Sri Lanka It's Happening

January 13, 2005

The president of sri lanka has two great talents, the first is lying with a straight face. The second is her ability to destroy wetlands.

Since the tsunami struck, a new rule has been enforced that forbids the construction of new buildings with in 300M from the coast line. That rule obviously means people who used to live in this area and lost their houses have to be reloated. And how are they going to be relocated? by filling up marsh lands or by cutting down the forest.

Take for example this article that appeared in the daily mirror a couple of days ago headlined: 'Marshy land in Kalmunai for new housing scheme'. The daily mirror being the yellow livered news papaper that it is has not bothered to question the wisdom of such a move. Are they unaware that the wetlands in the east coast are a very vital part of the eco system of this country? or perhaps they are aware but chosen to ignore this fact.

It was during this president's reign that most of the important bird habitats in and around colombo were filled up for houses. One of these wetlands close to the parliament was filled up to build a presidential palace. The project was abandonded when funds ran out but the damage was done.

Now with loads of aid flowing into the country it would be no suprise if a bigger and better presidential palace is not built.

Posted by raditha at January 13, 2005 6:17 AM