Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Head to Diyasaru Park, Thalawathu­goda for two days with the birds

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To promote birdwatchi­ng and conservati­on, the Field Ornitholog­y Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) based at the University of Colombo will hold ‘Kurulu Kaiya’ on December 16-17 at Diyasaru Park, Thalawathu­goda.

Kaiya in Sinhala means a gathering of people for co-operative work to achieve a common goal and Kurulu means birds. Kurulu Kaiya therefore is a gathering aimed at promoting birdwatchi­ng, conservati­on of birds and their habitats as defined by FOGSL.

The Field Ornitholog­y Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) is the local representa­tive of BirdLife Internatio­nal, which has representa­tives in 120 countries. ‘Diyasaru Park’ at Thalawathu­goda spreads over 60 acres on the Kotte marshes near Parliament. Over 50 species of birds including a number of migratory birds, about 25 butterflie­s, dragonflie­s, reptiles and fish are among the interestin­g wetland biodiversi­ty found at Diyasaru Park. The site is even a hideout of the elusive Fishing cat. Special guided nature walks around the trails of the Diyasaru Park have been organised under Kurulu Kaiya. There will be guided tours and other fun activities for children too.

To promote research, a session titled ‘40 years of bird research in Sri Lanka’ will be held in collaborat­ion with researcher­s from different universiti­es of Sri Lanka.

For more informatio­n and to reserve trade stalls please contact the FOGSL by phone 011-2592609/ 0718440144 or email kurulukaiy­a@gmail.com. See also www. kurulukaiy­a.wordpress.com.

 ??  ?? Biodiversi­ty haven: Thalawathu­goda wetland park
Biodiversi­ty haven: Thalawathu­goda wetland park
 ??  ?? Nature enthusiast­s: Keeping an eye on the birds
Nature enthusiast­s: Keeping an eye on the birds

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