Proposed road in Sinharaja will not be allowed

5 December 2011 03:09 pm - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The proposed widening and development of a 3.5km road stretch from Ilumbakanda to Suriyakanda on the edge of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve (SFR) will not be permitted and remain as a ‘Nature Track’ because the development of the road along the natural habitat will affect the fauna and flora of the Sinharaja forest, Environment Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said.

Addressing the media to announce the recommendations of the 12 member expert committee that probed into the controversial road construction, Minister Yapa said the environment ministry has no objection to the development of remaining parts of the road.

Minister Yapa told the media that the major impact due to the proposed road is ecosystem fragmentation, consequent to the wildlife are a loss of species from fragments and entire landscape.

“Even a bus runs between Pothupitiya and Imbulkanda which is a motorable road and we have no objection what so ever to develop that stretch of road. However, the foot path which is the centre of the issue can be used as it is and Environment Ministry is not in a position to approve the widening and development of this foot path,” Minister Yapa said.

Minister Yapa quoting the findings of the expert committee pointed out that isolation of habitats, a fundamental consequence of the process of fragmentation also influences the status of animal populations and communities in developed landscapes.

Minimizing the effects of isolation by enhancing landscape connectivity is one way to counter the adverse effects of fragmentation. The Identified threats can be broadly categorized in to three major categories, he stressed. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 6

Mifaz Tuesday, 06 December 2011 03:02 AM

Pretty good decision.. But want to know who proposed & planned to have such a project.

Abdhul Rahkman Tuesday, 06 December 2011 03:30 AM

thank god!

Nodrog Tuesday, 06 December 2011 03:36 AM

Well said and hope you stick to your word. This forest is the property of the whole Nation, present and future, and not only for the residents in close proximity.

A W Abdulkany Tuesday, 06 December 2011 04:22 AM

Preverse Sinharaja for our future generation. Any interference
will disturb the eco-system of the Forest, which is inestimable. We have to educate the people through mass appeal to develop 'environmental concern' - we need 'fighters' like Vandana Shiva to create awareness to protect our heritage.

meranchim Tuesday, 06 December 2011 04:26 AM

before environmental body said don't do the road work but one of the minister said will continue road construction, spend million of rupees from the public. cut down the many tree who will pay back all the expenditure the person who propose to do this must be responsible should be punish .......i

jacoob Tuesday, 06 December 2011 09:23 AM

well done sinharaja.. triple gem blesses you sir .. long live sir .. we are with you sire...

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Proposed road in Sinharaja will not be allowed

Comments - 6

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lanka defaults on USD 6 billion payment despite rising reserves: Patali

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

April 15 declared a government holiday

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

MIRROR CRICKET

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

Amir, Wasim return to Pakistan national team

TODAY'S HEADLINES

100 Police personnel trained to target criminals operating on motorbikes

Catholic Church receives full report

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali’s possession of Gota’s Range Rover

We are struggling with severe shortage of staff – Excise Chief

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Security raised for Champions League ties after threat

SLA target four events at Paris Olympic Games

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win