NDB Bank takes action to preserve unique biodiversity of Pitawalapathana

Saturday, 24 December 2022 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Pitawalapathana is a grassland located in the Knuckles Conservation Forest in Riverston, Matale. It is universally recognised for its unique biodiversity including amphibians, small mammals, lizards and many endemic flora and fauna species such as Watessa, Binara, Kandulessa, Nilmonaressa and Pathan Ala. One of the most fascinating species in this area is the carnivorous plant species such as Kandulessa and Watessa. However one of the main challenges faced is the encroachment of alien invasive plant species that disturb the delicate balance of this ecosystem.

Invasive species are detrimental to a forest and they change the character of the forest, threatening its biodiversity, overwhelming endemic species, and impacting soil quality among other concerns. Identifying the need for immediate and appropriate action, National Development Bank PLC volunteered and assisted the ‘Department of Forest Conservation’ (DFC) to remove the invasive plants at Pitawalapathana. The project which was launched in 2020 is continuing with an area of 5 hectares cleared of invasive plants and maintained regularly. This year the bank sponsored the removal of invasive plants for another 5 hectares and to date a total of 10 hectares is maintained by the bank.

Volunteers of the bank under the leadership of Director/GCEO Dimantha Seneviratne, joined by members of ‘The Leadership Team’, ‘Corporate Sustainability Committee’ and staff volunteers visited the plains recently and engaged in the removal of invasive plants. The bank volunteers were joined by the officials from the DFC.