Thalangama Wetland’s rich biodiversity highlighted amid expressway development concerns

Colombo, December 23 (Daily Mirror)- The Thalangama wetland has been identified as an area of high ecological value, hosting hundreds of animal species and playing a vital role in flood control, the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) said.

Addressing the launch of the Score-Based Impact Assessment Tool for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) yesterday, CEJ Legal Officer and Attorney-at-Law Ms. Samadhi Hansani Premasiri said an Environmental Impact Assessment conducted in relation to a proposed expressway project revealed significant biological importance within the wetland.

She noted that more than 260 animal species have been recorded in the area, including 41 species of dragonflies, several of which are classified as endangered under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. The wetland also contains endemic species, further emphasizing the need for conservation.

Ms. Premasiri pointed out that parts of the wetland were later declared protected under an Extraordinary Gazette issued in terms of the National Environment Act. However, she said the gazette notification was subsequently amended by the subject minister at the time to permit construction of the expressway through a section of the wetland.

She added that the gazette itself had recognized the necessity of conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment, regardless of whether the project fell under the category of prescribed projects.

Environmental experts have warned that any development in the Thalangama wetland could pose serious risks, as the area plays a crucial role in managing floods in surrounding regions.