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Task force to probe Diyawanna algae

26 Apr 2021

  • Parliament drainage contaminating water: Speaker
  A task force will be appointed this week to combat the unusual algae bloom in the Diyawanna Oya, following rising concerns over increased air pollution and an odour in surrounding areas. Speaking to The Morning yesterday (25), Ministry of Environment Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said that the task force would be appointed following necessary cabinet approval, and would focus on finding short-term, immediate solutions to the unusual growth of algae bloom in the Diyawanna Oya. “Task force members would consist of professionals from relevant institutions, and would be confirmed after cabinet approval is obtained,” Dr. Jasinghe further said. A press release by the Ministry of Environment on Saturday (24) noted that Jasinghe had speculated that the algae growth could be a result of neglecting sustainable development policies in the development of the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte area. Officials at the Ministry of Environment told The Morning that the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) had confirmed to the Minister of Environment, Mahinda Amaraweera, that the discoloration in the Diyawanna Oya was due to an algae bloom. The Morning reported earlier this month that Amaraweera had instructed the CEA to submit the environmental report of the wetlands around the three bridges in Battaramulla immediately, as “the water in the Diyawanna Oya has not been polluted in this manner before”. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also alerted Parliament last month over a number of drains and sewers that have been allegedly diverted to the lake surrounding Parliament. Premadasa raised similar concerns in March, where he inquired how the water in the Diyawanna Oya became discoloured. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said at the time that the Oya has been contaminated due to water drainage from the pond within the Parliamentary Complex. The Diyawanna Oya is considered environmentally important for both its flood retention capabilities, and for providing a home to many wetland indigenous flora and fauna.


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