Manoj had his primary and secondary education at St Anthony's Collage, Kandy Sri Lanka. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Science at University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in 1994 and worked as a software developer before he joins Sri Lanka Customs in 1997 where he actively involved in wildlife conservation issues and enforcement activities. Manoj moved to Australia in mid-2004 and currently live in Melbourne. He was interested in birding since childhood and this early interest led him into the world of nature photography. Pursuing his interest in nature photography, he has over the last ten years spent many hours in the forests, lakes, rivers and specially national parks. Manoj spent several years learning the craft of nature photography after he brought his first SLR camera.