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 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.

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.

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.

Blast fishing, using explosives to catch fish, is threatening marine life and tourism in Sri Lanka's Pigeon Island National Park. The practice damages coral reefs and could harm tourists, with explosives like TNT, C4, and gelignite being used. Despite efforts by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Sri Lankan Navy to curb the practice, challenges persist due to the economic crisis and fuel shortages. The Navy is also preoccupied with preventing migration to India. Local fishers in Mannar are primarily responsible for blast fishing, driven by easy access to explosives rather than poverty. A global review indicates that blast fishers tend to be wealthier than traditional fishers.

Sri Lanka is emerging as a significant hub for the smuggling of star tortoises, a species native to India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, and the most trafficked tortoise in the illegal pet trade. Operation Dragon, a covert operation by the Wildlife Justice Commission from 2016 to 2019, revealed criminal networks across South and Southeast Asia and led to multiple arrests. Sri Lankan authorities have intercepted several large shipments of star tortoises, indicating the country's role as both a transit and source location. Despite seizures and arrests, there is concern that fines and penalties are insufficient to deter the trade. The Indian star tortoise is now listed under CITES Appendix I, banning international trade, but enforcement and consumer awareness are crucial to combat the illegal market.

A newly identified shorebird species, named the Hanuman plover, has been discovered in Sri Lanka and South India. The bird, scientifically categorized as Charadrius seebohmi, was previously thought to be a subspecies of the Kentish plover. Genetic and phenotypic analyses confirmed its distinct status, diverging approximately 1.19 million years ago. The research, led by Sampath Seneviratne and involving international collaboration, highlights the importance of recognizing and conserving unique species, especially in regions with high endemism like Sri Lanka.

A new shorebird species, the Hanuman plover, has been identified in Sri Lanka, named after the ape god Hanuman from the Ramayana. The bird, scientifically categorized as Charadrius seebohmi, was previously thought to be a subspecies of the Kentish plover. Genetic analysis confirmed it as a distinct species, diverging approximately 1.19 million years ago. The research, led by Sampath Seneviratne and involving international collaboration, underscores the importance of focused conservation efforts for endemic species in Sri Lanka.