The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, is set to launch an urgent environmental conservation project focusing on the Karuwalagaswewa Tabbowa reservoir area in the Puttalam district. Scheduled for the 10th to 12th of this month, the project aims to enhance the habitat of wild elephants and restore the surrounding ecosystems.

The key activities under this initiative include the removal of invasive plant species to improve wildlife habitats, restoration of degraded wetlands within protected wildlife areas, and rehabilitation of existing electric fences. These efforts will be coordinated through divisional secretariats and village committees, with support from the police, military, and civil security forces, ensuring community involvement and enhanced protection for the elephants.

Alongside the main project, preparatory work is underway for the restoration of nearby reservoirs such as Wananthaviluwa "Elaris" and "Anatha wewa," removal of invasive vegetation in Galwala Environmental Park, clearing forest areas along the Karuwalagaswewa electric fence, and infrastructure improvements along the Wananthaviluwa fence road.

As a multi district initiative, this program targets densely populated environmental challenges in Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, and Puttalam districts. It aligns with the Fauna and Flora Protection Act as well as government environmental policies aimed at minimizing human elephant conflicts by establishing safe habitats for elephants and preventing their intrusion into human settlements.

A media briefing on this notable project was held recently at the Puttalam District Secretariat, led by Deputy Minister of Environment Hon. Anton Jayakody and Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor Chandana Abeyratne. The event was attended by key officials including the District Secretary of Puttalam, Member of Parliament Hon. Gayan Janaka, and representatives from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat and the Department of Wildlife and Forest Conservation.

The Ministry extends an open invitation to environmentalists, volunteer groups, and sympathetic citizens to participate in this vital conservation endeavour.