Intervene to protect Diyasuru Park and country’s rich biodiversity

Each year, 3 March is celebrated as World Wildlife Day. It is a day that Sri Lankans can celebrate with pride given that the country is blessed with so much by way of nature. But it is also a day to draw attention to the destruction that is fast falling the country’s wonders of nature due to over exploitation, greed and ignorance. 

While elephant deaths in the past few weeks have been distressing for all, there are serious concerns about the manner in which wildlife parks and sanctuaries are being managed in this country where money has overtaken the need to stop environmental damage and ensure that the natural resources are managed in a sustainable manner. Sadly, Government authorities are among those aiding and abetting the destruction of the country’s natural resources.

One recent case was the utterly misguided decision to allow a musical show at the Diyasaru Park (Thalawathugoda Biodiversity Study Park), the 60 acre wetland area near the Parliament Complex in Sri Jayewardenepura which is home to a large number of birds including many varieties of migratory birds, over 15 fish varieties including three endemic to Sri Lanka, butterflies and reptiles.

Newspaper reports which exposed this said that permission for this event had been given by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation and was organised by a private event company. Photographs on social media the day after the event showed that place had been left littered and messed up while the loud sounds of the night of the event no doubt caused much distress to the wildlife in the area.

One of the objectives of Diyasaru Park is to “Release the stress of urbanisation,” and the park’s primary objective is to provide visitors with an opportunity to learn and immerse themselves in nature while enjoying its wonders. It is managed by the Wetland Management Division of the SLLDC. It is also a popular place for students to get a chance to get away from their classrooms and learn about the wonders of nature by taking a walk in the park. The park gets its income from ticket sales as well allowing photoshoots for weddings and other events as well as for small events in its outdoor auditorium. Visitors are strictly advised to refrain from making too much noise so as not to disturb the birds and other creatures who are part of the park’s habitat.

Allowing a musical show at a place of such rich biodiversity is unacceptable however much money is paid. The damage done by sound pollution as well as littering cannot be measured by money alone. Also the SLLDC has to understand that such places are for the use of all the people of this country and not places where permission should be given to hold musical shows. There are enough venues such as playgrounds where such shows can be held including in the surrounding areas. Hence the decision to allow permission must be soundly condemned and the Minister for Environment and related authorities should intervene immediately and hold an inquiry into on what grounds such permission was granted.

Colombo has been accredited a RAMSAR Wetland since 2018. The RAMSAR convention entered into force in Sri Lanka on 15 October 1990. The Colombo wetlands include Baddagana wetland, Diyasaru and Thalangama wetlands and several others. Urban wetlands make cities liveable in many important ways. They reduce flooding, replenish drinking water, filter waste, provide urban green spaces, and are a source of livelihoods. Urban dwellers in these areas are blessed that these areas remain rich in biodiversity despite the rapid urbanisation in these areas with several especially designated areas that are protected by law. This is why allowing music shows at Diyasuru Park is disturbing and a cause of great concern given the damage it can cause to the environment.

This is an incident that warrants the attention of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake himself. Unless there is intervention from the top, it is likely that this will not be an isolated incident and ear-splitting sounds, and large-scale littering could become a regular affair thus destroying the rich wildlife of this area. So over to you Mr. President for prompt action.