By Uwin Lugoda
In an attempt to introduce more leisure opportunities to the public, the Government has taken steps to revamp the Beddagana Wetland Park into a public attraction. This new development is set to give the people of Colombo and its suburbs the opportunity to see rare species of plants and animals without having to travel far.
The project comes under a larger development initiative conducted by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) to renovate and maintain all of Sri Lanka’s leisure parks. The initiative is carried out under the instructions of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the Minister of Urban Development, Water Supply, and Housing, who also recently expedited its progress.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, UDA Media Spokesperson Prasad Manju stated that they are working on bringing back the Beddagana Wetland Park in Sri Jayewardenepura to its former status.
“Under this programme, the Beddagana Wetland Park, a wetland park with rare fauna and flora close to Colombo, has been declared an ideal place for the public to come and relax with their families.”
The wetland park was initially constructed back in 2014 on the instructions of then Secretary to the Ministry of Defense and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The park spreads over an area of 20 hectares and is located in close proximity to the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Bird Sanctuary and the Parliament Complex.
UDA Director of Environment and Landscaping Chandana Kalupahana stated that during its construction, special care was taken by the UDA to always maintain the natural wetland. She explained that this was done neither by using any machinery during the construction process nor carrying out any land reclamation.
She stated that every path and building in the wetland park was built on pillars, thus minimising the impact on the ecosystem and helping better maintain the wetlands. Moreover, these poles hold up several features of the park, such as viewing booths, stadiums, and restaurants, without harming the ecosystem. The same care was taken when constructing the park’s carpark, which was also built in an eco-friendly way.
Kalupahana stated that in 2014, the UDA created a master plan with regard to 10 wetland properties belonging to them, surrounding the Parliament Complex. This plan aimed at showcasing Sri Lanka’s ability to conserve its wetlands in an urban setting, while also using them for sustainable development, such as eco-friendly recreation.
According to these plans, the UDA also designed the wetlands in line with several eco-friendly guidelines and approvals.
The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare wetland plants like white lilies and induru.
Kalupahana stated that housing such a rare ecosystem and being located close to Colombo, the park has the unique ability to facilitate both schoolchildren and university students on research matters.
“The Beddagana Wetland Park has been set up in such a way that people can use it for both relaxing as well as for research purposes, given its abundance in flora and fauna.”
She explained that wetland ecosystems are considered rarities around the world, especially in urban settings such as this. However, she explained that Colombo is fortunate enough to host several wetland parks within its city limits and suburbs.
“There are a large number of wetlands in urban Sri Lanka. With the current rate of urbanisation seen in the world, there is a decrease in such open spaces, making the presence of these wetlands in an urban city very special. In this context, both Colombo and Kotte have the fortune of hosting several wetland ecosystems.”
Revamping the Beddagana Wetland Park
11 Sep 2021
Revamping the Beddagana Wetland Park
11 Sep 2021