World Congress
on Snakes
Date
Oct 1-4, 2026
Location
Kandy, Sri Lanka
One-Way Airport Shuttle Transfer
Direct transfers from Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) to Kandy — available from 28 September to 1 October 2026.
Wildlife Laws in Sri Lanka
What Delegate Members Need to Know
Sri Lanka's wildlife laws are on a completely different level from what many of us are used to. Apart from five highly venomous snakes, all other reptiles are legally protected across the island. Here's what you need to know before arriving.
No Staging
Do not bag or stage animals for photos
Strict Laws
All reptiles are legally protected island-wide
Guided Only
Only with permits or official local researchers
Congress Program
Is Now Updated!
The full 5-day scientific program for the First World Congress on Snakes 2026 is officially live. View day-by-day technical sessions, plenaries, symposia, and download daily PDF schedules.
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Welcome to WCS 2026
The World Congress on Snakes (WCS) is the first international gathering dedicated exclusively to snake research, conservation, and education.Set in the culturally rich city of Kandy, a World Heritage City located in Sri Lanka, a recognised global biodiversity hotspot, this historic event brings together the world’s leading ophiologists, herpetologists, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts.
From October 1 to 4, 2026 , participants will engage in groundbreaking discussions on snake ecology, conservation strategies, phylogeny, behavior, snakebite management, and combating illegal wildlife trade. This congress represents a unique opportunity to forge international collaborations, share cutting-edge research, and develop innovative solutions for the challenges facing snake populations worldwide.
Whether you're a professional scientist, a novice researcher, a management and conservation practitioner, or personnel working on snake bite, WCS 2026 offers an unparalleled platform to learn, network, and contribute to the future of snake conservation and research.
Join us in making history
Be part of the inaugural World Congress on Snakes and help shape the future of snake biology, conservation, and human-wildlife coexistence.
Register Online
Join the conference which is exclusively dedicated to all the natural science experts
Submit Abstract
Abstract submission period has concluded. Congress registration remains open.
Tentative Schedule
View the updated agenda of paper presentations, workshops and plenaries.
Founding Partners
Dedicated experts guiding the congress
Dr. Anslem de Silva
Founding Partner
Dr. Julie Ray
Founding Partner
Dr. Daniel Natusch
Founding Partner
Executive Committee
Leading researchers and experts in snake science
Dr. Anslem de Silva
Congress Chairperson
Scientific Committee
Dr. Nimal D. Rathnayake
Secretary General
Scientific Committee
Dr. Kanishka Ukuwela
Scientific Committee
Mr. Suranjan Karunarathna
Scientific Committee
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Mr. Nayana Daundasekara
Scientific Committee
International Scientific Committee
Expert advisors guiding the congress vision
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Prof. Aaron Bauer
International Scientific Committee
Prof. Rick Shine
International Scientific Committee
Prof. Indraneil Das
International Scientific Committee
Prof. Walter Erdelen
International Scientific Committee
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Prof. Bartosz Borczyk
International Scientific Committee
Dr. Sanjay Molur
International Scientific Committee
Dr. Pritipal Soorae
International Scientific Committee
Ms. María Elena Barragán-Paladines
International Scientific Committee
Dr. Naoual Oukkache
International Scientific Committee
Dr. Muhammad Rais
International Scientific Committee
Professional Congress Organizers
Local team members supporting the congress operations
Field Excursion Coordinator
Mr. Janiru Wakista
A Historic Gathering in a World Heritage City
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The first World Congress on Snakes will take place in Kandy, a World Heritage city. The conference will include symposiums, plenaries individual presentations and poster presentations covering a wide range of topics related to snakes, such as ecology, phylogeny, conservation, behavior, illegal trade, and snakebite.
Additionally, there will be workshops, field trips, and opportunities to experience local culture. This groundbreaking event brings together experts from around the globe to share knowledge, collaborate on finding solutions, and advance our understanding of these remarkable reptiles.
Featured Snake Artwork
Celebrating the natural beauty, evolutionary elegance, and vital ecological presence of snakes through a series of outstanding original oil paintings by Jayantha Jinasena.
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Serpentine Whispers
A masterful hand-painted piece capturing the detailed scales, fluid motion, and quiet focus of Sri Lankan viper species in their natural forest floor habitat.
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Vibrant Camouflage
An intricate oil painting highlighting the evolutionary brilliance of arboreal snakes, showcasing their striking coloration and seamless integration with tropical foliage.
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Guardians of the Wild
An expressive artwork celebrating the ecological importance of snakes in Sri Lanka's ecosystems, bridging scientific detail with creative storytelling.
Congress Venue
WCS 2026 will be held in the beautiful cultural capital of Sri Lanka - Kandy
Grand Kandyan Hotel
Kandy, Sri Lanka
The congress will take place at one of Kandy's premier conference facilities, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and spacious meeting rooms. The venue offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and is conveniently located near major hotels and attractions.
Location
89, 10 Lady Gordon's Dr, Kandy
From Airport
3 hours by car
Capacity
Main hall + breakout rooms
Facilities
WiFi, AV, catering
Complimentary Airport Transfer (CMB to Kandy)
Exclusive transfer service for registered delegates of First World Congress on Snakes 2026.
Dear Delegates,
This is a kind reminder to reserve your spot for the complimentary transfer from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Kandy, available exclusively to registered delegates.
Action Required by 21 September 2026:
To reserve your seat, please submit your arrival date, flight number, and arrival time by 21 September 2026. Please note that airport transfers cannot be guaranteed for information submitted after this deadline.
If you require any further information or assistance, please feel free to contact the relevant team member below:
Nilana
Janiru
Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you to Kandy.
Best regards,
Conference Secretariat — First World Congress on Snakes 2026
"Global snake diversity is vast, with over 4,100 species adapted to nearly every habitat except extreme cold, showcasing huge variety in size, shape, and diet, from tiny leaf-litter dwellers to giant constrictors."
Why Attend
Join us for an unforgettable experience in snake research and conservation
Connect with leading ophiologists, researchers, and conservationists from around the world.
Participate in workshops, field trips, and immersive experiences in Sri Lanka's biodiversity hotspots.
Access the latest research and innovations in snake ecology, conservation, and snakebite management.
Sponsors & Endorsements
Supported by leading conservation organizations
