'Anawilundawa' wetlands under threat

The 'Anawilundawa' wetland bird sanctuary in the Puttalam District is under threat from human activities and the spread of invasive plants, a senior official of Department of Wi l d l i f e Conservation (DWC) said.

The DWC's Puttalam District Assistant Director W.M.S.K. Chandraratne said the department had informed higher authorities that the eight tanks within the wetland needed to be cleared of invasive plants such as water hyacinth ( Japan Jabara), Salvinia. He added the tank was overgrown with grass and clogged the channels.

The problem had been worsened by prawn farmers releasing chemical treated waters into the wetlands, which threatened the eco-system, he said.

“These chemicals not only damage plants in the lagoon, but kill marine life as well, he said. He emphasised that the invasive plants had already caused damage to the tanks within the sanctuary.

It is necessary to take immediate action to stop further damage immediately in collaboration with all stake holders.

W.M Jayasiri a resident in the Maiyawa area said villagers had noticed a reduction in the number of birds visiting the sanctuary, as well as the destruction caused to the tanks by the growth of invasive plants.

He added it may be necessary to dredge the tanks and clear out the invasive water plants.

Mr Jayasiri said the bird sanctuary falls under the Ramasar International Convention on Wetlands and attracted both local and foreign tourists tourists.