Curiosity lights the path to conservation as Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda launches The Curious Naturalist
By Ifham Nizam “Curiosity is the most radical act of conservation.” That simple yet profound message echoed throughout the launch of The Curious Naturalist, the latest and, according to its author, perhaps the last solo publication by internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan naturalist and taxonomist, Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) […]
On Thursday, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) witnessed the launch of The Curious Naturalist, the latest solo publication by renowned Sri Lankan naturalist and taxonomist Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda. The event drew a distinguished audience comprising scientists, academics, conservationists, government officials, diplomats, tourism leaders, environmentalists, students, and wildlife enthusiasts.
The evening was more than just the unveiling of a book; it highlighted the crucial role that science, curiosity, and effective communication play in preserving Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity.
The Curious Naturalist aims to transform complex scientific concepts into engaging narratives that captivate readers from all walks of life. The book explores a wide range of topics, such as spiders, insects, freshwater fishes, evolution, and ecology. Dr. Pethiyagoda urged the audience to cultivate the habit of observing nature carefully, reading widely, and questioning established ideas.
He emphasized that many of history's greatest discoveries began with simple curiosity, as exemplified by Charles Darwin's groundbreaking observations that led to the theory of natural selection.
During his speech, Dr. Pethiyagoda traced his own scientific journey, highlighting his discovery and description of nearly 150 new species to science while earning global recognition for Sri Lanka's biodiversity. He stressed the importance of making science accessible to ordinary citizens by communicating its findings in language that is informative, educational, and inspiring.
This message was echoed by several speakers throughout the evening, including Director General Ranjan Marasinghe of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Emeritus Professor Sarath Kotagama of the University of Colombo, and Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman and CEO of Dilmah Tea.
Marasinghe described The Curious Naturalist as an essential bridge between rigorous science and public understanding, highlighting the need for environmentally informed decision-making in the face of modern conservation debates. Kotagama urged readers to immerse themselves in the book, recognizing the value of scientific understanding that grows through observation, reading, and thoughtful reflection.
Fernando emphasized the inseparable link between biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development, arguing that nature is the foundation of businesses such as Ceylon tea and cinnamon. He called for a shift in perspective, urging businesses to view biodiversity as a strategic asset rather than an environmental burden.
The evening's speakers collectively stressed that The Curious Naturalist serves as a vital tool in fostering scientific literacy while simultaneously inspiring awe and appreciation for the remarkable complexity of the natural world.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
