Mission to rescue animals from drowning islands in Morgahakanda
A group of naval personnel was deployed to Moragahakanda on Wednesday (8th Feb.) to launch a mission to rescue the animals that are facing life threats due to the filling of water to the Moragahakanda reservoir.
President Maithripala Sirisena in accordance with a request made by the Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife Gamini Jayawickreme Perera has ordered to launch this mission.
The water filling of the Morgahakanda reservoir of the Moragahakanda – Kaluganga project commenced on 11th January 2017 and a land of 29 square kilometers is covered by the reservoir. With the new development, 11 islands out of 12 in this area were drowned destroying the habitats of many mammals and reptiles. Earlier, the Wildlife Conservation Department according to a request made by the Ministry of Mahaweli Development launched a mission to rescue such threatened animals. This mission carried out by the naval personnel will be the second phase of it.
Presently, about 3,000 animals in Moragahakanda reservoir area have been displaced due to the situation. Missions to rescue animals and releasing them to the forest reserves are being done by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Wildlife Conservation Department, and Sri Lanka
Source-10/02/2017 /Ceylon Today ,See more at -http://www.ceylontoday.lk/article20170101CT20170331.php?id=3943
Don’t rip-off foreigners coming for Whale Watching – Fisheries Minister
Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera recently emphasized the owners of whale-watching boats that charge higher-fee from foreign tourists is unreasonable as they are not given any special privileges.
He said that foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka shall not be swindled since it will harm the reputation of the country and the tourism industry. Minister requested that the boat fee charged from a foreigner shall be reduced to at least Rs 4,000.
Sea area around Mirissa and Kapparatota Fishery harbors are hugely inhabited by Whales and a large number of foreign tourists come for Whale watching. Such foreigners are transported by way of fishing vessels and a sum of Rs. 6,000 is charged from one person for a single trip. Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Mahinda Amaraweera said that he has received many complaints against this unreasonable charge.
Also, the Ministry has planned to initiate a Green Harbour center in Mirissa and Kapparatota harbors and an attractive multi-storey building will be established as a tourist center under an estimated cost of Rs 500 million. Sea food centers will also be established in this tourist center which will be operated by CFHC ensuring the comfort of foreign tourists.
Source-13/02/2017, Ceylon Today, See more at – http://www.ceylontoday.lk/article20170101CT20170331.php?id=3986
