Continuous efforts underway to safeguard Muthurajawela wetlands

2026-03-13 - 06:16

The Gampaha District Environmental Sub-Committee recently focused on protecting the Muthurajawela wetlands, emphasizing measures to prevent unauthorized sand mining, land filling, and other environmental damage within the sanctuary. The meeting, chaired by the Chairman of the Gampaha District Coordination Committee and Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe, was held yesterday (March 12) at the Gampaha District Secretariat. Discussions highlighted the legal powers and responsibilities of key institutions related to Muthurajawela, including the Central Environmental Authority, Negombo Municipal Council, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Urban Development Authority, Department of Agrarian Development, Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC), Sri Lanka Police, and the Regional Irrigation Engineer’s Office. Measures to tackle unauthorized construction and false permits were also examined. Proposals stressed the importance of strengthening legal frameworks, gazettes, and regulations while improving inter-agency coordination to safeguard the wetlands. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment submitted recommendations to the sub-committee for further action. The session was attended by MPs – Lasith Bhashana Gamage and Stepni Fernando, Gampaha District Secretary – Lalinda Gamage, District Planning Director – Samantha Senanayaka, and senior officials from provincial administrative and police authorities.