Beddagana Wetland Park opens to public

The Beddagana Wetland Park which was developed with World Bank funds was declared open for the people by Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday.

Minister Ranawaka took measures to release funds to the project back in 2008 when he was the Environment Natural Resources Minister. Thereafter, the park was completed under the supervision of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) keeping in line with the Megapolis Development Plan.

At the opening, the Minister assured that the Megapolis Plan was not focused on creating a ‘concrete jungle’ by constructing buildings but a mechanism which goes in line with environment development. He also commented on the recent floods in Colombo and highlighted the need to preserve wetland ecosystem in the area. The Beddagana Wetland Park, which was opened yesterday is situated in proximity of the Parliament Complex in Battaramulla and provides home for numerous bird species belonging to both wet and dry zones.

Migratory bird species, exotic and endemic birds, butterflies as well as dragon fly species could be found in the 18-hectare park. Apart from birds and butterfly species, a number of endemic flora species belonging to the dry zone of the low country could also be found there. The Megapolis Ministry said the priority had been given to improve the status of the wetland ecosystems as green zones and maintain them in a sustainable manner when making plans for city development. Accordingly, the UDA, under the Western Province Wetland Regionalisation took measures in 2006 to preserve 11 wetlands which were under different threats. All these 11 wetlands were situated around the Parliament complex.

Under the first phase of the project to develop and preserve ecosystems, the Beddagana Wetland Park came alive and another wetland park adjacent to the Kotte Fort is scheduled to be developed under the second phase.

The Beddagana Wetland Park had been created with the objectives of providing environmental observations, study and eco-tourism opportunities and experiences to the people.