When L. J. Mendis Wickramasinghe first spotted the shimmering green and copper scales of the Wickramasinghe’s bronzeback gliding through Sri Lanka’s wet zone forests, it was more than a discovery — it was a reminder of how much we still have to learn about snakes. Now, six years after that species was named, Sri Lanka is welcoming over 500 scientists, doctors, and conservationists from 25 countries to Kandy for the first-ever World Congress on Snakes, October 1–4, 2026.
Snakes are among the most misunderstood animals on Earth — feared, often killed, yet vital to healthy ecosystems. This congress marks a turning point: the first global gathering focused entirely on snake science, conservation, and the urgent public health crisis of snakebites. Hosted at the Grand Kandyan Hotel, the event brings together herpetologists like congress chair Anslem de Silva, medical experts, and even AI specialists to tackle challenges no single field can solve alone.
Sri Lanka is an ideal host. The island nation is home to 112 snake species, more than 63 of which live nowhere else. Its mix of rainforests, dry zones, and highlands offers a living laboratory. Delegates will venture into these habitats during field excursions, observing rare species like the endangered green pit viper and the elusive wolf snake. But the focus isn’t just on observation — it’s on action.
One major goal is tackling snakebite envenomation, a neglected tropical disease that kills over 100,000 people every year and disables thousands more. Experts like WHO advisor Naoual Oukkache will lead discussions on next-generation antivenoms and how to deliver them faster in rural areas. At the same time, researchers will share breakthroughs in conservation genomics, climate resilience, and even AI-powered tracking tools that use citizen science photos to monitor snake populations.
The congress will explore 12 key themes, from snake evolution and behavior to policies that help humans and snakes coexist. For decades, snake research has been tucked into broader wildlife conferences. Now, with dedicated space and global attention, scientists hope to shift the narrative — from fear and folklore to science and respect.
“This congress establishes Sri Lanka as the epicenter of global snake research and conservation policy,” said de Silva. As the world watches Kandy, the hope is that this moment sparks lasting change — not just for snakes, but for the millions of people who share their environment.