Located in between Chilaw and Puttalam is a pristine sanctuary that is now home to many flora and fauna. As one passes the Suruwila Wewa and adjoining paddy lands it gives a glimpse of perhaps one of the last remaining tank cascade systems in the country. Spanning over 1300 hectares in extent, the Anawilundawa sanctuary is an asset to surrounding communities. The Accelerated Natural Regeneration of Mangroves (ANRM) Project is one such initiative that has strived to bridge the gap between scientific conservation efforts and community prosperity.
Monday, December 16, 2024
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Lessons Should be Learned from the Tragic death of Tusker Deeghadanthu
We are miserable to see history repeat in such a tragic way and the victim this time is the largest tusker that remained in the Kalawewa National Park ‘Deeghadanthu 1’, who was electrocuted and killed inhumanely on the night of the November 27. This was not a coincidence, but an extension of the experiences by famed Tuskers in this area such as Barana, Revatha, and Walagambha for years. The forests around the Kalawewa National Park are where many Tuskers reported in the wild in this country. However, this was the Tusker that remained in the area with the largest tusks, this valuable majestic resource has now been lost to our country, and if we can learn a lesson from his loss at least at this moment, it will be better for the future generations of the likes of Deeghadanthu.
The death of Deega Danthu II Authorities in a race against time to reduce Elephant Deaths By Electrocution
The death of Deega Danthu II, an iconic tusker that roamed around Kala Wewa, Balalu Wewa and adjacent jungles in Kekirawa has sparked serious concerns about interventions taken by authorities including the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) to conserve and protect these majestic species. Environmentalists opine that the state incurs a heavy loss in foreign exchange whenever an iconic tusker or an elephant is killed because many tourists travel from far and wide to view these species in their natural habitats.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Why are US, Japan and India making a beeline for Trincomalee ?
The port town of Trincomalee in Eastern Sri Lanka is known for its scenic beauty eminently qualified to be featured in the National Geographic Channel.
Trincomalee: The Rotterdam of the Eastern Indian Ocean
A colleague, who calls himself an ‘Economic Historian,’ has confessed that his dream is to concoct a fictional economic history of Sri Lanka, based on the fiction that the European penetration of this island took place from the east coast and not from the west.
Monday, October 28, 2024
The long road to Expressway
October 27, 2013 is a significant day for all Sri Lankans, the highways sector and the engineering profession in general, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurates the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway. This is a project that many previous governments have attempted to complete but failed to make it a reality. As a person who has been involved in the highways sector for more than 35 years, I would like to share with the readers some accounts that transpired over the life of this project.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
DEEPAVALI THE HOLY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Diwali or Deepavali is one of the biggest and auspicious festivals celebrated by Hindus all around the globe, with ebullience.The festival of lights signifies peace and joy, the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness every day.
Look out for exhausted Pittas
As the southernmost landmass along the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds, Sri Lanka attracts over 200 winter visitors, who start arriving from the end of August. Many of the migrants are already here but bird lovers are on the watch out for that special migrant in October.
Friday, October 25, 2024
The journey to Sri Lanka and back… ‘Tracing bird migration’ positively impacts bird watching, conservation efforts
Annually, as Sri Lankans eagerly await the return of migratory birds to this island, there comes an opportunity to witness a nature’s awe-inspiring spectacle—birds traversing continents and diverse landscapes. In an innovative initiative, the Daily Mirror is employing cutting-edge technology to track these avian travelers’ journeys. Colombo University Zoology Department Prof. Sampath Seneviratne launched a project that attaches GPS transponders to birds, providing unprecedented insights into their migration routes, behaviours and the challenges they confront.
Thursday, October 24, 2024
The Senanayake Legacy: Pioneers of Sri Lanka’s Independence
Don Stephen Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of independent Ceylon, was born on October 20th 1884. His family was in the forefront of the struggle for independence that began following the 1915 riots.
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
HEC in Hambantota Walsapugala farmers urge authorities to release MER for elephants
Farmers in Walsapugala staged a 108-day long protest back in 2021 braving various threats and challenges urging the then government to implement the Managed Elephant Reserve (MER) which allocated some 23,000 hectares to elephants that roam the area. The MER in fact is an important elephant corridor that connected three main national parks including Bundala, Lunugamvehera and Uda Walawa. Even though the MER has now been gazetted in response to the demands made by farmers, they continue to be at the receiving end of an aggravating Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC).
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Plantation workers to get revised daily wage of Rs. 1,350 from 10 October
The plantation sector workers will receive their long-awaited revised daily minimum wage of Rs. 1,350 along with an additional allowance of Rs. 50 for each extra kilo of harvest from 10 October.
Friday, October 4, 2024
Saravanapavan’s latest book Taking readers through the ‘Most Dangerous Moment in Ceylon’
The role of the Canadian Air Force to save Ceylon from an impending military disaster at the height of World War II has been brought to the limelight in author K. Saravanapavan’s latest book ‘The Most Dangerous Moment in Ceylon – Ceylon Aerial Engagement : Canadian Reconnaissance Vs. Japanese Bombers’.
Are the Apex Court Judges retiring too early?
During the last few months or so, news items popped-up more often than not, on the appointment and non-appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal due to the retirement of judges in both courts.
Increase in spreading influenza among children, advised to wear masks: Pediatrician
Colombo, October 4 (Daily Mirro) - There has been an increase in the number of children showing symptoms of influenza and doctors advise vulnerable groups to wear masks, Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) Consultant Pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Will agriculture farmers be forced to pay taxes for water?
Water is one of man’s primary needs of humans. Water is a key factor in agriculture as well as for consumption. Throughout history, from the times of ancient kings to future leaders, reservoirs and dams were built to meet the need for water. At present, the Irrigation Department of Sri Lanka and the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka ensure the supply of essential water. Accordingly, water is provided for agriculture, which is one of the country’s basic needs.
Sri Lanka faces Rs. 237 billion annual burden due to alcohol-related health issues
The Sri Lankan government incurs an annual cost of Rs. 237 billion to address health problems linked to alcohol consumption, highlighting the significant social, economic, and health challenges posed by alcohol, according to the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC).
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Kadugannawa the gateway to Kanda Uda Rata
When the journey towards Kandy is made from Colombo via the A1 road, a delightful scenery is met within Kadugannawa Pass, overlooking the Bible Rock. The grandeur of the view at the vantage point tempts the traveller to pull over and immerse himself with the peace and quiet of the surroundings with corn on the cob or a king coconut.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Global warming alters bird migratory pattern to Sri Lanka: Dr. Jagath Gunawardana
The effect of climate change on migratory patterns is a further focal point to consider as an assumed 84% of birds listed on the CMS face threats due to global warming, according to environmentalist and lawyer Dr. Jagath Gunawardana.
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