Biodiversity park for Rajagiriya

Friday, 14 February 2014 01:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The second stage of the establishment of a biodiversity park was inaugurated at Rajagiriya Sri Sudharmarama temple on 9 February. The park is being developed in the five acre land surrounding the temple with the blessings of Ven. Dharshanapathy Rajakeeya Panditha Wathuruwila Sujatha thero, the Chief Incumbent of the temple, and with the initiative and sponsorship of SoilTech Ltd that specialises in geotechnical and environmental projects. Ven. Sujatha thero is an ardent environmentalist and has constantly promoted the idea of establishing the park in the land owned by the temple. The site is a highland. Having well drained soils and the typical wet zone climate it is highly suitable for this purpose. The park will also serve as a source for indigenous medicinal plants that will be beneficial for the Ayurvedic University and Hospital. The first stage of the biodiversity park project was completed in January 2013. The second stage inaugural ceremony was presided by Ven. Sujatha thero. Among the invitees were Central Environment Authority Chairman D.W. Prathapasinghe, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens Director General Dr. Cyril Wijesundara and University of Colombo Dept. of Zoology Prof. Dewak Weerakoon. One of the objectives of the event was to create awareness among the general public, particularly among the students, the importance of promoting and actively participating in biodiversity projects. Ven. Sujatha thero and Prathapasinghe in their speeches emphasised the necessity of countering the undesirable environmental effects of the present day development and lifestyles by motivation of the society to engage in this kind of ecological projects. They praised the initiative taken in this direction by SoilTech which is well known for its eco-friendly innovations and procedures. Presentations were made by Dr. Wijesundara, Prof. Weerakoon and Environmentalist Sajeeva Chamikara. In his presentation Dr. Wijesundara talked about the importance of biodiversity in the survival of the life forms in the planet. Showing rare examples of threatened and endangered plants he demonstrated the imperative role Sri Lanka can perform in the field of biodiversity. Prof. Weerakoon explained the interrelationship between the animal world and plant world, and how the preservation of the biodiversity of one will support the other.