Tree fall disasters Govt. advocates national policy on wayside planting: Premitha Bandara

• Says the Singapore model is to be studied and adopted 

By Ajith Siriwardana   

Claiming that an increase in accidents involving fallen trees near roadsides have been observed recently, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said yesterday a special committee would be appointed soon to draft a national policy on planting trees.   

He said this during a special discussion on the wet weather-related emergency situation held at the Emergency Operations Centre of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).   

The Minister said a national policy would be introduced aiming to control and mitigate accidents which are caused due to fallen trees.   

The Minister said there was no policy for tree planting in Sri Lanka where anyone could plant any tree at any time and added that the Singapore model is to be studied and adopted in this regard.   

“An increasing tendency is observed in falling trees near roadsides. We expect the support of the Road Development Authority (RDA), Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA) and Local Government Agencies to control and mitigate this situation. We don’t have a national policy for planting trees in Sri Lanka. Anyone can plant any tree at any time. We deem that it is necessary to introduce a national policy for planting trees. We are to study and adopt the Singapore Model. People will be made aware of the trees that should be planted near roadsides,” he said.   

The Minister said there was no institution to issue warnings on risks involving trees. The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has been entrusted with the responsibility now. They are still developing their human and other resources needed to cope with the situation,” he said.   
He also said a special programme would be introduced in schools to prevent any accidents involving trees and other possible accidents due to various constructions. 

 
The Minister said tri-forces, police and civil defence forces are on standby to face any disaster situation due to inclement weather.