Finding a species long thought to be extinct is a dream of many naturalists and ecologists. One family in Sri Lanka got to have this amazing experience. Journalist and naturalist Sajeewa Wijeweera was shocked to see a bizarre-looking red mushroom with a rounded base emerging from the soil near his home, according to Mongabay.

He hadn’t seen it before, so he snapped a photo and sent it to some botanists. A doctoral researcher from the University of Peradeniya, Bhathiya Gopallawa, responded quickly. “This looks like a mushroom not recorded from Sri Lanka before,” he said.

They started digging through records of mycological research, trying to figure out what it was. Finally, they identified it as a Mutinus bambusinus, a mushroom that hadn’t been seen in Sri Lanka for more than 100 years. Usually, it grows around bamboo groves. However, Wijeweera said, “There were no bamboos in that area for as long as I can remember.”

Now, they think the mushroom is likely more common than previously thought. Gopallawa explained, “It’s likely that the mushroom survives in many locations but has been overlooked for years. … We expect more reports in the coming months.”

This mushroom isn’t the only species once thought extinct that has been found again. The World Economic Forum noted that even some animals have been rediscovered after we thought they were gone forever. Other botanists have found supposedly missing species in photos and videos, too.

Since extinction is tied to biodiversity loss, per the United Nations, finding these species is encouraging. It doesn’t replace species that no longer exist, and it doesn’t mean we should stop our efforts to end extinction, but it suggests there’s always hope.

Biodiversity enables us all to thrive, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Having more species helps different ecosystems remain healthy, which in turn leads to greater overall well-being for the planet that supports us all.

This story shows that you don’t have to be a scientist to look out for lost species. You just have to keep your eyes peeled. In fact, University of Peradeniya botanist Deepthi Yakandawala said, “This is a great example of how citizen science can contribute to formal research.”

Electing politicians who will work to change laws in support of biodiversity can make a big difference, while reducing pollution to stop the planet from overheating goes a long way toward preserving all life on Earth.

(The Cooldown)

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) last week launched a dedicated 24-hour emergency hotline — 106 — directly connected to the SLCG Operations Room, to strengthen maritime safety and ensure a swift response to sea-borne emergencies, the Ministry of Defence announced.

According to the Ministry, the newly introduced hotline aims to minimize response times and enhance coordination during maritime distress situations. By providing seafarers, coastal communities, and the general public with an immediate and direct communication channel, the SLCG seeks to improve operational readiness and support national efforts in maritime security and environmental conservation.

As Sri Lanka’s premier maritime law enforcement agency, the SLCG plays a vital role in safeguarding the country’s territorial waters. With a core mandate focused on safety, security, and environmental protection, the Coast Guard serves as the first responder to oil spills and is actively involved in various maritime incidents, including search and rescue operations, human smuggling, drug trafficking, and other emergencies at sea.

The Coast Guard urges fishermen, maritime operators, and the public to use the emergency hotline 106 to report any maritime emergencies without delay, the Ministry of Defence added.

This year’s Awards Night was as good as a theatre production with its slick programme starting at the proposed time and ending equally early leaving those attending to stay on if they wished to enjoy the music and the camaraderie that followed.

With the National Anthem taking its pride of place and an opening song by the Muslim Chorale Ensemble directed by Haadia Galely – a winner at last year’s event, the welcome address was made by Fathima Aziz the Founding Director of the IMRA Foundation and brainchild where recognition and felicitating Muslim Women Achievers who go unnoticed was born. Mrs. Aziz emphasized the fact that quote “Empowered women, empower women” and that you can’t be, what you can’t see” unquote was mainly to encourage young women.

The Chief Guest that evening was the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya who was warmly welcomed to the podium. Thereafter she made a heartwarming and thought provoking address to the gathering. The emcee for the evening Rezani Aziz (an award winner herself at the inaugural celebration) continued thereafter with the awards presentation where the Prime Minister handed out the awards to the deserving, excited and nervous recipients. Photo opportunities were soon grabbed making this a memorable evening for all.

The Shibly Aziz Memorial award for Legal and Advocacy went to Shaheeda Barrie, while the IMRA (Arabic word for woman/wife) Excellence Award for Arts and Culture was won by Ameena Hussain. The next Excellence Award for Scholarship and Education was awarded to Dr. Ramola Rasool followed by the Award for Health and Medicine which was given to Professor Faseeha Noordeen.

The Excellence Award for Architecture was awarded to Architect Shehla Latiff, the IMRA Award for Achievement in Media Communications to Shyama Yakoob, the IMRA Rising Star Award for Entrepreneurship was awarded to Himna Kizar, the proprietress of Wedding Artisans. Himna created the stunning and elegant table décor placed amidst crystal clear glass edged in black showplates, accessorized with dark metallic cutlery and black napkins creatively folded and placed on top of the side plate. The table also was lit with beautiful candles, with the stands decorated with a thin black ribbon adding an abundance of grace to the occasion. In addition, IMRA souvenirs were placed on the tables for every guest.

The Rising Star for Sports went to Sajida Razick and the Rising Start Award for Education went to Rizka Naushad. Four Lifetime Achievement Awards were also made to Anberiya Haniffa, Sandra Wanduragala, Shivanandi Duraiswamy and Sunela Jayewardene. Comments by Mr. Faisal Salieh the Chairman of the Panel of Judges were viewed on the video wall as he was overseas at the time. Concluding statements were made by Farzana Jameel PC (a winner from last year’s event). KPMG the knowledge partner was also given due recognition for their involvement for the second consecutive year.

To add excitement to the evening, Naomi Wijemanne and Umara made their renditions followed by a fashion show curated by Gayantha Perera showcasing clothes by Sara Deen Ismail of Fusion 14 who was the winner at last year’s event for the category Young Entrepreneur Award for 2024. The show was presented by Yasmin Cader an Awardee at IMRA 2024.

Dinner was soon announced where a steaming bowl of soup for every guest was brought to the table, and a fabulous buffet awaited those who attended the evening’s celebration. A combo of desserts beautifully plated was a fitting finale to the dinner which was also brought to the table. During dinner live music kept everyone’s toes a tapping with the ever poplular Sohan Weerasinghe making a guest appearance together with a trio backing him on keyboard, vocals and guitar.

The entire lighting, sound and video presentation was created by Imran Saibo of Fun Times creating the perfect ambience that evening. Indeed the work of a dedicated team headed by Mrs. Fathima Aziz, ably assisted by Nazli Zuhayle, Bushra, Rezani Aziz and Farzana Jameel was a clear testament of the success of another wonderful evening that celebrated Muslim Women Achievers.