What Makes Sri Lanka Special to Me as a Travel Photographer - Pradeep Gamage

What Makes Sri Lanka Special to Me as a Travel Photographer

As a travel photographer born and raised in Kandy - the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands - I’ve always found endless inspiration in the island’s contrasts. Growing up, I was surrounded by lush greenery, majestic waterfalls, ancient cities wrapped in mist, golden coastlines glowing under the rising sun, and people whose warmth is as unforgettable as the landscapes themselves.

What makes Sri Lanka truly special to me is the emotional connection I have with its ever-changing scenery. Whether I’m documenting the serenity of the hills, the vibrancy of local culture, or the raw drama of coastal storms, I strive to go beyond visuals - to capture a sense of place, soul, and story. Through my work, I aim to invite travelers not just to see Sri Lanka, but to feel it. My approach is minimal, allowing natural light, textures, and colors to speak honestly. I believe this simplicity allows the island’s beauty to shine in its purest form.

I don’t remember exactly when I fell in love with Sri Lanka - or with nature. But I do remember standing in my backyard as a kid, holding my father’s old Minolta camera, trying to photograph flowers, insects, and water droplets - anything that caught my eye. It was around 2005. No internet, no tutorials - just pure curiosity. When we finally got a slow dial-up connection, I started browsing nature photos online. One day, I stumbled upon the work of Priyantha Bandara on DeviantArt - a Sri Lankan landscape photographer whose images blew my mind. I didn’t even know Sri Lankans were on that site. That discovery lit a spark in me.

Later, I began borrowing photography magazines from the British Council library, learning from legends like Max Rive and Steve McCurry, letting their work soak into my imagination. My father eventually received a Sony point-and-shoot camera as a gift. He rarely let me use it, but when I got the chance, I photographed everything - streets, shadows, people, skies. On family trips, I was the one capturing scenic views. I remember being so proud taking photos at Lipton’s Seat and Bomburu Ella waterfall. Looking back, they were very amateur - but they meant everything to me then.

In 2010, when I was in Grade 10, my school held a photography competition. We had to capture scenes within the school grounds. I borrowed my father’s camera, went to school very early for several days, and took my shots. I won first place. The prize? A sea plane ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and back. I was floating - both in the air and in spirit. Seeing my country from above, I was in awe. That was the first time I truly thought: Maybe I’m meant for this.

But life doesn’t always follow the dream. I gave in to pressure - from society, family, and friends - and chose Bio Science for my A/Ls. Everyone said it would “secure my future.” Instead, it pulled me into one of the lowest points in my life. I failed. I struggled with mild depression and lost touch with who I was. I tried again, this time switching to Commerce - not where my heart was, but at least a path forward. I passed.

As a reward, my mom bought me a Canon 700D with a kit lens. That changed everything.

While studying for CIMA, I often snuck off to Kandy city after lectures. While the world rushed past, I stood still with my camera. One rainy day, I tried recreating a misty photo I’d seen of the Dalada Maligawa. I ended up posting an album titled “A Rainy Day in Kandy” on Facebook.(https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.741638115941779&type=3) 

It got shared widely. Encouraged, I posted another: “A Night Out in Kandy” - twilight, reflections, long exposures. It went viral too. (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.746642702107987&type=3)

From there, I began traveling around Sri Lanka with friends - hiking mountains, camping under stars, chasing sunrises along the coast. Slowly, I started building a portfolio. That led to work - hotels and villas began hiring me to shoot content for their marketing. I started earning, saved up, and eventually bought better gear, including a drone. Aerial photography unlocked a whole new dimension of storytelling.

Eventually, I released what became my most viral work: “100 Photos That Will Make You Fall in Love with Sri Lanka.” The album spread everywhere. It connected me with people I had never met, who felt the same deep love for this island. (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1582514371854145&type=3)

In 2022, I took on one of my most personal and meaningful travel projects: a 1,400KM cycling journey around Sri Lanka with three of my friends. Starting and ending in Galle, the journey took us across the entire country - from south to north, east to west - documenting the landscapes and spirit of Sri Lanka through my lens. I created a YouTube video of the experience, which received over 75,000 views. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI7UWAX6tpc) 

But more than the numbers, my aim was to show that Sri Lanka is safe, secure, and still full of wonder - even after a 30-year civil war, a devastating tsunami, terror attacks, and an economic crisis. This island remains a paradise for travelers. I will never forget that experience!

As part of the journey, we also joined the fundraising campaign “Ride for Apeksha”, organized by the Australian Committee of the Old Boys Association of D.S. Senanayake College and Paradise Road Cycling Club (PRCC), in partnership with Rotary and the Red Cross. The project raised donations to help provide urgent medical supplies for cancer patients at Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama. I was proud to combine my passion for photography and travel with a cause that supports lives in my country.

Today, photography and travel are not just passions - they are my profession. But more than that, they are the lens through which I tell Sri Lanka’s story to the world.

Notable Achievements:

• Work featured on Kumar Sangakkara’s official social media pages
• Travel photography shared by Land Rover Sri Lanka’s official page
• Video content featured during the Sri Lanka vs Australia 4th ODI 2022 on the Official Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel and worldwide TV networks
• Travel video “Cycling Around Sri Lanka” received 75,000+ views on YouTube
• Hired by brands like Jetwing Hotels, Marriott Weligama Resort, Thema Collection, Browns Hotels and many other premium hospitality brands
• Website: www.pradeepgamagephotography.com
• Instagram - www.instagram.com/pradeep_gamage 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pradeepgamagephotography