News

Pandu Karanda tree removed with Cabinet approval! (Video)

Published

3 months ago

July 11, 2023

editor

Cabinet approval had been granted to remove the Pandu Karanda tree ( Crudia Zeylanica) located in Daraluwa, Veyangoda and was in the centre of a controversy as it stood in the way of the Central Expressway project, Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardena said today (11).

The tree was removed yesterday (10) despite campaigns by environmentalists earlier.

Minister Gunawardena said if they were to change the route of the expressway – Kadawatha – Mirigama section, it would have cost Rs 15 billion more.

He said he had done an indepth study and he received reports that 12 other trees which are over 40 years old as well as 25 trees with a height of 12 – 15 feet have been found in this area.

He also added that a programme is in place to grow 200 such plants instead of the tree that was felled.

After presenting these details to the Cabinet, approval was granted to remove it, the minister said.

The species, known as the Sri Lanka Legume (Crudia zelanica) has been listed as a Critically Endangered species in the National Red Data List published by the Ministry of Environment in 2021, environmentalists point out.

In a Facebook post, prominent environmentalist – Mr. Sajeewa Chamikara has stated that the Minister as well as officials of the Road Development Authority should be directly held responsible for the illegal felling of this tree.

News

Landslide warnings extended

Published

9 hours ago

September 30, 2023

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The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

News

“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

Published

11 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)