Proposed road in Sinharaja will not be allowed

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

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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)

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Comments - 6

jacoob Tuesday, 06 December 2011 09:23 AM

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

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

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Proposed road in Sinharaja will not be allowed

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