Zoologist unveils solar electric barricades to protect farms at Industry Expo

Many visitors highlighted the practicality of the models, noting their affordability and long-term benefits 

Dr. Wijeyamohan’s inventions demonstrate that even complex agricultural challenges can be solved with simple, sustainable technology   

Dr Wijeyamohan

Dr Wijeyamohan, a senior zoologist from the University of Vavuniya has unveiled a series of solar-powered electric barriers designed to safeguard farms from a variety of wildlife, ranging from elephants to tree-climbing squirrels at the Industrial Exhibition, a four-day event showcasing homegrown ingenuity and technological solutions for everyday challenges.   

Organized by the Industrial Development Board, the exhibition ran from Thursday, Sept. 18, to Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at the BMICH.   

His devices are on exhibition at the Industry Expo’s Innovation Centre.

The event attracted hundreds of visitors eager to explore local innovations in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.   

Among the most useful for Sri Lankan farming community was the booth of Dr S. Wijeyamohan, a senior zoologist and academic from the University of Vavuniya, whose inventions offer farmers practical and humane ways to protect their crops and livestock.   

Dr. Wijeyamohan’s creation is a ground-level electric barricade that shields farms from snakes, rats, and other vermin. The device uses steel open ended wires instead of fences, preventing pests and small predators that intrude places like chicken coops.   

“Many chicken farmers have approched about the issue, which made me develop this,” he said

These pests often invade chicken coops, vegetable plots, and small livestock enclosures, causing significant losses for rural farmers.  Powered entirely by solar energy, the low-voltage barricade provides a non-lethal deterrent, making it especially suitable for remote areas with limited electricity access. Farmers visiting the exhibition were impressed by its durability, ease of use, and minimal maintenance requirements.   

The zoologist also showcased a model of “electric palm spiders,” a compact device attached to tree trunks that emit gentle electric pulses.   

These devices prevent monkeys, giant squirrels, and other tree-climbing animals from raiding crops such as coconuts, mangoes.   

For many farmers, these small but effective tools could be the difference between a ruined harvest and a profitable season. Dr Wijeyamohan credits his commitment to non-lethal solutions to his mentor, Dr Charles Satiapillai, the country’s leading elephant conservator.   

Years ago, Dr Wijeyamohan first gained attention for inventing a hanging electric fence that successfully prevented elephants from entering paddy fields.   

 However, sadly the stake holders in Sri Lanka did not make use of the idea, while some other countries showed interest.  

The problem with existing electric fence is that elephants are quick to learn how to tear down the fence. With “hanging fence” that becomes impossible.