​“Meaningful research begins with listening, respect and genuine friendships with Indigenous peoples”
My research engages with Sri Lankan Indigenous Peoples, known as the Vedda, focusing on their relationships with land, environment, and place. Through geospatial and environmental approaches, I seek to understand how Indigenous knowledge systems, lived experiences, and spatial practices intersect with contemporary environmental and social changes.
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I approach this work with a strong commitment to ethical, community-centered, and respectful research practices, emphasizing collaboration, listening, and reflexivity. By working with Indigenous communities, my research aims to contribute to more inclusive geographic scholarship and to support conversations around resilience, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous rights.
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My Research Philosophy
Genuine
“Engaging with humility, honesty, and care throughout the research process.”.
Ethical
“A commitment to responsible research practices that honor people, place, and knowledge.”
Community-centered
“Research grounded in collaboration, listening, and respect for community priorities.”
Ghana — Research Visit
I visited Ghana from November 22nd to 29th as part of my ongoing research engagement focused on Indigenous peoples and community–environment relationships. During the visit, I participated in an international in-person research meeting, where I engaged in discussions on project progress, shared research insights, and contributed to collaborative planning. I also had the opportunity to visit farming communities in the Anloga region, gaining valuable perspectives on local livelihoods, food systems, and environmental practices. This was my first visit to the African region, making the experience especially meaningful both academically and culturally. The visit strengthened my understanding of cross-regional Indigenous and community-based research and informed my broader research approach.
Sri Lanka — My fieldwork experience with Vedda
My research in Sri Lanka focuses on working with Indigenous Peoples known as the Vedda, a term that broadly refers to people of the forests. I have been engaging with Vedda Indigenous communities since 2023, building long-term, trust-based relationships grounded in respect and collaboration. My primary connections are with six Indigenous communities: Dambana, Henanigala, Dalukana, Wakarei, Polebadda, and Rathugala. I visit these communities annually as part of my fieldwork and maintain regular contact through monthly conversations, allowing for ongoing dialogue and mutual learning. Over time, these relationships have grown beyond research engagement, and the community members have become my friends. This sustained connection continues to shape my understanding of Indigenous knowledge, resilience, and community–environment relationships.
