Web of Life

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assisted by People’s Assn. for Community Education (Peace) is conducting a social impact survey on the proposed massive tourism project in Bentota, Induruwa, Dedduwa and Haburugala areas covering 1200 hectares of abandoned marshy land to be acquired for the project, which has already commenced.

The ambitious plan to construct a golf course, a race course, a pond with floating bars and a hotel on marshes was envisaged by the previous govt.

However, there were objections by nature-lovers and social workers on the grounds that their project might upset the balance of the eco-system.

With the present govt. in office, it is learnt that several projects in the plan, like the race course are to be dropped and the rest proceeded with already, water-ways been made by dredging to enable the excess water to evaporate in several areas.

With the cooperation of the Divisional Secretary Bentota, U. D. C. Jayalal, the social impact survey is being conducted at the Grama Niladhari Division level. Meeting in this regard was held at the Bentota Cultural Centre on 16th Sept. 2004, where interested parties expressed their views.

As the area concerned is traditional paddy-cultivation, fishing and toddy-tapping (for the supply of the distilleries only) environment with a Buddhist background the parties had not opposed to setting up of an Eco-tourism zone, without harming the natural ambience. Also, with no room for cultural invasion Rev. Udugama Hemasara Thero of Chetiyagiri Vihara, Rtd. Principals A. G. Ariyaratna and M. W. Thilakaratna Rtd., Gnn. Pramathi Harischandra and M. V. D. Chandrapala and several others expressed ideas.

Bentota PS member Wasantha Gunawardena, Programme Officer IUCN, Dithya Angammana and President PEACE Sarath Chandra Fernando Cultural Officer in-Charge L. A. Gamini also addressed.