A project to completely remove the "Japanese Jabara" refers to water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)  invasive species from Kalawewa, Kalagama and Balaluwewa tanks in Anuradhapura district is set to begin on the 5th September. The project activities will also continue on the 6th and 7th. About 8 acres of land will be cleared of the Japanese Jabara and another aggressive invasive species known as Agada plants. Due to the spread of this invasive species in several tanks in the North Central Province, the native vegetation in the tanks has been lost. The vegetation includes lathana (Ipomoea aquatica), which is a protein-rich food, and the wild elephants living in the area highly depend on it.

It is estimated that about four hundred wild elephants typically inhabit the Kala Wewa area. Due to insufficient food supply, these elephants have been moving into the villages. This has led to a significant increase in human-elephant conflicts in the area. Over the past few months, several people have died as a result of elephant attacks. The region is predominantly used for agriculture, with crops such as rice, soya bean, onion, various fruits, and vegetables being cultivated.

The main objective of this project is to sustainably develop the habitat for wild elephants. The coordination of this activity is handled by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. Contributors to the project include the Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, Department of Wildlife Conservation, local authorities of Palagala, Galnewa, Kekirawa, Ipalogama, Thirappane, Anuradhapura Urban Council, Sri Lankan Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Wild Tusker Organization.

The above information was presented at a media briefing held on 02nd September morning at the Kala Wewa tank field, Anuradhapura. The media briefing was led by Dr. Susil Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Land and Irrigation. The session was joined by a group including the Additional Secretary to the President of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, Mr. S.P.C. Sugishwara, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr.Gamini Mahagama, and Mr.Chandika Hewage from the Wild Tusker organization.