Life style

Dr. Himesh Jayasinghe’s landmark discovery and the voice of Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda

Published

8 months ago

2025/07/20

Thilina Walpola

Unveiling nature’s hidden wonders:

In a dazzling chapter for Sri Lanka’s scientific community, 210 previously undocumented plant species have now been formally recognised as additions to the nation’s floral inventory—thanks to years of painstaking research and fieldwork by Dr. Himesh Jayasinghe of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS). These remarkable discoveries have been brought together in a groundbreaking new publication titled Additions to the Flora of Ceylon”.

Weighing nearly 3.5 kilogrammes and spanning 692 pages, this richly illustrated book features over 4,000 full-colour photographs of wildflowers—many shown in full-page glory. Published by Dilmah Conservation, which supported much of the fieldwork, the book is already being hailed as one of the most significant botanical achievements in the island’s recent history.

Biodiversity expert and renowned conservationist Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda, who assisted in editing and guided in the compilation of the book, said the contribution is nothing short of monumental.

Speaking to The Island, he added: “This is the biggest contribution to our knowledge of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity published in the last century,”

Dr. Pethiyagoda further said: “It represents years of work, both in the field and in the lab. What Himesh has achieved here is absolutely unparalleled.”

Why “Ceylon” and Not “Sri Lanka”?

Some might find the use of the word “Ceylon” in the book’s title curious. But Dr. Pethiyagoda clarifies that this is rooted in scientific tradition.

“The first flora of Sri Lanka was titled Musaeum Zeylanicum, published in 1717 by Paul Hermann,” he explained. “Since then, every comprehensive flora—including the monumental 15-volume Revised Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon produced between 1980 and 2006—has adhered to this historic naming convention. Botanists continue to use ‘Ceylon’ as a technical term for the flora of the island.”

This sense of continuity serves as a bridge between generations of naturalists who have studied the island’s rich biodiversity for over three centuries.

What Exactly has been discovered?

The 210 new entries include about 150 species believed to be entirely new to science. Many are expected to be endemic—found only in Sri Lanka—though some may also occur in southern India. In addition, around 50 species are now recorded in Sri Lanka for the first time, having previously only been known from Indian territory. A further 20 species had previously been named but lacked the validation required for formal recognition—until now.

“Thanks to extensive descriptions in the literature and specimens in the National Herbarium, we can say with confidence which species are truly new,” Dr. Pethiyagoda said. “The herbarium collections, some dating back to the 1840s, are incredibly comprehensive and invaluable for comparative research.”

This work pushes Sri Lanka’s known number of indigenous flowering plant species from around 3,090 to nearly 3,300—a significant leap for a country already recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot.

Rediscovering the lost

The backdrop to these discoveries is a broader ecological concern: the erosion of Sri Lanka’s forest cover and the increasing vulnerability of endemic flora.

U “The 2012 National Red List classified five plant species as extinct, two as extinct in the wild, and 177 as ‘possibly extinct’ because they hadn’t been seen for more than a century,” Dr. Pethiyagoda recounted.

Yet, there’s reason for hope. In the course of his fieldwork, Dr. Jayasinghe was able to rediscover three of the five extinct species, both that were believed to be extinct in the wild, and more than 100 of the ‘possibly extinct’ species—plants that had evaded scientists’ eyes for over 100 years.

> “It’s an incredible achievement,” said Dr. Pethiyagoda. “But even more remarkable is that the book is not about rediscoveries—it’s about entirely new additions. That’s what makes it so historic.”

How Did These Plants Evade Discovery for So Long?

Given Sri Lanka’s rich history of botanical study, one might wonder how so many species managed to remain undocumented until now.

“The difference lies in methodology,” Dr. Pethiyagoda said. “Most previous botanical work was based on random surveys. Himesh conducts targeted surveys. He revisits a plant repeatedly—observing it as it flowers, fruits, and leafs—until he can collect all the data required for accurate identification.”

This persistence has paid off. Dr. Jayasinghe has deposited over 3,500 specimens in the National Herbarium, and he has photographed more than 2,500 flowering plant species in Sri Lanka. And this figure doesn’t even include grasses and bamboos—categories he has yet to focus on.

The Plant That Beat the Printer

Among the many tales in this journey is one that illustrates the fluidity of science. Just as the book was going to press, Dr. Jayasinghe explored the Ambagamuwa Forest and made an astonishing rediscovery.

“He found Rungia apiculata, a beautiful flowering plant last seen in the 1840s,” said Dr. Pethiyagoda, chuckling. “Ironically, in the book, he had written that it hadn’t been seen since the 19th century. He had to issue a correction even before the book hit the shelves.”

Such moments of serendipity highlight both the wonder and humility involved in field science.

Science for All: Data and Access

One of the most commendable aspects of the project is its openness. Recognising the importance of collaboration, Dr. Jayasinghe has placed all his data in the public domain.

“Anyone can access the data and specimens,” Dr. Pethiyagoda confirmed. “The only detail withheld is the exact GPS locations of rare plants, to prevent exploitation by illegal collectors. But maps provided in the book, and detailed information at the National Herbarium, will suffice for serious researchers.”

This ensures that the work lives on beyond its pages—informing conservation, education, and further discovery.

A Book for the Nation, not just for experts

Despite being a world-class scientific document, the book has been priced with accessibility in mind.

“Dilmah Conservation was very clear on this,” said Dr. Pethiyagoda. “This is a big book—expensive to produce—but they agreed to offer it at a pre-publication price of just Rs. 6,900, which is 40% off the retail price. That’s a gift to anyone who loves this country’s flora.”

Inspiring the next generation

At its heart, Discovery: Additions to the Flora of Ceylon is more than just a taxonomic catalogue—it’s a celebration of beauty, curiosity, and the resilience of nature. The hope is that this will spark a new wave of interest in botany, especially among Sri Lanka’s youth.

“Plants are not just beautiful—they are foundational,” Dr. Pethiyagoda reflected. “They give us food, medicine, timber. They support every ecosystem. And their beauty is just breathtaking. That’s why we’ve included full-page photographs. Anyone flipping through these pages will feel awed by what this island still holds.”

In an age of environmental anxiety and ecological uncertainty, Dr. Pethiyagoda believes the book serves as a timely reminder: there is still so much left to discover—and protect.

By Ifham Nizam ✍️

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Life style

Grace, grooming and confidence

Published

2 days ago

2026/03/29

Thilina Walpola

The leadership team behind the academy at the head table

Ramani Fenando’s new Image and Etiquette Academy

In a world where first impressions speak before words, Sri Lanka’s beauty icon Ramani Fernando has taken a bold step beyond the salon chair to shape confidence from within. Her newly launched Etiquette and Image Academy is designed to refine not only appearance, but presence, poise and personal power.

Step into a space where confidence meets sophistication, Ramani Fernando Academy is redefining how Sri Lankans approach personal branding ,offering a unique blend of ettiquette, style and communication mastery.

Her newly launched personal branding and EtiquetteAcademy was unveiled in a simple ceremony at the Galle Face hotel. This marks a bold and timely step into the realm of confidence leadership, presence and modern social grace.

Colombo’s social elite, corporate leaders, fashion insiders and longtime clients gathered in celebration of a vision that seeks to shape not just appearance but cofidence building.

Ramani, in her opening speech, said “our courses are carefully designed to meet with international standards, ensuring participants recieve training that meets both local and global expectations.

Ramani Fernando – shaping confidence

Professional face of etiquette training

Faith Launders who is the Director of Etiquette and Protocol in the Academy pointed out this personal branding and etiquette programmes will help participants cultivate grace, confidence and refined personal style through expert guidance. A former Miss Sri Lanka beauty queen, with experience in aviation, will contribute a creative and professional lens to the Academy’s curriculam.

Invitees from the world of fashion gathered to celebrate the occasion

Carolyn Jurie

Chalana at the helm of beauty

She brings professionalism, poise and a strong commitment to cultivate confidence and promote refined social skills among students. Known for her approachable style and inspiring presence, she strives to create an inclusive learning space where students can transform into confident individuals to navigate life with dignity and elegance.

For decades, Ramani has been a transformative force in Sri Lanka’s beauty industry.

and now this venture signals a natural evolution from external refinement to the art of personal distinction.

The programme blends traditional etiquette with contemporary relevance, offering personal branding and professional image building both in social and corporate etiquette. These are some of the programmes:

= Communication skills and body language, grooming, style and wardrobe alignment.

= Digital image and social media conduct.

= Platforms or in social events the ability to command attention with confidence has to become an important tool.

In today’s hyper connected world, impressions are formed in seconds often long before a handshake, whether in boardrooms, diplomatic circles or in the media.

The teaching staff consists of industry experts trainers amd adminitrators led by othe senior professionals

The Managing Director, Lakmini Lenagala, Training and Administrative Manager, Ramono, Navaratnarajah, Personal Assistant, Merisha Aserappa and Chalana Munasinghe are all industry professionals who have experience, theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

They are experienced instructors with hands on expertise in grooming, etiquette, image building and communication.

While the vision of the Personal Branding and Etiquette Academy belongs to Ramani Fernando, its strength lies in the collective expertise of the professionals who bring the programmes to life.

By bringing together specialists from diverse fields, the Academy offers participants a rare opportunity to refine every dimension of their public and private persona under one roof.

Sessions cover skin care, hair, make up, wardrobe planning and colour coordination.

Communication and public speaking recognising that presence is also conveyed though voice and expression, the Academy offers training in articulation tones, posture and body language.

The training also includes table manners, event conduct, professional courtesy and cross cultural awareness. This Etiquette Academy us designed for both women and men offering guidance on grooming, communication, professional conduct and social confidence.

The Academy acts as a transformative space – one that equips individuals not merely to succeed but to stand out with authencity and grace. The institution reflects Ramani Fernando’s belief that true elegance is a way of being not simply a way of dressing!.

By Zanita Careem

Pix by Thushara Athapatu

Life style

From rescue to rewilding, Kalo’s journey continues

Published

2 days ago

2026/03/29

Thilina Walpola

World Wildlife Day 2026:

He arrived at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe on March 23, 2024, barely eight months old. Kalo had spent an unknown number of days trapped at the bottom of an abandoned well near Galenbidunuwewa in Sri Lanka’s Anuradhapura District, separated from the herd he had lost. When wildlife officers from the Department of Wildlife Conservation pulled him out, they found a frightened calf, but also something else: resilience.

Today, nearly two years after his rescue, Kalo is no longer the fragile elephant calf who arrived at the Transit Home alone. He is growing steadily, eating well, and has fully integrated into a group of calves preparing for eventual release. His progress is measured not only in size, but in behaviour like social bonding, herd interaction, and independent foraging skills that will determine his readiness for life beyond human protection. Since his arrival, Kalo has grown from 125 kilograms to over 300 kilograms. The wounds he sustained before rescue have fully healed, and he is no longer on any specific medical treatment instead routine management only. He is, by every measure, active, playful, and thriving.

The Elephant Transit Home, also known as Ath Athuru Sevana, has operated within Udawalawe National Park since 1995. It is not an orphanage in the traditional sense. There are no rides, no performances, no human dependency. Human contact is limited strictly to feeding and veterinary care. The rest of the time, the calves are left to bond with one another.

That philosophy is intentional. Elephants are deeply social animals, and calves that grow too attached to humans struggle to survive in the wild. The daily play, the hierarchy, and the formation of peer bonds are all part of a structured rehabilitation process designed to prepare them for rewilding.

Since its establishment, more than 200 orphaned elephants have passed through the Elephant Transit Home. Over 100 have been successfully released back into the wild. In July 2025 alone, six young elephants were returned to Udawalawe National Park during the facility’s 26th release. If all continues as planned, Kalo will follow that path in 2029.

On May 8, 2024, less than two months after Kalo’s rescue, Sun Siyam Pasikudah formalised its long-term commitment to his care through the CarePhant initiative under Sun Siyam Care. The resort pledged ongoing monthly contributions to support Kalo’s nutrition, veterinary care, and daily rehabilitation needs through to his planned release.

Sun Siyam Care is the group’s overarching sustainability programme that integrates environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and long-term socio-economic value creation across all Sun Siyam Resorts in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Through Sun Siyam Care, we invest in initiatives that protect marine and terrestrial ecosystems, reduce waste and single-use plastics, improve resource efficiency, support renewable energy and local sourcing, and promote awareness and participation among guests and communities alike. Kalo’s journey from rescue to rewilding is one example of how Sun Siyam Care extends beyond hospitality, connecting responsible tourism with meaningful environmental and wildlife conservation impact.

“We are delighted to embark on the CarePhant project and become stewards of Kalo’s well-being. Sri Lanka’s elephants are not just a conservation issue; they are part of the living identity of this island, and we feel a genuine responsibility to play our part in protecting them,” said Arshed Refai, General Manager, Sun Siyam Pasikudah.

For Chaminda Upul Kumara, Sustainability Project Manager at Sun Siyam Resorts, the commitment reflects the deeper purpose of Sun Siyam Care. “Conservation is not a single moment. It is a process that requires patience and consistency. With Kalo, we committed to being part of that journey from rescue to release. Every month of support is an investment in his return to the wild,” said Upul.

In the month that marks World Wildlife Day, observed on 03rd March, Kalo’s story serves as a reminder that conservation is not abstract. It is individual. It is long term. And it depends on partnerships between public institutions and responsible private sector actors. In a landscape where habitat loss and human–elephant conflict continue to threaten Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population, sustained commitments like CarePhant demonstrate how responsible tourism can contribute to tangible, measurable conservation outcomes.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, which holds Travelife Gold Certification and operates under the broader Sun Siyam Care sustainability framework, integrates conservation, local sourcing, and community engagement into its daily operations. The CarePhant project builds on that foundation by linking responsible hospitality directly to wildlife protection.

Three years from now, in 2029, Kalo is expected to walk beyond the protective boundaries of the Elephant Transit Home and into Udawalawe National Park as a young wild elephant. Every veterinary check, every month of nutritional support, and every bond formed within his herd brings him closer to that moment.

“When Kalo walks back into the forest in 2029, it will mark the completion of a journey that began in crisis but was sustained through commitment,” added Arshed Refai. “We are proud that Sun Siyam Care is part of that long-term promise.”

Until then, Kalo continues doing what young elephants at Ath Athuru Sevana are meant to do: growing, learning, and preparing quietly for a life in the wild.

Life style

Pakistan’s 86th National Day celebrated in Sri Lanka

Published

2 days ago

2026/03/29

Thilina Walpola

The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka celebrated the 86th National Day of Pakistan with traditional flavour and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, vibrant and progressive democratic welfare state.

The day commemorates a defining moment that led the foundation for the creation of Pakistan.

The ceremony commenced with the raising of their national flag, fluttering proudly against the morning sky, symbolising faith, unity and discipline, the ideals upon which the nation was built. Dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, community leaders and guests gathered in silence as the national anthem resonated creating an atmosphere charged with emotion and national pride .

Cultural elegance added a distinctive charm to the occasion, with traditional attire and warm exchanges reflecting the rich heritage of Pakistan. Guests were later invited to partake in light refreshments, providing an opportunity for cordial interacton and celebration.

Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Zunaira Latif unfurled the Pakistani flag to the tune of Pakistan’s national anthem in a ceremony held at the Pakistan High Commission

The National Day of Pakistan is celebrated on 23rd March every year in remembrance of the historic 1940 resolution passed in Lahore, calling for a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent that ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.

Special messages by the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan were readout, in which both the leaders highlighted the importance of the day and paid tributes to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in her message on the occasion said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka continue to maintain their traditionally close and mutually beneficial relations, based on mutual respect and trust. She said that the strength of the Pakistan – Sri Lanka relationship lies in diversified engagement in many fields such as trade, defence, science, culture, and education. She also extended sincere greetings and best wishes on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to the government and people of Sri Lanka.