200-year-old Mara tree inside Galle Fort cut down

A 200-year-old ‘Mara’ tree inside the historic Dutch Fort in Galle has been cut down by authorities as it posed a risk to people’s lives.

The tree, dating back to the Dutch colonial period, was situated next to the Galle Court Complext inside the Fort. Workers from the State Timber Corporation cut it down on a request made by Galle Four Grevates Divisional Secretary.

The decision to cut down the historic tree was made as it was dead and was posing a risk to the court complex as well as to those traveling on the road next to it.

A Spokesman for the Galle Heritage Foundation stated that new Mara saplings will be planted at the spot where the tree was cut down, as well as several other identified locations within the Fort. He assured that measures are being taken to ensure that the historic nature of the Fort is protected.

Pix by Sirangika Lokukarawita 

Source – 28/03/2017,Times Online, See more at – http://www.sundaytimes.lk/article/1019185/200-year-old-mara-tree-inside-galle-fort-cut-down

More tourism gains for SL

ourists watch a Sri Lankan elephant walk through a field in the Minneriya National Park. Sri Lanka earned US $ 3.52 billion from tourism in 2016 on the back of little over two million tourists visiting the country (AFP).

Source – 28/03/Dailymirror- See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/More-tourism-gains-for-SL-126298.html#sthash.V2hdq9Y8.dpuf

Six Forest reserves made one

All protected forest reservations that are situated to the North of the Wilpattu National Park and belonging to the Wildlife Department have been declared as one forest reservation by the government, informed sources said.

As a result of this declaration, the Mawillu, Veppal, Karadikkuly, Marichchakatti, Wilaththikulam and Periyamurippu reservations have now been joined and declared as ‘Mawillu Forest Reservation as per clause 3 A of the Wildlife Conservation Act.

The President’s media unit said that President Maithripala Sirisena signed a gazette notification to this effect during his ongoing tour of Russia yesterday.

Henceforth any change to the border of this new forest reservation can only be effected by the subject Minister and it has to be approved by the President before being ratified in Parliament and gazetted.

Sources said as per the new gazette notification the forest reservation will be further protected.

Source – 25/03/2017, Ceylon Today , See more at – http://www.ceylontoday.lk/article20170101CT20170331.php?id=4586

‘Hakkapatta’ found in Pinnawala

Threatened dugongs thrown a lifeline

By Malaka Rodrigo

The dugong is the most threatened marine mammal likely to disappear from our waters, but there are efforts to save the species.

Thirteen dugongs were killed last year, according an informal survey in the North Western coastal areas by marine activists. This is one dugong killed every month and considering their rarity, is worrying, says Prasanna Weerakkody of Ocean Resources Conservation Association.

“Through informal discussions with fishermen, we found out that one dugong had been trapped in a net. The fishermen knew it was illegal to pull it ashore and had it anchored under water to collect it when the navy is not around. But the carcass got loose and washed ashore,” revealed Weerakkody. There could be many other dugong deaths that go unreported, he said.The latest dugong deaths occurred December last year. A carcass was found on Nadukuda beach in Mannar. A few weeks earlier, another carcass washed ashore near Thavilpadu beach. Fishing activities using explosives are common in the nearby Vankalai Coral Reef and marine activists initially thought dynamite had killed the dugong found in Nadukuda.

Dugongs are also called mermaids of the sea because some sightings of mermaids are actually misidentified dugongs seen from afar

The dugong is also known as the ‘sea cow’ for its habit of grazing on the seagrasses on the ocean bed. Seagrass is different from seaweeds (which is an algae) and are actually more closely related to the flowering plants with roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds. Seagrasses can form dense underwater meadows and an adult dugong consumes as much as 45 kg seagrass according to experts.

Dugongs are vulnerable to extinction because they are killed directly or indirectly by human-related activities, which include fishing, coastal development and hunting. The seagrasses on which they depend are thought to be one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth.

In 2015, the “Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project” was initiated to improve protection and conservation of dugongs and their seagrass habitats around the world, said United Nation’s Environment Program (UNEP)’s Max Zieren who recently visited Sri Lanka. Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste and Vanuatu is part of the project, which is the first coordinated effort, he added.

In Sri Lanka, the project focuses on the northwest region, namely the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay where dugongs have been recorded. The project is coordinated by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and eight other partner organisations are supporting.

Sugath Emmanuel, local fisherman and diver in Kalpitiya, said he had not seen a dugong alive. He recalled eating dugong flesh during his childhood, in an area where many dugongs were caught. The flesh was considered a local delicacy. Hundreds of dugongs were killed before it was outlawed in the 1970s. Now, about 90 percent of the dugong killings are accidental or by-catch.  

Dugongs are categorised as ‘vulnerable’ in IUCN’s threatened species list considering global populations, but they can be ‘critically endangered’ in Sri Lankan waters, says Arjan Rajasuriya, project manager of International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN). He has been diving for the past 30 years, but has yet to see a dugong alive.

IUCN’s responsibility in the project aims at establishing an additional 10,000 hectares of marine protected area in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay. Rajasuriya says dynamite fishing should be halted.

The project also aims to raise awareness among people and also give incentives to abandon illegal fishing methods. Project partner, Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Project, is seeking to reduce the negative impact of destructive fishing practices on seagrass habitats and provide income generation opportunities to local communities in return for their commitments for the prudent use of habitat and natural resources in the Puttlam lagoon.

The Biodiversity Education and Research NGO has taken on the education aspect of the project, especially targeting schools. Ranil Nanayakkara, who heads the group, says the response from school children has been positive.

The overall project is financed by Global Environment Fund Project and Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. The United Nations Environment Programme supports its implementation together with the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range of the Convention on Migratory Species.

Dr Lakshman Peiris, who is the project manager of DWC, said the Wildlife Department was focused on addressing marine issues with the establishment of a special unit.

The Sunday Times also asked Peiris what will happen after the four-year project ends in 2018. “The project will give us lots of information. We will create a management plan and will make sure its implementation together with other strategic partners such as Department of Fisheries, Coast Conservation & Coastal Resources Management Department, and the Marine Environment Protection Authority. The Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard can give us lots of support by monitoring and stopping illegal activities,’’ Peiris added.

Dugongs are also found in the Indian part of the Gulf of Mannar, but unfortunately India is not part of the project. Marine biologists say India too needs to get on board. Peiris of the DWC said plans are underway to increase coordination between two countries.

Marine biologists also stress the need for action, once a strategy to save the dugongs are made. “Since the dugong is a charismatic species, we can use activities geared to protecting it to also help us to provide a refuge for other threatened marine creatures,” marine expert Rajasuriya said.

Source – 26/03/2017, The Sunday Times, See more at – http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170326/news/threatened-dugongs-thrown-a-lifeline-234096.html

Building boom endangers sand and gravel resources

Sri Lanka’s lawmakers this week approved a proper mechanism to mine sand, gravel, and rocks from lands belonging to the Mahaweli Authority and Forest Department where applicable. The decision aims to ease the demand for these and other building materials.

A cabinet paper states that only lands that are not declared as ‘protected areas’ will be targeted and that mining be done only after an environmental assessment. But environmentalists say the remaining forests should not be vandalized.

The Environment Conservation Trust’s Sajeewa Chamikara says that as soon as the war ended, forests in the north were mined for soil, gravel, and rocks to provide materials for infrastructure such as roads. “This eventually led to a severe water shortage in some of the northern areas and the new approval of mining in forest areas could also lead to such a situation,” he warns.

Environmentalist Nayanaka Ranwella, points out the situation is worse in the Gampaha District in the Western Province. “There are a lot of mining activities as these building materials could be easily transported to Colombo due to the proximity. But these mines already contribute to water shortages in the area,” he said. He also says there are no licences for 80 per cent of the excavations. Even those who have licences excavate more than what is allowed.

Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Acting Director General, Sajjana De Silva, said the agency had cancelled more than 100 licences citing violation of conditions during the past few years. He said there are a number of unapproved excavations and that support from other agencies is needed.

He said the daily volumes needed to fill the central expressway exceeds the amount of gravel generated by all licencees.But as controls are tightened, it is creating shortages of building materials.Projects such as expressways and numerous high-rises in Colombo and elsewhere require massive amounts of natural materials.Experts says there is a construction boom in Sri Lanka.

“Finding sand and other materials is the worst headache for contractors,” says the Chairman of National Construction Association of Sri Lanka, Athula Galagoda. He also says that the quality of the sand is poor.

Road Development Authority Chairman, Nihal Suriarachchi also says sourcing gravel for filling purposes is diffcult and it could affect expressway projects.

Sajeewa Chamikara of the Environment Conservation Trust suggests estimating the materials requirements and identifying ways of sourcing before projects are started.

GSMB’s former chairman, Dr. N. P. Wijayananda, points out that most of the problems regarding gravel occur because the constructors or suppliers of soil and other material are looking for sources closer to construction sites. It will be cheaper to transport, but will carry a huge environmental cost.

“Find a feasible source of gravel in a central place, do the mining scientifically and transport to the construction site. Yes, the supplier will have to spend more for transport, but environmental damage will be much less,” Dr Wijayananda suggests.

The SundayTimes also asked Dr Wijayananda, what could be a possible solution. He suggests a three-pronged approach – opening up new deposits, using railways to reduce transport costs, and promote the use of sea sand.

He recalled that earlier the sand deposits at Manampitiya were opened up to meet urgent needs.

“The flow of the Mahaweli river causes sand to accumulate around the Manampitiya Bridge in Polonnaruwa, creating a flood plain around it. If we do not use this sand, they will anyway be washed to the sea. The next monsoon will replenish the sand deposits, so sand excavation in this area could be done sustainably,” Dr Wijayananda assures.

He reveals there are other sand deposits between Manampitiya and Trincomalee. But there are no proper access roads and it is not easy to transport from the sites.

“All these excavations have to be done under strict guidelines without deepening the river unnecessarily and without affecting the banks,” Dr Wijayananda said.

He also said that during his tenure at the Mines Bureau discussions were held with the railways on transporting materials, but that it was more expensive. “But if the government is willing, it can amend the rules facilitating cheaper sea sand transport by rail. I’m sure the cost of sand can be reduced by 40 percent,” he said.

Sea sand needs to be properly cleaned. “Europe extensively use sea sand for construction. We need to mechanically clean the sea sand and set standards of minimum salinity levels.”

Source – 26/03/2017, The Sunday Times , See more at – http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170326/news/building-boom-endangers-sand-and-gravel-resources-234121.html

Earth hour: Let’s save our beautiful planet

At 8.30 pm yesterday, in Sri Lanka and worldwide, millions of people were called upon to switch off their lights to mark earth hour in a global celebration of their commitment to protect our planet, which is still beautiful though facing a possible catastrophe because of pollution and global warming. One of our planet’s most beautiful scenes is the sunrise and this picture taken by our photojournalist Amila Gamage from a boat at Mirissa shows this beauty which no painting can portray.

Source 26/03/2017,The Sunday Times, See more at – http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170326/news/earth-hour-lets-save-our-beautiful-planet-234239.html

All forest reserves in Wilpattu North merged into one.

All the forest reserves belonging to the Department of Forest Conservation, located in the northern part of Wilpattu National Park, have been declared as a single forest reserve. Accordingly, Mavillu, Weppal, Karadikkudi, Marichchakatti, Withthikulam and Periyamuruppu have been combined in terms of the Forest conservation Ordinance and President Maithripala Sirisena signed the Gazette Notification today during his visit to Moscow. The President has advised to take necessary steps to preserve the adjoining forest reserves as well.

Source – 24/03/2017,Daily mirror, See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/All-forest-reserves-in-Wilpattu-North-merged-into-one-126184.html#sthash.5z70YGul.dpuf

The Widely Debated Land Grabbing At Wilpattu

by  Ifham Nizam

Expressing his candid views  to The Sunday Leader about the widely discussed/ debated land grabbing at the  one of the country’s leading national parks, he added: “ My first issue is  what is the Wilpattu issue? Because this issue is  outside the Wilpattu National Park, when we use a common word which covers a specific area and use that for an area outside the Wilpattu National Park I have a problem.

 “The overall issue should be divided into sectors and then should be clarified,” he said. Expressing  his point of  view, he said fundamentally there are two parts of the issue, one part is that people have been displaced from the area and they have come back to resettle.

“Therefore, we have to recognise the certain areas in which the problem hasn’t been solved and work on those areas or else the problem will be there forever, that means under this sector if a person is displaced from a particular area, we should find an alternative for this issue somehow.”

Different issue 

 The other part is a completely different issue, there again we have to have a collective agreement anywhere in the country, when the population grows, what do we do? For this, sadly there is no plan in our country, so I can say that if the population is going to be static it’s fine, but if it grows? What do we do?

The unfortunate issue is that, from the day that this problem prevailed, individuals have found opportunities which aren’t helping any plans except the fact that they find alternate settlement areas, The second issue that we know officially there had been sanctions and resettlement granted, he added.

The major issue isn’t any of these, it came to light a couple of weeks ago after the end of the argument, somebody very clearly showed in the places where people have settled legally or illegally, let’s take the legal side first, they have done more than what they have been permitted to do.

Why should that not be penalised?

That is the issue. Secondly, if there are illegal settlements other than those that have been permitted, that also should also not be permitted, he stressed.

“So our battle shouldn’t be with what is known but with  the  ‘unknown,’ which has been clouded by using the term Wilpattu. Everybody is talking about Wilpattu National Park, saying that someone is encroaching Wilpattu National Park but that person comes and says, ‘show me any evidence that I have done this, I have not done anything.”

He added: “So in the process of using the wrong words in the wrong places, we have allowed something to happen which we could have been solved, in some way or the other, if not for the politics contained, why I said if not for politics is that, this is to me, is a 99.9 per cent political scenario. In that situation officers or even the public are finding themselves in a very difficult situation.

How do we resolve this?

“This is a very critical thing, I can see there may not be a solution but, politics is needed to definitely build a solution, but I don’t see that. I see a problem. Ofcourse we don’t have a really good plan for the expanding population of this country and in a country in which we have 26 per cent of land collected, and we don’t want an inch of it to be reduced.”

Accommodating increasing population

How do we accommodate the increasing population in this static framework because the land doesn’t multiply, this is to me, a very good stimulus, for the people , the planning sessions, at the political level, at the administrative level to recognise that this is not going to be the only place this is going to happen.

This is going to multiply itself and vigorously, as we go into the future because I can see these strategic planning processes that some of the institutions are bringing out are talking bringing 1000 acres for an industrial state, 7000 acres for a city development.

“I think this is high time we use this as a  good example to ensure nothing like this will ever happen again and for that purpose we need to sit down to plan precisely how villages will expand. To me, this isn’t a new phenomenon in the sense of not the way it has happened.

Source 24/03/2017, The Sunday Leader,See more at – http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2017/02/26/the-widely-debated-land-grabbing-at-wilpattu/

Meethotamulla garbage dump on fire

By Shaahidah Riza and
Rathindra Kuruwita

A fire was reported at the Meethotamulla garbage dump and the Fire Brigade had been deployed to douse the blaze, the Police Media Unit said. Initial attempts to douse  the fire failed as the firemen were unable to reach the affected area. However, the fire trucks were re-routed and later reached the area where the fire was blazing.

“Backhoes are also being used to create a buffer zone to prevent the fire from spreading. The residents closest to the fire must have been asked to evacuate,” a spokesman for the Police said.

Although there was no information about the severity of the fire, a large scale fire at a garbage dump can emanate toxic fumes.

In 2016 Several schools in Badulla were temporarily closed when students had to be hospitalized after inhaling smoke that emanated from a garbage dump at Badulupitiya.

Source -22/03/2017, Ceylon Today, See more at – http://www.ceylontoday.lk/article20170101CT20170331.php?id=4524