Protect unique Sinharaja with a strict eco-tourism plan

Local and foreign visitors roam this rainforest, home of elephant and leopard, without restriction
By Kumudini Hettiarachchi

A stunning image of a majestic elephant emerging from a mist-laden forest fills the screen…………a little while later along the same pathway tread a group of carefree tourists, both local and foreign. These are the ‘Vistas of Eastern Sinharaja’ and the dangers of not monitoring human visitors to this Protected Area that the Galle Wildlife Conservation Society’s Madura De Silva brought to the audience at an important panel discussion on ‘Biodiversity & Sustainable Tourism’ on May 22 at the HNB Auditorium in Colombo.

The event was organised by Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) on International Day for Biological Diversity with four panellists dealing with ‘Vistas of Sinharaja’; ‘Dollars for Deeds’; ‘Challenges in the Yala National Park (NP)’; and ‘Significance of the coasts around us’. The discussion that followed was moderated by BSL Advisor Shiranee Yasaratne. (Last week, we published ‘Challenges in Yala’ and ‘Significance of coasts’.)

Before Mr. De Silva takes up the major issues that need to be addressed at Sinharaja which falls under the mandate of the Forest Department, he waxes eloquent on this World Heritage Site consisting of tropical sub-montane rainforests and pathana grasslands. Eastern Sinharaja is “unique” due to its geography at an elevation range of 575-1,170m and meteorological patterns of an annual rainfall of between 3,600mm and 5,000mm and annual temperatures ranging from 17-27ºC.

Other factors that make it unique are eight species of point endemic amphibians and four species of lizards. It was at the Morningside Forest Reserve that Mr. De Silva himself and his team also came upon a new species of a point endemic plant, Aponogeton kannangarae.

He elaborates on the Low-land Wet Zone Leopard Project which has as its aim the establishment of a strategic conservation plan for the Big Cats of this area, with the Field Research Centre at Enasalwatta. In this major public-private partnership among the Wildlife Conservation Society of Galle, the Open University of Sri Lanka, the Nations Trust Bank and the Rainforest Ecolodge, Wet Zone leopards are the focus as they are poorly studied, unlike those in the Dry Zone. The studies involve identification of individual leopards by their spots through images from camera-traps, pug-marks and scat analysis. The first-year study results have helped ascertain the leopard distribution in eastern Sinharaja.

Thereafter, Mr. De Silva gives guidelines on how a model for responsible eco-tourism could be established. Urging that there should be an in-depth tour-guide training programme, he says that their knowledge on rainforest ecology and identification of fauna and flora should be improved, while also making them aware of the legal aspects that need to be strictly adhered to under the Fauna and Flora Ordinance when people visit Protected Areas.

“This is while there is a need not only to educate but also make the communities living on the boundaries to participate in the conservation project,” he says, adding that even visitors should be kept in the loop so that they too could provide their expertise and data for the conservation project.

Source – 11/06/2017,The Sunday Times, See more at – http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170611/news/protect-unique-sinharaja-with-a-strict-eco-tourism-plan-244827.html

Price wars, oversupply cloud country’s thriving leisure sector

These concerns have been reflected by many hotel companies namely John Keells, Aitken Spence, Hemas Hotels, Grand Hotel (Nuwara Eliya) and Pegasus Reef in their 2016/17 annual reports issued over the past fortnight. The following is a synopsis of the concerns:

•    Setting proper standards

Nuwara Hotels veteran Chairman George Ondatjee:

“Our tourism policy framework is not properly designed to meet the current situation. To meet the 2.5 million tourists in 2016 there was a shortage of rooms supply in the island, but I personally feel that while the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has given approvals to build tourist hotels in major cities it has not been properly planned as there is an oversupply situation. As a result price wars have begun and hoteliers find it difficult to meet their obligations such as meeting the energy bills, payroll and other fixed overheads, finally guests suffer for value for money services cannot be given to them.

Our neighbouring countries will reap the harvest and attract more tourists to their destination for a lower rates. Sri Lanka has failed to market the country as one that offers a different product from that of the Maldives to both Chinese and Italians who travel to the  Maldives in large numbers. In this connection, another issue that arises is which kind of tourists are we targeting – high-end, middle or the lower-end. Some argue that we must target the higher-end and focus on smaller number of tourists who are high spenders and bring more foreign exchange earnings. To attract high end tourists our service standards should improve for that government should give more concessions to this industry without taking more taxes.           New standards should be set for new, upcoming hotels about the facilities, only then can we have a quality product.”

• Informal sector unregulated

    Aitken Spence Deputy Chairman J.M.S. Brito:

“Considering the environment in which the local hotels operate, the informal sector, which is largely unregulated, continued to pose obstacles in the development of a level playing field in the industry. Inadequate regulations have meant that the informal sector is not properly governed in terms of desired industry standards and as a result do not fall within the regulated tax regime, which gives them an unfair advantage and would impact the legitimate foreign exchange earnings of the country. Moreover they are often not aligned with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and in most cases do not participate in the collective efforts by the formal sector to build a credible platform for the country’s tourism industry. As such, I continue to urge the authorities to put in place necessary regulatory controls that would create a level playing field for the betterment of the industry. Further, I cannot overemphasize the importance of having a cohesive country strategy in order to strengthen the country’s value proposition as a tourist destination.”

•    Urgent need for a national plan

Dolphin Hotels (Hemas) Chairman Abbas Esufally:

“From a macro perspective, it is clear the industry needs a comprehensive national strategy to sustain continuous industry growth and to target specific growth opportunities. Global geopolitical and technology changes are creating new opportunities and challenges for the Sri Lankan tourism industry. The instability in parts of the Middle East and some other parts of the world, coupled with exchange rate volatility, is changing global travel paradigms. More people are opting to visit safer regions of the world, including ours which is considered relatively stable. Increasing digitisation of lifestyles is also generating opportunities for a more flexible and cost efficient tourism business. New technology applications are driving reservations, hotel design and hotel operations for leaner, more efficient functioning.

However, the domestic travel and tourism industry is already facing some serious challenges. Competition in Sri Lanka is intensifying in certain areas where there is capacity oversupply. In this situation, maintaining price levels, revenues and occupancy, is a challenge. On the other end of the spectrum, the informal sector is gaining market share using a lower-cost operating model. The informal business sector is outside the tax net, while the tax burden on the formal tourism sector companies is currently over 29 per cent. This unequal playing field puts the formal sector, which is better regulated for quality standards relating to health, food hygiene, fire and safety at a significant cost disadvantage.

Sri Lanka requires a structured national plan, which is crucial if we are to succeed in the current globally competitive environment.

We should also look at the arrival numbers from a more qualitative perspective. Arrivals should not be the only measure of the industry Rising cost structures in the formal sector are also eroding overall country competitiveness. Our regional competitor destinations, such as Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, Vietnam, etc offer a similar, or better, product at a cheaper price. This poses a serious sustainability concern for our industry.”

•    Steep increase in room supply

Pegasus Reef Hotel Chairman Chandima Gunawardena:

“Competition is intensifying across the industry with a large number of graded rooms being pumped into the market at a fast pace. In an environment characterised by such stiff competitiveness, it is distressing to see the unregulated informal tourism sector still enjoying unfair advantages. While the Government’s decision to impose mandatory minimum standards on such accommodation is commendable, I hope to see the fast and smooth implementation of such decisions in the foreseeable future.

Headwinds of competition remain challenging amid tough operating conditions.

Specifically, there is a steep increase in room supply visible in and around Colombo, where most of the star-class hotels are offering rates as low as US$75-80, hence going forward Pegasus Reef hotel would be operating in such an environment identified with intense price competition.”

•    Focus on online bookings

John Keells Hotels Chairman Susantha Ratnayake:

“Growth in the informal accommodation sector in the Maldives and Sri Lanka is expected to continue, together with an increase in star category rooms.

In order to combat pressure from competition, the company will continue to focus on enhancing online bookings with online travel agents and its own web site, coupled with a focus on digital marketing initiatives. Additionally, there will be focus on sales strategies targeting selected cities in India through our representatives in India to drive the MICE market, particularly events and weddings.”

 (Feizal)

Source – 11,06,2017, The Sunday Times, see more at – http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170611/business-times/price-wars-oversupply-cloud-countrys-thriving-leisure-sector-244480.html

Two jumbos rescued

Two elephants fell into the Z-C canal of the Maduru Oya in Manampitiya were rescued successfully and released to the Pimburaththewa reserve by Veheragala Wildlife officials on Thursday.

by Nimal Jayaratna

Source – 08/06/2017,DailyMirror, see more at – http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Two-jumbos-rescued-130486.html

Ecological and Environmental concerns must be addressed

Sri Lanka has the advantage of a unique bio-diversity footprint and ecological advantages yet over time, as a result of short-term goals that border on fast gains, the eco balance has shifted, causing considerable harm to the environment around us, Prime Minister said in a message to mark International Environment Day.

The Prime Minister’s Message adds: “We need to rediscover the manner in which our ancestors were able to co-exist in harmony with nature; as a country, every-one of us must be conscious of the need to address ecological and environmental concerns as we travel the path to progress. It is the challenge that faces every individual and the Government in achieving an optimum balance between development and managing the environment the right way.

“If we do not pay adequate attention to the eco systems and address environmental erosion, needless to say that there would be drastic consequences which the world has witnessed time and again.

“As we celebrate the International Environment Day, we must come together as a nation to rediscover the respect and the consideration for nature, while inculcating a wider consciousness of the environment in everyone.”

Source – 05/06/2017, Ceylon Today , See more at – http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20170401CT20170630.php?id=22567

Why everyday should be World Environment Day

In the first 6 months of this year, Sri Lanka has experienced a number of major events that demonstrate exactly how critical managing the environment is:  Drought, landslides, a garbage avalanche, flash floods — and many other events at scales that have not caught the attention of those not affected.  The damage to lives and assets, and the disruption to routines that make us who we are psychologically and spiritually is tough to live through and slow to reverse – if it ever does.

By Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough

So why would we leave thoughts on sustainable environmental management to just one single day a year?  We typically celebrate “Environment Day” by picking up rubbish around the city or from the rivers, or the sea; or by participating in a charity walk, or a charity run, and so forth.  The excitement builds, everyone engages and the next day everyone moves on to “more pressing matters” until the next calamity, and the blame game starts all over again.

Let me assert the following key point: Nothing will change until we all see ourselves as part of the problem and part of the solution.  For many of these issues we can make a difference, every day!

Let’s talk trash.  We all of us generate rubbish at a private level, in our homes. Once we haul the garbage bags out it no longer exists as far as we are concerned.  In fact, it becomes a public issue. If we were to make the simple commitment to segregate our waste inside the home between biodegradable, recyclables, and residual waste, and if it was collected honoring these waste streams, and disposed of correctly, overall waste would be significantly reduced.  Even better, compost can be used to fertilize crops and gardens.

What about the rubbish that we throw away casually as we travel? It ends up in drainage systems, blocking them and exacerbating flooding and sewage releases; or disfiguring a country that rightfully prides itself on its beauty; in the seas and oceans where it degrades those environments too.  Should we really wait until Environment Day each time to then go and collect our rubbish?

I would like to challenge every one of us to turn the inertia that sets in after Environment Day into action.

Here is my proposal.

Let’s support and challenge the Government to facilitate and strengthen environmental regulatory and policy-making. Let’s encourage them to invest in the infrastructure that supports on-going efforts to safeguard our environment; be it sanitary land-fills; small-scale irrigation schemes and reservoirs to stem droughts and store water for a dry day; and better regulation of biodiversity use, for example.  The private sector must step forward and bring their experience and financing to help the Government fund these investments.  Experiences from other countries show that there are parts of the waste management value chain that are sufficiently robust to return profits to financiers.  Schools must teach children better environmental awareness — children will carry these habits to adulthood.  While it’s important that NGOs retain their ability to contest what they see as wrong, it’s also important that they come closer to the Government to help develop and implement solutions.  Solving these issues may come with some discomfort. The Government will have to place infrastructure in someone’s neighborhood – one of the penalties of a fast growing economy where land is at a premium.  People may also need to be moved away from potential harm.  And, development partners may need to take up new areas of investments.

Ultimately, there is need for clarity on what roles we — the public, the Government, the private sector, NGOs — can play to contribute to this complex agenda. We all must engage, though. If we let the environment become degraded, the local and global effects will be detrimental and very long lasting.  These problems could considerably reduce opportunities for future generations, as the impacts will affect economic growth, the safety of our hard earned assets, and even our life expectancies.

The environment does not remind us of its importance once a year; it does so daily. I yearn for a day when the most important news is not who dropped the ball, but how much — as a collective — we have achieved to better our environment; reducing loss of life, increasing the quality of life, and creating an environment that we are proud to leave for our children and their children.

This, will only happen if every day is Environment Day!  Happy World Environment Day

Ms. Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough is the Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives in the South Asia Region (SAR).

Ms. Pswarayi-Riddihough, a Zimbabwean national, joined the Bank in 1995 as a Young Professional (YP). She earned her PHD from Oxford University in 1993.  She has since held various operational and corporate management positions, her most recent being Director of Strategy and Operations, in the Human Resources Vice Presidency. She has worked in 4 different regions, South Asia, East Asia, Middle East and North and Africa and the Africa Region.  Her most recent posting in South Asia was as the Director of Operational Services from 2012 to 2014, where she also supervised teams covering operations in Financial Management and Procurement.

Source – 05/06/2017,Times Online, see more at – http://www.sundaytimes.lk/article/1023262/why-everyday-should-be-world-environment-day

UN talks to save oceans kick off

World leaders convened at UN headquarters yesterday for the first major bid to solve the toughest problems facing our oceans, from coral bleaching to plastic pollution, overfishing and rising seas due to climate change.

The Ocean Conference in New York June 5-9 is to rally nations big and small to make meaningful changes to preserve what is arguably the Earth’s most important resource, experts say.

US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord is anticipated to be a hot topic at the talks, which no high-ranking US officials are expected to attend.

But despite Trump’s decision Thursday to end US participation in the Paris deal, which drew worldwide condemnation, experts at the Pew Charitable Trust said the United States has been a part of crafting a broad “call to action,” and is expected to sign it.

“We are committed to halting and reversing the decline in the health and productivity of our ocean,” says the three-page document, which also expresses alarm at the impact of climate change on the ocean.

The call to action is expected to be signed and released at some point during the week-long conference, which will bring government officials, ocean advocates and some heads of state to New York.

The US pullout from Paris means other nations will lead the way at the UN talks, particularly small island nations that have the most to lose from rising seas.

“How can you worry about someone who is not in the room?” said Ambassador Ronny Jumeau, permanent representative to the United Nations for the Seychelles islands.

“Look at who is here, who is sitting in the front row, and say, ‘Now what are we going to do about this?’”

The world just marked its three hottest years in modern times. And the oceans have absorbed about one third of the carbon dioxide released by human activities, protecting the planet from the full brunt of climate change.

Melting glaciers and sea ice at the poles threatens swell sea level to the point of washing away entire islands and populated coastlines — home to 37 percent of the planet’s population — in the coming decades.

Just 20 inches (half meter) of sea level rise could displace 1.2 million people from islands in the Caribbean Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Recent studies have shown the troubling extent of plastic pollution, even in the most remote parts of the world.

An uninhabited island in the south Pacific, Henderson Island, thousands of miles from civilization was recently shown to be piling up more than 3,500 pieces of plastic per day.

Every year, more than eight million tons of plastic washes into the oceans, costing at least $8 billion in damage to marine ecosystems and killing an estimated one million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals and untold numbers of fish.

And famous coral reefs, such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, are suffering from hot temperatures like never before in modern times, with mass bleaching and die-offs continuing unabated for the past two years.

“Small island states cannot afford to be dismayed or feel down or depressed about any of this,” said Jumeau during a UN press conference.

“We are reaching out to all the friends of the oceans that you can think of to meet the challenges that we face.”

Previous global meetings on problems facing the oceans have taken place, but the World Wildlife Fund’s John Tanzer described this one as “historic” because the talks are under the auspices of the United Nations for the first time.

“The reality is that oceans have been in steep decline for at least the last 50 or 60 years,” Tanzer, global oceans lead at WWF, told AFP.

“Here we are in 2017, and it is impossible to talk of anywhere in the world’s oceans as being pristine,” he said.

Specifically, nations will talk about how to meet the 2015 UN-adopted Sustainable Development Goal 14, to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.”

Targets include protecting at least 10 percent of coastal and marine environments by 2020, reducing ocean pollution and strengthening ways to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

A recent report found that illegal fishing in the Pacific has reached a “staggering” value of up to $740 million a year, with much of the problem blamed on fleets from the US, Asia and Europe that under-report their catches.

Individual nations and advocacy groups are already announcing voluntary steps they will take to conserve oceans and protect marine life.

Source – 06/06/2017, The Island Nation, See more at – http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=166268

Hundreds of dead fish seen floating along Mullaitivu coastline

Recently hundreds of dead fish were seen floating along the shoreline in the seas of Mullaitivu. Captured here are images taken by our correspondent.

Fishermen in the area were puzzled as to what caused hundreds of dead fish to congregate on its shores, investigations are still underway to ascertain the cause.

Source – 06/06/2017, Times Online, see more at – http://www.sundaytimes.lk/article/1023255/hundreds-of-dead-fish-seen-float-along-mullaitivu-coastline

From Pinnawala’s freedom to shackles in somebody’s backyard

Within the span of 40 years of the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, the baby born on the eve of 2nd July 2015 was the 70th. He was born to parents Shanthi and Wasabha under the observation of veterinarians as a very healthy young one. As this was the first birth recorded after 2010 it was an immensely joyous occasion to the whole of the staff. On the auspicious day of 06.08.2015 the baby was named “Anuradha” and was released to the herd of elephants. The greeting he and the mother received was a heartfelt sight bringing tears to the eyes of tourists and workers alike. As Anuradha and Shanthi neared the herd Anuradha’s aunt Meena came forward to escort them towards the middle. There the matriarch greeted them and welcomed to the herd with customary trumpeting. Then the whole herd huddled to a single pile touching and cuddling their newest precious member with promises of taking care of him well.” – As announced in the Department of National Zoological Gardens website.

Now we hear of a Cabinet decision to give elephants from the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage (PEO) to individuals and institutions– a move that will cruelly separate elephants from their close knit herds. That the PEO is overcrowded is the reason for this decision. Individuals will have to pay a Rs. 10 million bond, but the bond will not apply to religious institutions.

Conceptualised by then Tourism Minister P.B.G. Kalugalle, the PEO established in 1975, stands on 25 acres of land, on the banks of Ma Oya, amidst the scenic beauty of luxuriant verdancy. Originally under the Wildlife Conservation Department, it is now under the National Zoological Gardens Department (NZG). Today, home to 88 elephants, it opened with five orphaned elephants.The first calf born there, in 1984, was Sukumali. A prime tourist attraction, the PEO is one of the State’s main revenue earners.

For animal rights activists and conservationists, the Cabinet decision is distressing. It is heartless and ill-conceived – exposing these magnificent animals to cruelty, abuse and exploitation and affecting their breeding.

Elephants are herd animals. They live in matriarchal family groups, led by the oldest female in each herd. Elephant behaviourists say elephants display complex social and emotional behaviour, valuing their families more than most animals and form lifelong friendships among them, even mourning the deaths of loved ones, with mothers grieving over stillborn calves and some lingering where friends and family members had died. The calves sometimes hold on to their mother’s tails with their trunks to keep up, while other female elephants protect them from danger. Being extremely intelligent animals, with long memory spans, said to serve matriarchs well when during dry seasons they guide the herd to watering holes, over long distances they recall from the past. In private custody, deprived of their natural habitat, where they roamed free with their herd, browsing, foraging and socializing, these majestic animals undergo tremendous physical and mental suffering.

Instances of elephants given to private individuals and temples, suffering or dying due to cruelty, negligence, lack of care or callousness are galore. There are photographic evidence and eye witness accounts – all four feet shackled for hours with short iron chains cutting into the skin causing deep wounds, and fatal foot ailments due to lack of exercise. Assaults by intoxicated mahouts, exposure to lightning and floods causing death, torturous training, using heated iron rods for taming, parading on burning concrete roads, malnutrition, lack of veterinary care, starvation during pageants, overriding, overdriving and pulling by the ears to hasten speed at elephant races popular at Sinhala New Year festivals are only a few examples of this wanton cruelty.

Sannasas or agreements giving elephants to private custody require the animals to be used only for religious or cultural activities, but they are often hired for commercial gain by the recipients to hotels for rides or to nature parks. As Wildlife Minister Gamini Jayawickreme Perera has said, “When we announced that we are going to take back elephants if we find them used for elephant rides almost 80 % of the temples had taken back their elephants, admitting that the temples were engaging in tourism activities.”

There are no laws to assure captive elephant welfare. Consequent to a court case filed by the Animal Welfare Trust, Welfare Regulations were formulated, but a delay in their gazetting to give them the force of law has led to concerns that persons with vested interests are stalling them. The Wildlife Minister however, has given clear directions to his officials to take immediate action to gazette them.

Captive breeding statistics are dismal, with only three births recorded.Pinnawela,by 2015 had 70. Former NZG Director General Brigadier H.A.N.T. Perera says, private owners are disinterested in breeding, as pregnant elephants, during their 22 month long gestation period,cannot be used to earn money.

Challenging the statement that there is overcrowding, some speculate that the Cabinet decision is a stratagem to give elephants to those demanding them complaining that they have no elephants for peraheras, but mostly requiring them 24×7 to exploit for commercial purposes. The creation of a ‘pool’ of trained elephants in Pinnawela to ‘hire’ for peraheras and return, a move unreservedly endorsed by activists, has been considered previously, but without success. Such endorsement exposes the humbug of those accusing activists of conspiring to destroy religion and culture by opposing private ownership. According to Brigadier Perera,then Environment Ministers Rukman Senanayake and A.H.M. Fowzie had between 2001 and 2004 sought Cabinet approval to train and hire out 50 elephants from the PEO, but with the Cabinet suggesting changes, which were not pursued, it had died a natural death. Last year, incumbent Minister Perera too made a similar recommendation.

As Brigadier Perera says even now the Pinnawela Zoo can be used not only to expand the PEO, but also to establish a Training Centre, a Veterinary Hospital and other facilities making it a Regional Centre of Excellence for Asian Elephant Conservation. Another option is to acquire adjoining land. Cannot land expansion be pursued to resolve Pinnawela’s purported overcrowding instead of separating elephants from their families?

President Maithripala Sirisena pledged a compassionate government in his Manifesto, referring also to the need to prevent violence to animals. A compassionate government cannot have heartless decision makers,who for political gain, succumb to the demands of those who will abuse animals for monetary gain. This compassion should apply not only to people, but also to elephants and all other animals.

Source – 04/06/2017, The Sunday Times, See more at – http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170604/plus/from-pinnawalas-freedom-to-shackles-in-somebodys-backyard-243034.html

Environmentalists and academics bitter-sweet on sugar cane cultivation in Bibile

By Chrishanthi Christopher

The Government plan to launch a sugar company in Bibile has drawn protests from environmentalists who say that, the cultivation of sugarcane will use up the ground water, depriving people of their source of legitimate drinking water. A Cabinet paper has reportedly been passed for the project due to commence in early December. Under the project, plans are under way to distribute 62,500 acres of land to 10,000 farmers in the Uva-Wellassa region, to cultivate sugarcane in the area.

Under the scheme, each farmer will get 2.5 hectares of land to cultivate sugarcane. It is claimed the project will eliminate poverty among farmers in the area. The Centre for Environment and Nature Studies claimed the Govt has given a human face to the project, following massive protests encountered in the past. Convener Raveendra Kariyawasam said an earlier attempt in 2006, by the then Govt to hand over the sugarcane project to Britain’s Booker Tate, was foiled by protesting people.

The farmers are expected to cultivate the land and sell the produce to the company. The land will be leased to the farmers, while farmers opting to withdraw from the project will have to return the land to the Govt. The company will be given only 149 acres of land on which to operate. Environmentalists fear that the cultivation of sugarcane will use up the ground water used by the area residents for drinking, as they claim that, sugarcane cultivation needs plenty of water hence, depleting the Uva-Wellessa water table.

Professor B. Marambe of the Peradeniya University’s, Agriculture Dept, said the crop does not use up ground water for growth. “Sugarcane belongs to the grass family, just like rice, maize and sorghum and, unlike rice, grows well in the highlands. Rice, on the other hand, is extensively cultivated in the lowlands and uses up plenty of water, while sugarcane, comparatively, uses less water,” he said. The Professor, who has done extensive research on sugarcane said the crop takes 9 to 12 months to yield, and needs continuous and adequate water right through the year and, because of its longer duration to yield, may use up more water. But, as the root system is fibrous, it cannot reach down to the ground water.

Further he discounted the argument that many sugar producing companies in the world are moving away from sugarcane cultivation because of the drain on ground water tables in those areas.
“They are moving out because of the agricultural chemicals used to kill the weeds in sugarcane cultivation,” he said. He maintains that, if a bi-annual crop is cultivated on the same land, the water usage will be very much higher. “It is only speculation that the water table will be exhausted. Sugarcane belongs to the C4 category of plants and uses up less water than the C3 category- maize and paddy plants.”
“In Moneragala, the ground water table is deep and the volume of water underground fluctuates according to the rainfall received in those areas,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director-CEO of the Sugar Research Institute, Dr A.P. Keerthipala also dismissed the argument that ground water will be depleted. “There is no scientific evidence to prove this,” he said.
“There is always opposition when a new project comes up. This project is designed to uplift the economic levels of the poor farmers who can earn up to Rs 250,000 a year. In addition, there will be several infrastructure developments which the residents of the area can enjoy,” he said. “Also, there are several other upcoming projects in Batticaloa, Maduru Oya and in the North,” he said.

Source – 04/06/2017,The Sunday Times, See more at – http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170604/news/environmentalists-and-academics-bitter-sweet-on-sugar-cane-cultivation-in-bibile-243445.html