Importance of ‘Green Isle’

The 50-hectare ‘Green Isle’ within the 372-ha Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary, directly east of Attidiya and south of the Bellanwila temple, is within the upper catchment of the Bolgoda basin.

This sanctuary is home to more than 150 bird species, both migratory and endemic; more than 20 species of mammals including the Mouse Deer, Otter, Fishing and Rusty- spotted Cat and many bat species. The largest predators seen in the area are the salt-water crocodiles and rock pythons. In the areas surrounding this isle are troops of endemic Purple-faced Leaf Monkeys (Nestor) which are suffering due to habitat loss and non-availability of food trees.

This is also a flood-retention area for the highly-populated towns of Boralesgamuwa, Pepiliyana, Kesbewa and Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia.

The objectives of the ‘Green Isle’ Project are:

To make the ‘Green Isle’ the

urban green lungs of the area. Habitat enrichment by planting suitable native species and gradual replacement of invasive species (such as wel-atha and acacia) through under-brushing and gradual removal. There will also be a restoration of mangroves which had been there earlier, but no more.

De- siltation and clearing of small canals with the restored banks being planted with suitable Wet Zone shrubs, trees and creepers.

Controlling invading water weeds and others (including salvinia and water hyacinth or Japan-jabara) through periodic-clearing as open water bodies are essential for water birds such as teals, ducks, cormorants, grebes and purple herons and rare migrant species such as the Glossy Ibis and Combed Duck.

Regular monitoring of water quality which is an essential part of wetland management to support the DWC in detecting whether garbage and also effluents from garment, paint and other industries are being dumped here.