The Walpola Rahula Institute hosted a Deepavali celebration that brought together participants from various faiths, primarily Buddhists and Hindus, to promote interreligious harmony. The event featured traditional Hindu rituals and cultural performances, fostering understanding and dialogue among different religious communities. Galkande Dhammananda Thera emphasized the importance of recognizing and healing societal wounds to prevent conflict, while Kanagarathnam Alagan highlighted the significance of such events in dispelling misconceptions and encouraging interfaith interactions. The initiative aligns with the institute's mission to transcend religious and social boundaries, inspired by its founder, Dr. Walpola Rahula Thera.

Environmental activists in Sri Lanka celebrate the repeal of a 2020 decree that threatened nonprotected forests, marking a significant victory for conservation efforts. The decree, issued by former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, had transferred management of these forests to local authorities, facilitating development projects. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Environmental Foundation Limited, leading to the decree's repeal by the new government. The protection of these forests is crucial for biodiversity, climate goals, and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, particularly for species like leopards and elephants. The move aligns with Sri Lanka's commitment to increasing forest cover and global environmental goals.

The KidNaturalist programme, initiated by the National Science Foundation in Sri Lanka, aims to reduce children's digital addiction by encouraging them to explore nature. The programme, which began during the COVID pandemic, has been successful in engaging children in grades 1 to 6 to document natural phenomena. It has received positive feedback from participants and parents, with children making significant observations and learning about biodiversity. The initiative is seen as a way to balance digital use and foster a love for nature among the younger generation.

Sri Lanka's upcoming presidential election features candidates prioritizing science and technology to address economic and social challenges. Major candidates, including Ranil Wickremesinghe, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sajith Premadasa, and Namal Rajapaksa, propose advancements in research, technology, and education as key components for the country's development. However, the implementation of these promises faces challenges due to the ongoing economic crisis and brain drain. The candidates' focus on science and technology reflects a long-term vision, but public interest in these areas remains limited.

Sri Lanka's presidential candidates are prioritizing science and technology in their manifestos, aiming to address the country's economic and social challenges. With the upcoming election, candidates like Ranil Wickremesinghe, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Sajith Premadasa are focusing on modernizing agriculture, establishing research funds, and promoting digital transformation. However, the feasibility of these promises is questioned due to the country's economic constraints and ongoing brain drain. The article highlights the need for long-term investments in science and technology, despite limited public interest in these areas.

The Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe faces challenges with overcrowding during peak times, affecting the experience of foreign tourists. Local visitors pay a nominal fee, while foreign tourists are charged significantly more, leading to frustration when they cannot enjoy the attraction due to congestion. Tour guides suggest creating a separate section for foreign tourists to enhance their experience. The facility is also valued for educational purposes, especially for students, highlighting the need for a balance between accessibility and visitor satisfaction.

The article discusses the discovery of three new wild bee species in North America, highlighting the naming of one species with a Sinhala name to celebrate diversity. The study, led by Thilina Hettiarachchi and Jason Gibbs, emphasizes the threats bees face from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. The research underscores the importance of coordinated efforts to mitigate climate change impacts on biodiversity. In Sri Lanka, there is a call for more research on wild bees, with efforts to promote pollinator-friendly environments. The article also notes the disparity in entomological research interest between North America and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's commitment to conserving blue carbon ecosystems is threatened by a government move to degazette part of the Vidattaltivu Nature Reserve, a critical coastal and marine ecosystem. The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society has legally challenged this decision, citing lack of transparency and potential environmental harm. The government may be considering aquaculture development, which has previously led to environmental degradation. Stakeholders emphasize the reserve's ecological and economic importance, advocating for sustainable development and conservation. The situation reflects broader tensions between economic crisis management and environmental protection in Sri Lanka.

A grey-headed albatross was sighted in Sri Lanka for the first time, thrilling birdwatchers and marking a significant event in the region's ornithological history. Lahiru Walpita, a dedicated birdwatcher, identified the bird, which was confirmed by experts. The sighting highlights the challenges faced by albatrosses, including threats from fishing practices and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these endangered birds, with international organizations taking action to mitigate threats. The event underscores the importance of seabird observation and conservation in Sri Lanka.

The article explores concerns about the decreasing frequency of the koha's song during the Avurudu season, attributed to factors like changes in the bird's singing season and modern lifestyle habits. Jagath Gunawardane, an environmental lawyer and birdwatcher, notes that the koha's song was heard more towards the end of March, with another peak expected in April or May. The Asian koel, a resident bird in Sri Lanka, is influenced by the breeding patterns of crows, which serve as foster parents for its offspring. Despite misconceptions about a declining koel population, observations indicate a healthy presence. The Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka encourages public participation in birdwatching through the Avurudu Bird Count, emphasizing the importance of citizen science in understanding bird population trends.