The team for this expedition to Sri Lanka consisted of five recently graduated students from University College London and Imperial College London, each pursuing scientific projects in anthropology, physiology, zoology, and entomology. Initially planned for Malaya, the expedition was redirected to Sri Lanka due to logistical difficulties. With support from academic institutions, scientific bodies, and private sponsors, the group conducted a two‑month research programme across several regions of the island between July and October 1963.
The team’s activities began in Colombo, where they secured permissions, supplies, and local contacts. Their itinerary included research periods in Maha Oya and Bibile, a stay in the Ruhunu National Park, work in the central hill country near Nuwara Eliya, and travel to Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, and Jaffna. Over 4,000 insect specimens were gathered, with many deposited in the British Museum (Natural History).
