Thilina Kaluthotage, a 28-year-old Sri Lankan photojournalist and photographer, has a remarkable talent for capturing the world through his lens. His work focuses on impactful storytelling, covering everything from breaking news and environmental challenges to the breathtaking beauty of nature and wildlife.
Thilina’s photography reflects his dedication to revealing moments of truth, emotion, and wonder. Each image he captures tells a story, offering a unique perspective on the world around us.
Whether it’s showcasing his impressive portfolio, collaborating on meaningful projects, or connecting with others who share his passion, Thilina invites everyone to join him on this journey. Through his lens, he celebrates the art of storytelling and inspires viewers to see the world in new and profound ways.
Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka
The human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka results in numerous fatalities each year, with 176 human deaths and 470 elephants killed recently. As elephants enter human settlements due to habitat loss, clashes occur, making it a pressing issue.
For a photographer, capturing these moments is both dangerous and delicate. The unpredictability of elephants and the high-risk environments make it challenging to document the conflict. It's crucial to approach such situations with sensitivity, ensuring respect for both human and animal lives while raising awareness of this urgent issue.
Lightning Striking the Colombo Lotus Tower
Some photos take a lot of patience and hard work. My shot of lightning hitting the Colombo Lotus Tower is one of them. I waited for months to capture this moment. Every time it rained, I set up my camera in an open space, hoping for lightning.
Many days were disappointing. Some days it only rained without thunder. Other days, the rain was so heavy that I couldn’t even set up my camera. But I never gave up.
One day, my dream finally came true. As a storm rolled in, I set up my Sony A7RV camera with the Sony 24-70mm GM II lens. Just before the heavy rain started, a lightning bolt struck the Lotus Tower, and I caught the moment I had been waiting for.
Here are the camera settings I used:
Aperture: f/11
ISO: 100
Exposure: 20 seconds
The 20-second exposure allowed me to catch the lightning strike. I used f/11 to keep the scene sharp and ISO 100 to make the photo clear and free of noise.
This photo wasn’t just about the camera or settings. it was about waiting, trying, and never giving up. After months of effort, I finally captured my dream shot, and it was worth it.
The Sri Lankan economic crisis of 2022 was one of the most challenging times for the country and its people. Shortages of fuel, food, and medicine, coupled with rising inflation and unemployment, created a storm of hardship. As a photojournalist, I felt it was my duty to document these events, no matter how difficult it was.
The protests were a central part of the crisis. People from all walks of life came together to voice their frustrations and demand accountability. I remember covering the early protests without a gas mask. Tear gas filled the air as security forces tried to disperse the crowds, and it became hard to breathe or even see. But I stayed, knowing the importance of capturing these raw and emotional moments.
The fuel shortage added to the struggle. Without fuel for my vehicle, I often couldn’t travel to key locations. Instead, I walked long distances sometimes 10 to 12 kilometers to reach the scenes I needed to photograph. These walks were tiring, but I couldn’t let that stop me. I carried my equipment through heat and chaos because I knew these images would tell the story of this historic time.
Everywhere I went, I saw stories of resilience and hardship. Families waited in long queues for fuel, sometimes for days. Children studied by candlelight during the long power cuts. Workers who had lost their jobs stood in silent frustration, wondering how they would provide for their families. My goal was to capture these moments, to show the world the human side of the crisis.
Photographing during this time wasn’t just about technical challenges; it was emotionally draining too. Witnessing the pain and struggle of ordinary people day after day was hard. But through my lens, I also saw hope and strength. People helped each other in queues, shared what little they had, and protested peacefully for change.
One of the most memorable moments was photographing the "Aragalaya" movement, where thousands gathered at Galle Face Green to demand the resignation of the country’s leaders. The energy, determination, and unity of the protesters were inspiring. I captured historic moments, including the storming of government buildings, which symbolized the people’s cry for justice.
Despite the difficulties tear gas, long walks, and emotional weight I was able to take pictures that will remain as a record of this time. These images are not just for today but for future generations to understand how Sri Lanka faced one of its hardest periods with courage and resilience.
For me, being a photojournalist during the economic crisis was more than a job; it was a responsibility. It showed me the power of photography in telling stories, raising awareness, and preserving history. No matter how tough it was, I’m proud to have played a small part in documenting this chapter of Sri Lanka’s story.
Capturing the Sri Lankan Economic Crisis
- My Journey as a Photojournalist -
"History lives here, for future generations to see."
A Serene Encounter in Kantale
I traveled over 230 km to Kantale, Sri Lanka, with the hope of capturing the Delta Aquariid meteor shower. That evening, my friend and I roamed the city, searching for the perfect location. Finally, we discovered a serene temple perched on top of the city a spot that felt like it was meant for the night’s celestial display.
As night fell, I set up my Sony A7R V camera with the Sony 24-70mm GM II lens, eagerly waiting for the right moment. Then it happened—a meteor streaked across the sky, perfectly positioned behind the Buddha statue.
Here are the camera settings I used:
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 2500
Shutter Speed: 20 seconds
The combination of the meteor, the Buddha statue, and the peaceful surroundings made this photograph one of my most cherished captures. It’s a reminder of the beauty that awaits when preparation meets the wonder of the universe.
"Patience and persistence can turn the rarest moments into unforgettable memories"
Thilina Kaluthotage