Wanton destruction of Kumbuk trees

The Kumbuk trees scientifically known as

is a medicinal plant that has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient times.

During the present unusually hot weather we see the importance of planting the shady Kumbuk tree. In addition to the shade it provides, the Kumbuk tree helps reduce cadium concentration in water, has been known for its water storage propensity and is used in traditional medicine to treat heart ailments.

Two years ago a civil society organisation at Katana, the Divisional Secretariat and the Police Community Unit Kochchikade, launched a tree planting campaign to plant Kumbuk trees on either side of the Kandawala Demanhadiya Road covering a 1-km stretch of road.

Around 200 Kumbuk plants were planted on either side of the road with assistance from volunteers of the Sith Sevana Centre Counselling Centre.

Unfortunately though the plants took root and grew, today not a single Kumbuk tree is to be seen. Most of the plants have been crushed by trucks and bowsers which are parked along this stretch of road.

Members of the public claim government officials have made no effort to protect these valuable plants. They claim large lorries and bowsers have been permitted to be parked along the road where the saplings were planted, paying no heed to the damage caused to them..

Members of the public condemned the inaction of government officials for failing to protect the plants and call for officials to be held responsible for the destruction caused to the Kumbuk plants, by the parking of lorries, trucks and bowsers in areas where they were planted.