Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendige, along with Member of Parliament Samanmali Gunasinghe, yesterday (August 19) visited the Attidiya Bird Sanctuary following complaints from residents about unauthorized construction and land reclamation.
This sanctuary, which has been identified as an important wetland ecosystem for local and migratory birds, is also the closest sanctuary to Colombo. The wetland also acts as a natural flood protection for the surrounding areas including Bellanwila, Attidiya, Boralesgamuwa, Papiliyana, Nugegoda and Ratmalana.
Officials say that the bird population in the sanctuary has decreased due to environmental pollution caused by illegal settlements and land reclamation within the reserve.
The Minister stressed the importance of protecting this environmentally sensitive area and promised to address the reported encroachments and unauthorized developments.