory that Sri Lanka achieved as a country which is actively engaged in wildlife conservation activities. During this meeting it was discussed in detail regarding the preparation work of the Sessions to be held successfully. The President also appointed an Additional Secretary for carrying out coordinating work, after vesting the responsibilities to relevant ministries.