Into the Ocean's Depths : Oceanswell Hosts Two Evenings of Engaging Ocean Storytelling in Colombo

Oceanswell, Sri Lanka's pioneering marine conservation research and education organisation, is set to bring the wonders of the ocean to the heart of Colombo with “Into the Ocean's Depths.”

A free, two-night event dedicated to storytelling about sharks, whales, and the deep sea.

Organised in partnership with the Save Our Seas Foundation and Aitken Spence Travels, the event will take place on the 9th and 10th of May 2026 at the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka Auditorium, from 6PM to 8PM each evening.

Designed to make ocean science accessible and meaningful to all, Into the Ocean's Depths brings together an exceptional lineup of internationally recognised marine scientists and researchers who will share their experiences, discoveries, and personal stories from some of the most fascinating and least understood environments on Earth.

Through engaging talks and discussions, the event offers the Sri Lankan public a rare opportunity to connect with the ocean through the eyes of those who study it most closely.

The opening evening on the 9th of May will spotlight the world of sharks, featuring a talk by Dr David Shiffman, Marine Biologist, titled Why Sharks Matter, followed by a panel discussion on the realities of working with sharks — from fish markets to open water — with Marine Social Scientist and Fisheries Researcher Lasuni Gule Godage, and Interdisciplinary Scientist Dr Melissa Cronin.

The second evening, on the 10th of May, will turn to whales and the deep ocean, with Deep Sea Scientist Sheena Talma presenting From Mountain Tops to the Deep Sea, and Dr Asha de Vos, Marine Biologist, sharing The Secret Lives of Sri Lanka's Giants.

Commenting on the event, Dr. Asha de Vos, Founder and Executive Director of Oceanswell, said,

"Oceanswell is excited to host this event over two evenings where the Sri Lankan public can listen to fascinating stories about our oceans — from sharks to whales and down to the deep.

We believe the ocean is for everyone and events like this can connect people in magical ways."

Entry to Into the Ocean's Depths is free, though pre-registration is required as seating is limited.

Members of the public are encouraged to register early to secure their place at this one-of-a-kind celebration of ocean storytelling, accessible science, and meaningful discussion.

For more information and to register, visit: https://oceanswell.org/into-the-oeans-depths