Dharman Wickremarathe

Over the rocky maze, they cascade in grace

2008-08-16T21:44:00.001-07:00

http://www.nation.lk/2008/08/17/eyefea6.htm
Over the rocky maze, they cascade in grace…

By Nimashi Amaleeta

Water slips over a cliff and splashes into a pool… A continuum of sounds…. A cascading waterfall… Festooned with green mosses, the rocks stand in row shaping the course of this vibrant entity…
Sri Lanka has a total of 380 waterfalls. Of these, there are four waterfalls in Colombo district. They are Dambodara Ella, Thummodara Ranmudu Ella, Ella Eda Ella and Kumari Ella, hailing from the suburbs of Hanwella and Homagama. Literally, they may be a few bus stops away from your doorstop. If you could spare the time, they are worth a visit.

By Nimashi Amaleeta

One fine evening about two years back, I remember my friends and I headed for a bath at the foot of a waterfall in Sinharaja. We had just concluded a field practical in the forest, and now quite tired and worn out, a refreshing bath was the only thing we yearned for.

We trekked the forest, trekked for so long, in search of the much anticipated waterfall. The forest was never quiet. It was full of sounds. Sometimes it was the wind whispering to the leaves. Sometimes it was the monkeys mocking at us from tall treetops. Sometimes, a wild animal or two dashed past us or hissed from a concealed corner. My ears strained to hear the sounds. It was a continuum of sounds. One sound ceased leading to another, another and another…

We climbed down a slope clinging to roots and branches of trees at our disposal. A few more bends and turns downs the slope, and then suddenly the air started playing a ‘different tune’. It got filled with the rhythm of running water. The further we went the closer it got.

All of a sudden, the water sounded as if it were plunging and splashing…Yes, it was a beautiful waterfall… The moment of its discovery was quite magical. We broke free from a tangled net of lush greenery and entered a rooky plain. Ahead of us, a graceful white cascade plunged over huge rocky boulders. The water spilled over the cliff and splashed into a pool. The pool overflowed into a gushing stream. The stream was as vibrant as its source. The cascade sprayed fizzy foam, imparting coolness to the evening breeze. We took our dip in a safe shallow pool and rebound home with many cherished memories of that beautiful evening. Waterfalls in Sri Lanka A waterfall occurs when a stream, river or creek drops down vertically or flows over the edge of a cliff. It is often said that a drop of at least 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) or a slope of at least 30 degrees is required to create a fall.Sri Lanka, although small in size, nurtures a brood of over 380 waterfalls in all. Most of these are located in hill country. Waterfalls usually flow over erosion-resistant rocks. For, if not, the rock would erode away giving way to friction thus causing the waterfall to lose its character. Most of Sri Lanka’s waterfalls flow over hard rock that is considerably erosion resistant. Sufficient rainfall is indispensable to nurture a fall. The majority of Sri Lanka’s waterfalls are confined to the wet zones of the island. Waterfalls, accompanied with all its elegance and wonder, serve as potential candidates in tourism. Their conservation and sustainable use is important in many a categories of tourism, particularly that of ecotourism.

Lanka Council on waterfalls The Lanka Waterfall Council is a non-profit organisation which has come to the fore to create public awareness and understanding on waterfalls with a particular view on their conservation. Commencing in 2000, this NGO has dedicated itself to promote the cause through public education, liaising nationally as well as internationally. The Council has 374 life members and 7800 ordinary members. They hail from all walks of life, including high profile academia, executives, conservationists, environmentalists, enthusiasts, journalists, school children and the general public.

The educational tours organised by the Council are very popular among the general public and school children. The Council organises community based workshops, exhibitions and seminars and tours and also conducts research. The Council also maintains a comprehensive data base on Sri Lankan waterfalls, through data collection and study of waterfalls. So far, the council has identified a total of over 382 waterfalls. The height of 5 out of these 382 was declared by the Survey Department, whereas the height of the rest has been declared by the Council. Presently, their database on waterfalls remains the most updated.The Council has also published many a books on waterfalls.

The Guide to Waterfall Study in Sri Lanka is a very informative booklet, including facts about waterfalls, how to organise tours, lists of equipment required for such an expedition, and safety precautions during a typical tour. Further, a detailed book and several booklets on 25 popular waterfalls have also been made available by the Council. Most of these are in the medium of Sinhala, but English books are due in the very near future. The Council also conducts an eight month Diploma Course to train and educate the public on waterfalls, which apparently have gathered much popularity. It caters to many categories including executives, doctors, various officials, teachers, university students, enthusiasts and school children. So far seven batches have reached completion of their courses. The Council looks forward to establishing youth clubs in a bid to encourage active youth participation in conserving waterfalls. The first 25 out of these will be established centering upon the 25 most popular waterfalls, and will be later extended to other waterfalls as well. Working closely with the local governments, the Council envisages preparing guidelines for awareness programmes, and drafting proposals for using waterfalls in nature based tourism.

The Council is also in the process of preparing a ‘Red List of Sri Lanka Waterfalls’ to identify threatened waterfalls in Sri Lanka. This programme will be launched in September 2008. The Lanka Waterfall Council can be reached at
PO BOX 26, 434/3, Sri Jayawardenapura, Sri Lanka.,
or at +94 11 5648151 / +94 71 2733986.
They are also available at
<waterfalls@sltnet.lk> and <afejchairman@yahoo.com>
or go to http://www.srilankanwaterfalls.net

Favourite picks

Bambarakanda The Bambarakanda Falls stands the tallest in the island, at 241 m. This fall is located in the Badulla District. Diyaluma Ella Diyaluma Ella is famed for its beauty throughout the country. Standing tall at 171 m, it reigns as the third tallest fall in the island. Diyaluma Ella cascades over the Koslanda Plateau of the Badulla District. Dumbara EllaThis beautiful cascade is located in the Kalupahana area of the Matale District. It’s about 20 m in height. This fall is also known for its importance in the field of scientific research, for it harbours a high diversity of fish. Lovers’ Leap Fall This beautiful 30m fall, located in Hava Eliya, cascades over Piduruthalagala. The fall spills over a hard granite ledge. Dunhinda Ella Dunhinda is one of the most mesmerizing falls in Sri Lanka. Its cascade resembles a thin cloud as it cascades 63m downwards into a large pool. The backdrop of the fall is known as ‘Dunhinda Adaviya’. ‘Dunhinda’ in Sinhala means ‘spraying vapour’ - the word ‘dun’ means ‘gave or was given’, while ‘hinda’ means ‘evaporate’. It’s in close proximity to the Badullu town. St. Clair’s FallsSt. Clair’s Falls is dubbed as Sri Lanka’s Niagara, or the ‘king of waterfalls’ due to its outstanding beauty. It is 80 m in height and consists of two segments, known as ‘Big St. Clair’ and ‘Small St. Clair’. It is nurtured by the Kotmale River and therefore is at the risk of being affected by the Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Project. This fall too is in close proximity to the Badulla town. Bopath Ella Cascading in the shape of a bo leaf, this fall receives its name Bopath Ella. This fall happens to be the most comprehensively studied fall in Sri Lanka. It’s nurtured by the Kuruganga later joins the river in Kuruganmodara. Falls in Sinharaja Sinharaja nurtures 19 waterfalls in all. The most popular among them are the Pathanoya Falls, Brahmana Falls, Malmora Falls, Pittakale Doovilli Falls, Neluwa Doovilli Falls, Lankagama Kekuna Falls and Illukumbakanda Doovilli Falls.
****

An ode to waterfalls Droplets of water slipped off the cliff mingling with the air in a delightful bid they danced with the wind and glistened in the sun uniting with one another in a graceful cascadeDown down they rodeas carefree as could be… until, they felt the tug of an unforeseen force that pulled them to a pool…Life thence, has been nothing, but currents and flows… Sometime back, a little kidleft the care of her parents to enter a school and down down the time scale she rode as carefree as could be… until, she felt the tug of an foreseen forcethat pulled her to a worldheading a rat raceLife ever sincehas been nothing but dizzy currents and turbid flows…

Sri Lanka's 400 waterfalls now on online access

2008-08-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Lanka Council On Water Falls(LCWF)http://www.srilankanwaterfalls.net/

http://srilankanwaterfalls.net/

Srilankanwaterfalls Egrouphttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Srilankanwaterfalls
_____________________

# Sri Lanka's 400 waterfalls now on online access and CD formatLanka Council on Waterfalls (LCWF) has recently launched their website http://www.srilankanwaterfalls.net/ with 400 Sri Lankan Waterfalls.The event was initiated by Lanka Council on Waterfalls after research from January 2001 to July 2008,completed their first national study on Sri Lanka Waterfalls. At the end of this study 400 waterfalls in Sri Lanka were identified. Earlier only 99 waterfalls had been recorded. This programme had the objectives of developing a set of activities that would contribute towards the study of waterfalls by LCWF. LCWF is a nonprofit organization which has worked nationally and internationally since its inception in 2000 to improve public awareness and understanding of water issues with a view to promote the conservation and wise use of nature and natural resources. LCWF designs and manages innovative high quality programs that build capacity in the field of environment education. LCWF's programs and activities seek to create awareness and enable individuals and communities to make resource use decisions that favour environmentally sustainable development.

http://www.srilankanwaterfalls.net/ is among the best web sites, for any one who needs to find details on new research and data etc. The web site will also be a useful source of information to Environmentalists, Academics, Scientists, Policy-makers,donors,journalists,Nature Lovers,tourists,Planers as well as NOGs in the field of education and related sectors. On-line access provides more opportunities for people to tap into accurate, up to-date information than ever before and has the potential to transform the development of the region. LCWF web-site will continue to develop over time and aims to involve communities in shaping its content.The site should proven and essential reference point for anyone with an interest in the field of environmental and waterfalls in Sri Lanka can be accessed at http://www.srilankanwaterfalls.net/

The web site is providing easy access to information about 400 Sri Lankan Waterfalls with the details of how to visit them and their photographs. Lists of the highest waterfalls of the world, Popular waterfalls, World waterfalls web-sites also included. Apart from those features the web-site presents several other Environmental Important facts.In addition to the site the LCWF sells a CD ROM, In English which is supposed to contain all the information regarding to the SriLankan waterfalls.CD ROM Price in Outside Sri Lanka US $25 including airmail postage.To know more about SriLankanWaterfalls contact email on or go to http://www.srilankanwaterfalls.net/

http://srilankanwaterfalls.net/

Communicating Sustainable Development

2008-08-10T04:33:00.000-07:00

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Communicating Sustainable Development
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Contact: Dr. Dharman Wickremaratne, Chairperson ... Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists. Website: http://www.environmentaljournalists.lk ...www.wbcsd.org/web/complus/documents/communicating_sd_chapter2.pdf

Challenges of the New Millennium

2008-08-10T04:32:00.000-07:00

Challenges of the New Millennium
http://www.sdnbd.org/global_work.htm

A two-day global workshop of environmental journalists was held in Dhaka on December 29-30, 1999, with a call to incorporate environmental issues in the political agenda of respective countries to combat the ecological degradation around the world.

The workshop, entitled "Challenges of the New Millennium : Reversing Environmental Degradation and Role of the Media", was participated by about 100 environmental journalists and experts from across the world. The participants shared their views on different crucial issues of environment and conservation and discussed media strategies to face the challenges of the new millennium in protecting Mother Earth against the onslaughts of environmental degradation.
Environment and Forest Minister Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury inaugurated the workshop on December 29 at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said: "Our government believes that setting realistic goals, with measurable results, will help us achieve sustainable development". She also listed different national programmes and ecosystem initiatives to protect the country's environment.
Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury sought the cooperation and support of NGO , civil societies and specially the journalists, in ensuring sustain- able development. "Come forward and use your green pen in raising awareness among people in Bangladesh in particular and the world community in general", she asked the media representatives drawn from eight countries.
Environment Secretary Syed Marghub Murshed, UNDP Resident Representative Andre Klap, AFEJ Chairman Dr Dharman Wickremaratne, CEJA Secretary General Nina Ratulele and editors of different national newspapers and news agencies were present at the inaugural session of the workshop which was followed by two technical sessions covering water and air pollution.
Klap, AFEJ Chairman Dr Dharman Wickremaratne, CEJA Secretary General Nina Ratulele and editors of different national newspapers and news agencies were present at the inaugural session of the workshop which was followed by two technical sessions covering water and air pollution.
Andre Klap, the UNDP Resident Representative speaking on the occasion pointed out that environmental degradation had been increasing all over the world and a large number of people were facing environ- mental hazards. He stressed the need for strategic partnership among the government, NGOs and citizens organizations to play an effective role in addressing the burning environmental concerns Globally.
Speaking at the concluding session on December 30, AZM Enayetullah Khan , Editor-in-Chief of Holiday, the national weekend newspaper, urged the political parties, including the ruling Awami League and main opposition BNP, to incorporate the environment issues in their "political agenda".
Other speakers at the workshop also emphasized the importance of democracy and public participation as they dwelt on different critical issues of sustainable development, conflicts and balances between environment, economy, ecology and development.
"It (workshop) has underlined the need for an approach to think Globally and act locally." Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, the FEJB Chairman, told the concluding session. He added that the media should intensify the campaign for protecting the environment at national as well as Global levels.
Asia-Pacific Forum of Environment Journalists (AFEJ) and Commonwealth Environment journalists Association (CEJA) collaborated with the FEJB in organizing the workshop. Representatives from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, China, the Philippines, Jordan, Fiji, Canada, Germany, IUCN, UNDP, UNICEF, WW and The World Bank attended the workshop.
Dr Mahfuzul Haque, Programme Co-ordinator of the government's Sustainable Environment Management Programme (SEMP), said one of the major problems facing developing countries is that the West wants them to compromise their development priorities to contain pollution. "For us economic development is a necessity," Dr Haque said explaining conflicts between development and ecology and the idea of sustainable development with minimum intervention into the nature.
Chairman of Asian Forum of Environment Journalist (AFEJ) Dr Dharman Wickremaratne, Laisa Taga and Nina Raulele of Fiji, Abdur Rauf of WWF (Pakistan), Qingzi Sang of China, Elizabeth Roxas of the Philippines, Thomas Vaser of Germany, Umer Afridi of Pakistan, Nava Thakuria of India, Dinesh Weerakkody of Sri Lanka, Cameron Kennedy of Canada and Dhatri Prasad Subedi of Nepal, Ahmed Nure Alam, Md. Gaziur Rahman, Nurul Huda and Bakhtiar Rana of FEJB took part in the discussions. Chief Editor of The Financial Express Reazuddin Ahmed and National Press Club President Khandokar Manirul Alam also spoke at the concluding session. Supported by the UNDP, The World Bank, the Ministry of Environment and Forest and some other development agencies, the work shop highlighted the key environmental issues, particularly the air and water pollution problems in Bangladesh as well as other countries.
Presenting a keynote paper on air pollution, M Reazuddin, Director of the Department of Environment, mentioned that the high level of ambient air pollution due to vehicular emission was one of the worst environmental problems affecting all the ten million inhabitants of Dhaka city.
"Dhaka city's air is also polluted with carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emitted from vehicles due to improper maintenance of the engines and use of adulterated fuel and lubricants." he said adding that the number one polluter in Dhaka city was the three- wheeler taxi run by two-stroke engines. He referred to various efforts made by the government to cheek air pollution.
Speaking on the occasion Mahbubul Alam, Editor of The Independent, called for strict enforcement of laws in creating a healthy city. He, however, regretted that the DOE and the relevant government agencies were helpless in reversing the environmental degradation due to lack of political will at the highest level.

The Director General of the DOE, AR Khan, also conceded that the polluters were much more powerful than the government agencies. Abdur Rouf, Communications Director of WWF-Pakistan focused his discussion on campaign strategy for changing human behavior towards a cleaner future. Cammeroon Kennedy of Canada and Dr M Khairy Lubbadeh of Jordan also took park in the first technical session.

At one of the technical sessions, Professor Ainun Nishat, country representative of IUCN Bangladesh, presented a keynote paper on issues and approaches to water management terming it a challenge of the new rnillenium. Another session of the workshop focused on sustainable environment management where Dr Mahfuzul Huq, Programme Coordinator of SEMP, had been the main speaker.

The song of the waterfall

2008-08-10T04:24:00.000-07:00

The song of the waterfall
http://sundaytimes.lk/040704/plus/8.html

By Sachitra Mahendra

The Lanka Council of Waterfalls (LCWF), a non-profit scientific organization is focused on the socio-cultural protection of the country's wealth of waterfalls. They do this by making both Sri Lankans and foreigners aware of this great asset, says LCWF President Anura Nelugalla, Chief Engineer, Velioya project.

They have several study areas, among them the life-style of the people who live near the waterfalls, the flora and fauna, the economic benefits, related myths and legends and the specific sounds of water.
With measurements done by the Survey Department, the LCWF has been instrumental in getting three Sri Lankan waterfalls listed in the 100 highest waterfalls of the world. The three are Bambarakanda Falls, 241 metres high, placed 48th, Kurundu Falls, 189 metres high, placed 58th and Diyaluma Falls, 171 metres high, placed 62nd.
The LCWF plans to draw international attention to the country's waterfalls by conducting an international meeting on waterfalls by 2005. Recently launched is a diploma course with lecturers comprising university dons and professionals of the field like J.B. Disanayaka, emeritus Professor of Sinhala and Dharmasiri Gamage, a veteran environmental journalist. The syllabus includes an introduction to water, water management, definition of water, the formation of a waterfall, geological background, measuring methods, conservation, bio-diversity and economic benefits. The four-month diploma is part time, held on weekends and is open to anyone interested in the field.
The LCWF includes a study centre as well as an information centre. Developed countries utilize waterfalls to generate hydropower without affecting their natural state. Sri Lanka however, being a developing country, faces huge challenges in operating such projects with conservationists objecting on several grounds.
“We have gathered that the occasional awareness programmes on the value of waterfalls do not make any sense to poverty stricken people. We need to teach them the value of waterfalls in a practical way. When the number of tourists grows, they automatically start to sense the growth of their economic state as well,” says Niroshana Peiris, LCWF coordinator. The LCWF is planning to activate eco-tourism projects, he added.
The LCWF is also searching for waterfall related songs and have their own theme song written by Dharmasiri Gamage with music directed by Rohana Weerasinghe.
Those interested in the study of waterfalls should log on to their website www.srilankanwaterfalls.net or email them at waterfalls@sltnet.lk

The story of the prince and the beautiful damsel

2008-08-10T04:22:00.000-07:00

http://sundaytimes.lk/050626/funday/2.html
The story of the prince and the beautiful damsel

http://www.srilankanwaterfalls.net continues the fascinating trip across waterfalls
in association with Lanka Council of Waterfalls

We know of the Lovers' Leap in Trincomalee.
There is a waterfall too by the same name in the Nuwara Eliya District.
Lovers' Leap Falls is a beautiful 30m fall which commences from the streams and brooks of Sri Lanka's highest mountain, the Piduruthalagala (2524m). It flows over hard granite ledges and the water is collected in a tank and used for drinking. In dry spells, the flow is weak.
The fall is said to derive its name from the tragic tale of a prince, who while hunting in the jungle, lost his way. He was rescued by a beautiful damsel, and the two became inseparable lovers. But the match was not to the liking of the prince's subjects, so the two decided to leap from the top of the fall to their death. Superstitious villagers avoid the fall at night.
The fall is situated in Hava Eliya, 1.5km from Nuwara Eliya.Kuda Falls (30m in height) is near Kirindi Falls and it is the difference in size between these two falls that gave rise to its name. Rain dramatically improves the fall but simultaneously floods the low-lying Kuttapitiya village. There is a minor hydro-electric power plant at the top of the fall. Not many visit the fall. It is obviously dangerous since several people have drowned at the site.
Galboda Fall can be found in Kuttapitiya above the Kirindi River in the Kaluwara dola in the Ratnapura District. The fall originates from the Galboda Canal (also known as the Hanguranketha ganga), in the Central Province wet zone. Annual rainfall here exceeds 4500mm, 60% of the rain coming from the south-west monsoon (dry season is January to February). Watawala, the area of Sri Lanka that receives the highest amount of rainfall on the island, is nearby.
Galboda Falls is 30m high but the width ranges from between 3m and 6m, depending on the season. At certain times of year, the water also cascades in two streams. Growing in the surrounding woodland is a rare species of orchid and the vicinity is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Among them are 12 species of reptile and four are only found in Sri Lanka. The upper section of the fall is unique in its biodiversity, thus it is of paramount importance to limit any potential danger to the area.
The name of the fall, (Galboda means 'fall adjoining the stone') is said to derive from the large boulder situated at its foot, though another theory is that the water here is heavier than anywhere else on the island.
The Gal Oruwa Falls' catchments are the aquifers of Sinharaja Forest. The stream flows between two boulders measuring 30m high 2m wide & 40m in lengths. There is a boulder at the bottom covering the fall on three sides, resembling a boat synonymous with its name-' Rock Boat'.
The fall cascades into this boat shaped abyss, emitting a fearful roar. The pool located at its base measures 25m x 2m. From here the gushing water flows through a subterranean passage for about 40m before emerging from beneath. From colonial times, the fall had been associated with lepers. In 1993 several of them were found at a medical clinic held at Sinharaja Pitadeniya.
Located in Lankagama Village, Galle Districts, Hiniduma Electorate, the fall can be reached along the Lankagama road nearby a hydropower project.Diya Egirena Falls is a 30m fall which was previously known as 'Diyawegirena Falls', denoting its perennial flow, but underwent dialectal change to its present form. The plants in the surrounding Dedugala Reserve have valuable medicinal qualities but are being pilfered by unscrupulous thieves who sell them as ornamental plants.
The fall is located at Pallampitiya village in the Bulathkohupitiya Divisional Secretariat, Kegalle District. It is 96 km from Colombo, 24 km from Navalapitiya and 3 km from Dolosbage.

Bambarakanda Falls ranks 48th in the world

2008-08-10T04:13:00.000-07:00

http://sundaytimes.lk/050313/funday/2.html
Bambarakanda Falls ranks 48th in the world

http://www.srilankanwaterfalls.net takes you on a fascinating trip in association with
Lanka Council on Waterfalls

Let us look at the highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. As you may already know, Bambarakanda is the highest waterfall in our country. It is 241 metres and is far below the highest waterfalls in the world. In fact, it ranks 48th among the 100 highest waterfalls in the world. It is formed by the Uduweriya Haputale mountains’ Kuda Oya, a tributary of the Walawe River.
Situated in the Badulla district, where there are 33 waterfalls, Bambarakanda falls within the Haldummulla Provincial Council area. It is on the Colombo-Badulla highway and is 18 km away from Belihuloya, where the popular rest house is. It is 27 km from Koslanda and is also quite close to the World’s End, one of Sri Lanka’s major natural tourist attractions. The approach to Bambarakanda is not difficult.
Second in the list is Kurunduoya Falls with a height of 189 meters. Thus we see a difference of 52m between the first and the second. It ranks as the 58th in the list of highest world waterfalls. It is one of 75 waterfalls in the Nuwara Eliya district.
Also called the Maturata Fall, its source is the Kurundu river from where the water cascades down into a deep ravine before joining the Mahaweli Ganga. On the road from Nuwara Eliya to Kandapola, it is situated in the hill country.
Diyaluma, the third highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, is one of the most popular mainly because of its easy accessibility. The 114 metres high waterfall is in the Ratnapura district which boasts of 109 waterfalls - the most in the country. Situated on the Koslanda-Wellawaya road, it is just six kilometers away from Koslanda and 13 km from Wellawaya.
Diyaluma ranks 62nd in the list of highest waterfalls in the world. It offers a spectacular sight during the rainy season.
Among the legends related to Diyaluma is one about a king who had fallen in love with a young woman belonging to a lower caste. The king’s subjects were angry about it and the couple decided to flee. Arriving at the site of the fall, they began climbing. The king made it to the top but the creeper the woman was hanging onto became entangled in rocks and she plunged to her death. It is said that the tears shed by the king in his grief were collected by a deity and turned into the fall as it stands today.
Mapalana in the Ratnapura district is the fourth highest. It is 114m high and is in three sections. It is served by Ella Oya. According to the villagers, the fall has been named after a nobleman who came to bathe there.
Located in the Samanala Kanda, it is 22 km from Ratnapura at a village called Kondagala. The water gushes down so heavily during the rainy season that the loud noise can be heard as far as six kilometers away.
The fifth in the list is Laksapana Fall in the Nuwara Eliya district and is 129m in height. Considered one of the very popular waterfalls, many believe that it has got its name from the presence of iron ore (laksha) in the rocks over which the water flows. The Laksapana reservoir, where the fall is found, is used by power stations at New Laksapana, Canyon and Polpitye Samanala, resulting in a certain amount of water depletion.
The most convenient route to get to the Laksapana fall is the Hatton-Maskeliya road. Falling within the Ambagamuwa Korale, one has to pass the Pathana village to reach it. Ginigathena is the closest town.

The 100m high waterfalls

2008-08-10T03:53:00.000-07:00

http://sundaytimes.lk/050327/funday/4.html

http://www.srilankanwaterfalls.net continues the fascinating trip across waterfalls in association with Lanka Council on Waterfalls

The 100m high waterfalls

Today we look at some waterfalls which are all 100 meters high. We begin with Nekkavita Fall in the Kegalle district. The Mahagal Oya springs from the western slope of the 718m-high Higurangala Mountain and flows over a stone slab, creating this fall.

Take the Avisawella - Hatton - Nuwara Eliya road via Talduwa to Deraniyagala to reach the fall which is situated 85km from Colombo. It is 50km away from the Kithulgala resthouse, the popular stop famous the world over as the location where the award winning film, ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ was filmed.

The Gerandigini Falls is an amalgamation of several falls in the Ratnapura District including the Ramboda and Gerandi falls. While this fall is 100m, the total height is 270m. Such is its scale, the fall can be seen from a considerable distance. The stream springs from the Galaha Forest Reserve, passing Galbithiya and onto the Puna Oya .

At the estuary where Gerandi Falls meets Puna Oya, another fall measuring 6m in height is created. The fall is situated about 100m below the tea estate in the Ramboda area and can be acc-essed either via the tea estate or the footpaths of Ramboda village. From Ratnapura take the Pelmadulla - Pathakade road to Samanalagama village. The fall is 3km south of Samanalagama.
The Galdola Fall (Ratnapura district) originates from a tributary of the Rakwana river, which flows down the eastern slope of Suriyakande mountain in the Sinharaja forest reserve. The water courses over rock-strewn terrain and at times the flow is submerged by rocky outcrops. This profusion of rocks gives the fall its name ‘dola’ meaning ‘rockpool’.

The fall is situated at the 82nd mile post near Rakwana, on the Ratnapura - Pelmadulla road. Rakwana rest-house is just 3km away. The 100m-high Elihatha Falls, as the name suggests, encapsulates a series of seven falls, each identified by a number. The first can be viewed from the Udaboda Estate (Kegalle District). To view the second fall, walk past Maliboda Bazaar, through Uda Malimboda, Nuriya, Thalawa and on to Dickwella mountain. The other five falls are difficult to reach.

The fall is situated in the Nuwara Eliya district at Bambargala mountain in the Middeniya ‘grama niladhari’ area. The only road on which to approach the fall in any type of vehicle, is from Deraniyagala to Malimbada. Go up to Uda Malimbadatown, and then use the road running adjacent to the cooperative of Uda Malimbada. The nearest town is Deraniyagala.
The impressive Dansinashin Fall cascades in a spectacular sequence of steps before flowing to the Pundalu Oya , the Kotmale river and finally the Kotmale reservoir. The nearest town is Pundalu Oya.

Take the Kandy road towards Nuwara Eliya toThavalamtenne. Turn onto the Gampola - Pundalu Oya road that leads to Pundalu Oya. Once there, continue for a further 2km to the two large tea estates called Dansinan and Shin. The fall flows between these estates and can be viewed in two segments, from above the road or below.

Our list of 18 waterfalls above the 100m mark is thus completed.
There are eight which fall within the 75-100 metres range.

A journalist's view of radical student politics in Sri Lanka

2008-08-10T03:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.dailymirror.lk/2006/09/23/life/07.asp
A journalist's view of radical student politics in Sri Lanka

By Gamini Akmeemana

Dharman Wickremaratne became well-known throughout the 1990s as a spokesman for environmentalists due to the good work done through his Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists' Forum (SLEJF). Those who are unaware of his days as a young reporter for the Divaina newspaper during the latter half of the 1980s, therefore, might be surprised by his latest publications - two Sinhala non-fiction works which document the bloody and turbulent history of Lankan student and labour movements.
"Lakan Student Movement" and "History of May Day and the banned May Day of 1987" document in detail the essentials of this violent and often controversial history. The former is well-illustrated with photographs of key events and personalities, while the latter is a slimmer volume.
My knowledge of our radical politics isn't deep enough for me to ascertain just how impartial and accurate Dharman's account is. But I can vouch for the fact that he was a first-hand observer of the events he describes in such detail in these two books. As a talented, energetic reporter of what was then the largest-selling Sinhala daily, assigned to cover the volatile field of higher education, he personally knew all the key players of the era - from government and opposition politicians to trade unionists, student leaders and senior policemen. He is said to have been present at police firing which led to the death of a student during the infamous 1987 May Day. As such, he is uniquely placed to present us with a wide panorama of what is surely the most pivotal stage of modern Lankan politics. Both books will undoubtedly become valuable reference work to students of Lankan politics, now and in future.
Another recent SLEJF publication is Dharman's now familiar Media Guide of Sri Lanka, now into its sixth edition and an invaluable Who's Who for those interested in this country's media. It also lists embassies and ministries and is a very handy reference work.

Dharman Wickremaratne: books by Dharman Wickremaratne @ BookFinder.com

2008-08-10T03:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.bookfinder.com/author/dharman-wickremaratne/
Dharman Wickremaratne: books by Dharman Wickremaratne @ BookFinder.com

Environmental Education in Sri Lanka

2008-08-10T02:47:00.000-07:00

http://jeef.or.jp/EAST_ASIA/countries/view/19
The Situation of Environmental Education in Sri Lanka

Government Policies and Programs The need for EE has been explicitly recognized by government policies and in many cases, policy directives exist for the incorporation of EE in to mainstream education. There is a growing recognition by governments of the need to integrate environmental education into the country’s programs, For instance, a presidential Decree in Sir Lanka makes it obligatory for the National Environmental Protection Council and other governmental agencies to undertake public information activities for the purpose of stimulating awareness and encouraging involvement in environmental protection.
EE in Schools
Formal education has perhaps been the first to respond to the new awareness on the environment which came about after the Stockholm Conference in 1972 and the Tiblisi Conference in 1977. In particular, EE started getting integrated at the school level. In Sri Lanka, the prescribed school curriculum lays emphasis on environmental education throughout the 13 year school span, and the approach at all levels is essentially multi disciplinary.
Teacher Training
Regional and sub –regional teacher training programs have been organized in Asia by UNEP. The UNESCO –UNEP International Environmental Education Program (IEEP) has evolved a regional strategy for developing EE curriculum prototypes for primary and secondary schools as well as pre and in service training of school teachers taking into account the physical, biological, social, cultural and economic dimensions of the environment in an integrated manner. The Ministry of Environment Sri Lanka has established a National Environmental Education Training Centre for in service teacher training.
Role of NGOs
Environmental NGOs are playing an important part in facilitating the process of sustainable development. As they are usually directly in touch with the grass roots of a community they can sometimes operate more effectively than “top down” mechanisms. They can effectively transmit information to their members about the state of the environment and threats to it. They can also convey to governments the people’s concern about environmental quality. In a number of cases, environmental NGOs have greatly enhanced public participation in environmental protection and environmental improvement.
Growing Power for Mass Media
Sri Lanka’s National Conservation Strategy has a public information program and urges that newspapers should view environmental topics from an educational point of view rather than form their news values.

By Dr. Dharman Wickremaratne
Sri Lanka environmental Journalists Forum

New training institute for environmental journalists from developing countries

2008-08-10T02:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=3232&channel=0

A new international training institute for environmental journalists from developing countries is to be established in South Asia, it has been announced by the Asia Pacific Forum of Environment Journalists (APFEJ).

A new international training institute for environmental journalists from developing countries is to be established in South Asia, it has been announced by the Asia Pacific Forum of Environment Journalists (APFEJ). The new institute was announced at the Asia-Pacific Environment Journalists Media Symposium on “The Role of the Media in Achieving Sustainable Development”, in Kitakyushu City in Japan, and will come into operation from 2001. It will be open to journalists from all developing countries around the world. “We will take over one hundred journalists for training yearly,” announced Dharman Wickremaratne, AFEJ Chairman.
A declaration issued at the symposium called on governments in the Asia Pacific Region to recognise national forums of environmental journalists as partners in the sustainable development process. Environmental journalists have a “watchdog role in establishing an accountable, corruption free, transparent and good environment governance,” said the Declaration.

Governments have been urged “to make budgetary allocations to the existing media network such as Asia Pacific Forum of Environment including its national forums” and to “provide help with training facilities such as installation of information technology accessories, computers and libraries” to upgrade their professional skills and capacities to promote sustainable development.
The Institute will be established in Sri Lanka, and negotiations for funding are already taking place with a number of organisations, in particular with the UN, Wickremaratne told edie.
According to the declaration, “any development activity carried out by the governments, NGO’s, bilateral or multilateral organisations” would have no impact unless the people are aware of it”. “It is here that the media plays its important role,” states the declaration.

Blazes the electric trail

2008-08-10T02:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.lanka.net/sundayleader/1997/december/28th/review.html
Senanayake blazes the electric trail

by Dharman Wickremaratne

The first motor car was produced by Daimler of Germany in the year 1885. Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity in 1705. Approximately 10 decades ago, a leading milk distributing company in Great Britain had converted its vans into electric-powered vehicles. During the second world war certain countries used electric vehicles for activities connected with the war.
With the exploration of petroleum resources in the Middle East, it became possible for all industries including automobiles to utilize fuel as the source of energy. When petroleum oil began to invade the automobile market at profitably low prices, electrically- operated vehicles which had previously held sway in the world fell into an insignificant position. Deficiencies or their bad influences in new technologies usually surface after a considerable period of time. True to this phenomenon, poisonous substances such as carbon dioxide, sulphur osice and nitrogen monoxide, all of which are resultant effects of petroleum products, automatically became the major enemies of all beings on earth.
Poisonous gases can cause ice glaziers to melt and also to pierce the ozone layer. Similarly they are capable of even causing irreparable damage to human and animal lives. Having realized the gravity of this situation, automobile companies such as Ford, BMW and Benz reverted to the manufacture of electric-powered motor vehicles. Consequently the demand for electric-powered motor vehicles increased appreciably in developed countries like England, Germany, France, United States of America and Japan.
Senators of California by consensus once gave a direction to the state government to the effect that by the year 2000 at least 2% of the registered motor vehicles should be electrically-operated. During the last eight years or so, about 200 electric buses have been operating on an experimental basis in New Delhi, India. Some three-wheelers in Nepal are also electric-powered.
When D.W. Senanayake participated in the 12th seminar on electric vehicles held in California in December 1994, a new idea was born in his mind. This idea was concerned with producing a vehicle which will lend itself to saving foreign exchange as well as controlling environmental pollution. He was convinced that such a vehicle should be one of simple technology and appropriate to our country which is currently at a primary stage of development compared with the level of technology prevailing in the developed world.
At this seminar, Sena-nayake had the opportunity of meeting and exchanging views with several entrepreneurs including large scale producers of electric vehicles, conversion kits, batteries and other necessary items. He visited several factories and acquired first-hand knowledge required for producing an electric-powered vehicle.
Similarly he was able to see for himself the systematic bus service operating in Santa Barbara and gather invaluable information. Thereafter Senanayake took steps to place an order for the required conversion kit as well as other accessories in order to produce an electric-powered vehicle in Sri Lanka in association with Mendomotive Electronic Co. of USA. He purchased a diesel-driven Isuzu Fargo van for Rs. 510,000 and spent another Rs. 710,000 (US $1-SL Rs. 60) for the purpose of importing the conversion kit and batteries from Mendomotive Co. On account of labor charges and local raw materials, approximately another Rs. 580,000 had to be spent. The vehicle which was thus produced after incurring all types of expenditure cost him approximately Rs. 1,800,000.
Senanayake replaced the engine of his van with an electric motor. A battery bank consisting of 24 lead acid batteries is being made use of as the power generation unit of this van. This battery bank produces an energy capacity of 144 volts which activates the 28 hp electric motor of the vehicle.
The recharging power required for this vehicle is primarily obtained from household energy. A wire connected to a 15 amp plug base in a house is then connected to a battery charger of 16 amperes which in turn is joined with the battery bank. By means of a meter fixed onto the battery charger it is possible to ascertain the volume of energy stored in the batteries as well as their condition. Batteries fitted in a vehicle of this nature can last for 3-4 years.
By charging the batteries for eight hours during the night, the vehicle can run for about 70 km. The average running cost per kilometer is approximately Rs. 1.10. Compared with petrol and diesel vehicles the running cost involved here is minimal.
There are several benefits associated with this vehicle compared with the normal types. The significant benefits are: (a) cleanliness, (b) environmental pollution-free quality, (c) free of jerks while running, (d) its ability to start and stop instantly, (e) capacity to reach maximum speed in a short time, (f) long life, and (g) minimal expenditure for the maintenance of the vehicle.
Use of this type of vehicle benefits the general environment as well as the economic condition of the owner. Environmental pollution will not take place and, as a result, people will not be affected by diseases caused by pollution. Consequently there will be savings in government expenditure on account of health services. Expenditure in terms of foreign exchange incurred on import of fuel and spares for motor vehicles in general will also significantly decline. These are some of the noteworthy gains.
It took Senanayake about one month to complete the process of converting the vehicle including the installation of the conversion kit. Thereafter this electric-powered van was utilized for day to day activities with effect from June 1995. Some of the inherent disadvantages of the electric vehicle are: (a) short distance running capacity, (b) excessive weight, (c) large investment on its conversion, and (d) the long period of time required for re-charging the batteries. However, it has a very high value compared with other types of motor vehicles.
In appreciation of the unparalleled innovative contribution made by Senanayake by producing an environment-friendly electric vehicle, the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science presented him its environmental award in 1995. Similarly the Chartered Institute of Transport honored him with the best transport award in 1997. In the same year the National Development Bank offered to share a part of the capital cost involved in his effort which was a great source of encouragement to Senanayake. Thereafter he made plans to convert a 35-seater passenger bus into an electric-power unit. According to his plans, it is expected to make use of unserviceable buses of the Sri Lanka Transport Board and also to locally produce lead acid batteries and electric motors. It will thereby be possible to reduce the cost of converting buses by about 50%.
He is of the opinion that the cost of running an electric-powered bus will be about 40% less than that of a normal diesel bus. He feels that such buses can be deployed as part of the inter-city bus service between Colombo and Kandy and also between Colombo and Galle. It will be possible to make a great success of such a service by installing two or three solar power stations in between the destinations which can supply the required energy to charge the batteries.
However, there is a pathetic situation confronting Senanayake's endeavors at the moment. The ministries of environment and defense who have a role in this matter have taken two different views of the new technology so that it has not been possible for Senanayake to register this vehicle and obtain the revenue license. Although government intervention and support is a significant aspect in other countries of the world in instances of innovative contributions, such a policy does not appear to exist in Sri Lanka which should not be so any longer.

(The writer is a general secretary, Bangkok based Asia Pacific Forum of Environmental Journalists and Deputy Secretary, Paris based International Federation of Eco Journalists.
He can be reached via E-mail: afejchairman@yahoo.com
http://www.lanka.net/sundayleader/1997/december/28th/review.html

Bopath Falls

2008-08-10T02:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.angelfire.com/in4/visitsl2/bopath/bopath.htm.
Bopath Ella

Photo Source www.srilankanwaterfalls.net
Height :
30 metres
District :
Ratnapura
The Bopath Falls cascades in the shape of a bo (Ficus religiosa) tree (hence its name) and is the most comprehensively studied fall in Sri Lanka. Its source is the Kurugana River that later joins the Kaluganga River at Kurugaomaodara.
The average temperature of the area is 26.9 - 27.8 degrees Celsius and the annual rainfall of the fall's catchment area is 5080mm. The mean speed of the flow is 6 cubic metres per second. The upper reach of the fall is made up of granite and biotite virin, and is covered by sand. The water from the fall irrigates the paddy fields of the Udakada and Kuruwita areas.
The surrounding plant and tree life includes attikka (Ficus racimosa), kumbuk (Terminalia arjuna), midella, dun (Doona spp), para (Wormia suffruticosa), ginihota (Cythia spp), rathmadiya, ketala (Lagenendra oveta), Beduru (Dryneria spp), orchids, varieties of meewana (Madhca) badal, hanassa, makulu and beduru. Animal species include wild boar, Meemina deer and reptiles, and the water is home to many species of fish including bulathhapaya, lellu, magura, korali, sonnu and eel. In addition to its rich bio-diversity, the fall is also steeped in folklore. One such story tells how a youth from Colombo made a pilgrimage here, and on losing his way was helped and sheltered by a local village girl.
A love developed between the two and she became pregnant before his departure. He left, promising to return but never did. Overcome with grief, she took her own life by plunging into the fall. Villagers say that her ghost (which appears as a floating blue light) haunts the fall.
Another local belief is that a treasure trove lies somewhere within the fall and that one thousand human sacrifices are needed to retrieve it. Bopath Falls is in the Ratnapura District, Kuruwita Divisional Secretariat at Agalwatte village. Take the road from Columbo to Ratnapura and turn left along Devipahala road. After 3km the fall is reached. (The Dodam Falls is located close by).

Source : www.srilankanwaterfalls.net
Author & Publisher : Dharman Wickremaratne

Lankan journalist honoured

2008-08-10T02:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/981206/plus9.html
Lankan journalist honoured

Dharman Wickremaratne, Editorial Director of the Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists (SLEJF) was elected as Chairman of the Bangkok based Asia Pacific Forum of Environmental Journalists (AFEJ) at the tenth General Meeting and Election of the regional body held recently.
Mr. Wickremaratne a founder member of both SLEJF and AFEJ earlier served as General Secretary of AFEJ from 1995 to 1998.

He is the Deputy Secretary of the Paris based International Federation of Environmental Journalists (IFEJ) and is also the founder of the Commonwealth Environmental Journalists Association based in Ghana. He was instrumental in providing the World Environmental Journalists with a Code of Ethics (the first such code in the world) at the 6th World Congress of Environmental Journalists held in Sri Lanka, October 1998. Initially it was accepted by 78 participants representing 43 countries at the World Congress. The Code of Ethics now has been officially accepted by Environmental Media Organizations around the world representing 76 countries.
AFEJ is a professional regional media organization which brings together national forums of environmental journalists in 21 countries of the region viz: China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, Fiji, Bhutan, Thaiwan, Papua New Guinea etc, AFEJ was established in 1988 at a meeting of environmental journalists held in Bangkok, Thailand and received support from the UN-ESCAP and UNEP. AFEJ next annual congresses will be held in Bangladesh (1999), Soloman Islands (2000), Maldives (2001) and China (2002).

Code of Ethics for world Environmental Journalists

2008-08-10T02:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.ijnet.org/Director.aspx?P=Ethics&ID=8309&LID=1
The following Code of Ethics was ratified at the 6th World Congress of Environmental Journalists held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on October 19 - 23, 1998.

Code of Ethics for Environmental Journalists

1. The right to a clean environment and sustainable development is fundamental and is closely connected to the right to life and good health and well being. The environmental journalist should inform the public about the threats to the environment - whether it is at the global, regional, national or local level.
2. Often the media is the only source of information on the environment. The journalist's duty is to heighten the awareness of the public on environmental issues. The journalist should strive to report a plurality of views on the environment.
3. By informing the public, the journalist plays a vital role in enabling people to resort to action in protecting their environment. The journalist's duty is not only in alerting people about their endangered environment at the outset, but also in following up such threats and keeping them posted about developments. Journalists should also attempt to write on possible solutions to environmental problems.
4. The journalists should not be influenced on these issues by vested interests - whether they are commercial, political, and government or non-governmental. The journalist ought to keep a distance from such interests and not ally with them. As a rule journalists should report all sides in any environmental controversy.
5. The journalist should as far as possible cite sources of information and avoid alarmist or speculative reportage and tendentious comment. He or she should crosscheck the authenticity of a source, whether commercial, official or non-governmental.
6. The environmental journalist should foster equity in access to such information and help organizations and individuals to gain it. Electronic retrieval of data can provide a useful and egalitarian tool in this regard.
7. The journalist should respect the right of privacy of individuals who have been affected by environmental catastrophes, natural disasters and the like.
8. The environmental journalist should not hesitate to correct information that he or she previously believed was correct, or to tilt the balance of public opinion by analysis in the light of subsequent developments.

The original draft for this code of ethics was prepared by a committee of three senior International Environmental Journalists:
Dr. Dharman Wickremaratne - Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (SLEJF) Chairman;
Darryl D'Monte - Forum of Environmental Journalists of India (FEJI) Chairman;
Dr. Robert Thomas - Visiting Professor, Loyola University Chair in Environmental Communications & Member of the Society of Environmental Journalists, USA.

Media Guide of Sri Lanka

2008-08-10T02:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.allbookstores.com/book/9789559161172/Dharman_Wickremaratne/Media_Guide_Of_Sri_Lanka.html
Media Guide of Sri Lanka
Author:
Dharman Wickremaratne, Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum
Format:
Book
Publish Date:
2008
For the best price: US 25
or just
Pages:
248
Publisher:
Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum

Book Details Summary: The title of this book is Media Guide of Sri Lanka and it was written by Dharman Wickremaratne, Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum. This edition of Media Guide of Sri Lanka is in a Book format. This books publish date is 2008 and it has a suggested retail price of . There are 248 pages in the book and it was published by Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum. The 10 digit

Baffled botanists battle a blunder

2008-08-10T01:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/980118/plus6.html.
Baffled botanists battle a blunder

"The fact that the spread of Salvinia began from Kolonnawa is perhaps known only to the scientists who released this plant into the Kolonnawa canal in 1939"

By Dr. Dharman Wickremaratne

He genesis of the Salvinia plant can be traced to Brazil. At a time when Salvinia was alien to Sri Lanka, the Department of Botany of the University of Ceylon in 1939 got down some Salvinia plants for an examination from the Royal Botanical Gardens in (UK). From time to time Salvinia plants were brought to Sri Lanka from Kew Gardens or Calcutta since the process of getting them down was both expensive and troublesome. Some plants thus brought to Sri Lanka were released into a canal at Kolonnawa in the hope they would grow there to be collected when needed.
Salvinia brought here for study purposes appears to have slipped from everybody's attention after a short period of time. According to a legend, Salvinia is supposed to have been introduced into the major water bodies in and around Colombo in order to make them look like grasslands so that during the Second World War, Japanese parachutists would land on salvinia and get drowned. The fact that the spread of Salvinia began from Kolonnawa is perhaps known only to the scientists who released this plant into the Kolonnawa canal in 1939.
The Salvinia plant spread fast to the water bodies and fertile paddy fields throughout Sri Lanka becoming a great enemy of agriculture. Several steps taken by the relevant authorities towards its eradication had insignificant success. Although Salvinia plants were removed on a mass scale from water bodies and paddy fields, the menace would spread again after a short period of time.
Reading the gravity of the problem, the Natural Resources Energy and Science Authority (NARESA) of Sri Lanka took the initiative to find a solution. Scientists from the Universtiy of Sri Jayawardenapura were of the view that biological control can be successfully adopted against Salvinia and accordingly a project was launched by NARESA to combat Salvinia using a weevil. NARESA's main role here was to enlist the expertise available in universities, research institutes and various government departments. In addition, NARESA obtained the necessary funds from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and expertise from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). The primary course of action undertaken in this project was the testing, both in the laboratory and in the field, of the effectiveness of Cytobagous Salvinia a weevil which had been used successfully for biological control of Salvinia in Australia as well as in Papua New Guinea.
Says Prof. Priyani Soysa, the Director-General of NARESA, "We found out that Australia had discovered a weevil capable of destroying Salvinia. We decided to bring down this weevil to Sri Lanka in order to control the Salvinia menace. Towards the end of 1980, the Department of Zoology of the University of Kelaniya was entrusted with the responsibility of forging ahead with the proposed project in collaboration with NARESA. Presently the officials involved in this assignment have been successful in controlling the menace by about 85%."
While NARESA and CSIRO provided the necessary guidance and ACIAR the financial support, the University of Kelaniya and the Department of Agriculture got involved in the experimental activities. It was a tiny weevil of Brazilian origin known as cyrotobagous salviniae that was made use of for this gigantic task. The first step in the process of experimentation was to ascertain whether this tiny weevil was likely to pose a threat to other agricultural crops. Three well known Biologists in Sri Lanka, namely Dr. G. Sivanathan, Mr. G. A. Gunatilleke and Dr. Ivor Fernando were involved in the initial experiments relating to this weevil.
Said Dr. Ivor Fernando of the Department of Zoology of the University of Kelaniya "When we commenced the campaign against Salvinia, this water weed had already assumed dangerous proportions. However we wanted to make sure that this weevil will not attack any other plant. Detailed experiments were conducted with this weevil by the quarantine division of the Department of Agriculture at Gannoruwa. These experiments proved that the Citrobagus beetle survives solely on Salvinia and will not attack any other plant of economic importance. Accordingly we decided to release this weevil into the water bodies infested with Salvinia".
Speaking further Dr. Fernando said: "NARESA appointed an Action Committee in this connection which consisted of members from NARESA, the University of Kelaniya, Jayawardenapura and the Departments of Agriculture, and Irrigation. Target locations numbering 132 water bodies which had been completely effected by Salvinia throughout Sri Lanka were selected for the purpose of introducing the weevil. A part of the first consignment of weevil received from Australia was handed over to the Central Agricultural Research Institute at Gannoruwa. Propagation of this weevil was not a difficult task. First of all, this weevil was released into selected water bodies even if they were completely covered by this plant. We were convinced that this weevil was the best remedy."
Most of the water bodies examined before and after the biological control programme showed that they are clear of Salvinia. The campaign launched by NARESA covered areas in and around Colombo as well as in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Puliyankulama, Girandurukotte, Maduru Oya, Ampara and Angunakola-pelessa.
While the weevil feeds and survives entirely on Salvinia, its breeding cycle is also dependent on the plant. The larvae of this weevil feed inside the plant while the adult feeds on growing buds. Due to the combined action of both adults and larvae, growth of the plant is arrested at first and then the plant dies and turns brown. After a while the dead plants sink to the bottom of the water body. When the Salvinia plant dies in this manner, most of the weevils will perish in the absence of their usual food plants. However some will survive on a few plants and persist to carry on the goodwork.
Director of Plant protection, Dr. Lakshman Amerasinghe said "Our main objective is to breed this weevil in a proper manner because there are several other locations where the threat of Salvinia still exists. We are in the process of releasing the weevil in places like Mahiyanganaya, Bible and Matale. In short we are prepared to release the weevil into any water body where the Salvinia menace exists, if and when we are informed".
Replying to our question as to whether the Plant Protection Unit would respond in the event of several requests for assistance coming in at the same time, Dr. Amerasinghe said: "We have faced such situations before. What we do is to despatch a consignment of weevils by post. The fact that the weevil can survive for a few days without food and water is a special advantage in moving the weevil to various locations. We hope to continue this campaign more systematically in association with state and community organizations and to completely control the Salvinia menace in Sri Lanka in the near future".

The writer is a General Secretary of the Bangkok based Asia Pacific Forum of Environmental Journalists and Deputy Secretary of the Paris based International Federation of Eco Journalists.

Support tsunami hit journalists

2008-08-10T01:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.dailynews.lk/2005/01/15/new21.htm
Appeal to support tsunami hit journalists

The oceanic disaster that claimed many lives in Sri Lanka has inevitably taken its toll on provincial journalists especially in Eastern and Southern provinces. In Sri Lanka the number of provincial journalists are 2121. Of that 58 per cent of the journalists are from 14 tsunami affected districts.
According to information, 48 houses of provincial journalists were washed out and 53 still cameras, seven television cameras, three fax machines, 16 cassette recorders, 11 motor bicycles, three bicycles and five mobile phones were also lost or damaged during reporting coverage or while at home.
Nearly 1000 members of 121 families of provincial journalists are displaced and stay in camps or with their friends or relatives. Most journalists have returned to their original places. Seventy eight journalists' families are still staying in camps or with friends/ relatives.
The Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (SLEJF) said the cost of the reconstruction/renovations and professional equipments of the provincial journalists damaged in the tsunami waves is estimated to be around Rs. 21 million.
"Some reporters lost their families. They lost their homes. They lost everything that they had," said Dharman Wickremaratne, Coordinator of the Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (SLEJF).
Three teams travelled to the tsunami affected areas and has collected data about the loss and destruction caused to provincial journalists, he added.
"It is a big loss. We may find qualified and skilled journalists but it is not easy to find those like we had," said Wickremaratne.
Two journalists are missing, 23 injured from the south and East. Out of the 121 journalists, 97 belong to the print media and others are attached to the electronic media.
"How could they send reports after the disaster, with many of them displaced and depressed? The answer is they feel it is their responsibility as provincial journalists.
On the SLEJF's appeal, the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Chief Minister Maheepala Herath has agreed to donate five houses to provincial journalists in the Hambantota District. Some foreign journalists has helped by donating cameras for a needy photo journalist.

For information on contributions to tsunami affected Sri Lankan journalists contact the SLEJF, E-mail: ejournalists@sltnet.lk

World environmental journalists to meet in Sri Lanka

2008-08-10T01:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.dailynews.lk/2002/10/24/new21.html
World environmental journalists to meet in Sri Lanka

The 14th APFEJ World Congress of Environmental Journalists begins on October 27. Over 100 journalists and other environmentally-concerned officials and private individuals are expected to fly in from 50 countries for this conference.
The five-day Congress, hosted at Eden Hotel, Aluthgama, will bring together environmental journalists, journalists, NGO activists, Government and UN officials and professionals such as educationists, film makers, authors and scientists in education and research across the globe.
Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, Minister of Mass Communication will grace the Inaugural Session of the Congress as the Chief Guest, which will be on the theme "The Role of Media on Peace and Environment in the Millennium". "Some of the sessions will look at the outcomes of the World Summit on sustainable development, the responsibility of journalists in the march towards peace and the scientific approach to peace and eco-tourism, among other crucial issues, such as media ethics in peace and ethnic reporting and media strategy to increase peace and environment awareness", said Dharman Wickremaratne, Editorial Director, Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (SLEJF) which co-organizes the Congress, together with Asia-Pacific Forum of Environmental Journalists (APFEJ) and the Commonwealth Environmental Journalists Association (CEJA).
The highlight of the inaugural session will be the presentation of the coveted Sri Lanka Green Awards to 13 local green activists in recognition of their vision and outstanding achievements in the protection and improvement of the environment. "Selecting this year's winners has been truly inspirational to us", commented Wickremaratne.
The Congress is supported by UNEP, The Commonwealth Foundation, AUSAID, US-AEP, Fredskorpset and Sri Lnaka's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources as well as other development agencies with international observers joining in from UNEP, UNIS, APO, WRI, ADB and US-AEP.
The abstracts presented at the Congress by journalists, media NGOs and acadamia will be based on the theme "Case Studies of Media Programmes undertake by Government organizations, NGOs and private sector in developing countries, specially Asia-Pacific and the Commonwealth on Peace and Environment". APEJF, formulated in 1988 at a Regional Conference on Media and the Environment in Asia by the UN-ESCAP, is the oldest and the largest world organisation of professional environmental journalists working for newspaper magazines and radio; broadcasters, NGOs; environmental groups; UN and Government departments; agencies and free lancers.
SLEJF, the co-ordinating office of APEJF, holds the membership of 21 international organizations including the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and in 31 state/community/UN environment and media committees.
Early this year, it published the country's first comprehensive Directory of Provincial Journalists scattered all over the island. "Our articles to date on environment run more than 1,000 with over 50 publications", Dharman Wickremaratne added. "Over 820 local NGOs and CBOs, 1099 school environment clubs and 2,424 public libraries maintain constant direct contact with us".

www.bookfinder.com

2008-08-10T01:39:00.000-07:00

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Ciripalapura Mattaiyaby Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (9559161032 9789559161035 955-9161-03-2)

Ridunu Payata Tana Palasak: Samaja Samvardhanayata Navum Patikadakby Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (9559161059 9789559161059 955-9161-05-9)

Media Guide of Sri Lankaby Dharman Wickremaratne and Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (9559161172 9789559161172 955-9161-17-2)

Sri Lanka Directory of Environmental NGOsby Dharman Wickremaratne and Green Information Network (9559161296 9789559161295 955-9161-29-6)

Sri Lanka Directory of Women Journalists and Writersby Dharman Wickremaratne and Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (9559161415 9789559161417 955-9161-41-5)

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Dharman Wickremaretne's Home Pages

2008-08-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

Home Page 01
http://www.environmentaljournalists.org

Home Page 02
http://www.srilankanwaterfalls.net

Home Page 03
http://www.dharman.info

Dharman Wickremaretne's EGroup Links

2008-08-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

EGroup Links

groups.yahoo.com/group/Srilankanwaterfalls
egroupsLink 1

groups.yahoo.com/group/WorldEnvironmentalJournalists/
egroupsLink 2

groups.yahoo.com/group/Srilanka-NGO-Link/
egroupsLink 3

groups.yahoo.com/group/Srilanka-Media-Link/
egroupsLink 4

afejchairman's profile

2008-08-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

http://profiles.yaReal Name:

Dharman Wickremaretne
name:

Location:
Colombo - Sri Lanka.

Age:
44

Marital Status:
Married

Sex:
Male

Occupation:
Environmental Editor

Hobbies:
Reading,Writing & Traveling

Latest News:
Published my 53rd Environmental Book

Favorite Quote:
Working to show Buddhas love for all creation.

Links
Home Page:
groups.yahoo.com/group/Srilankanwaterfalls
Cool Link 1
groups.yahoo.com/group/WorldEnvironmentalJournalists/
Cool Link 2
groups.yahoo.com/group/Srilanka-NGO-Link/
Cool Link 3
groups.yahoo.com/group/Srilanka-Media-Link/

Take care of our cascading beauties

2008-08-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080810/Plus/sundaytimesplus_01.html

By Malaka Rodrigo

“Sri Lanka has perhaps the largest number of waterfalls of any country in the world in comparison to its size,” said Prof. Mahinda Rupasinghe, head of the Natural Resources Department at the Sabaragamuwa University highlighting the importance of another natural asset Sri Lanka is blessed with. But visit any waterfall and you will be dismayed by how this natural beauty is tarnished by visitor misbehaviour.
This and other reasons are why a group of enthusiasts have banded themselves together as the Sri Lanka Waterfall Council and are now working to protect waterfalls by promoting, what they call, a waterfall observation culture in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is indeed blessed with nearly 400 waterfalls, the heighest being Bambarakanda with a height of 241 metres. There are 100 waterfalls that are over 5-10 metres according to the studies, but to date, only few waterfalls have been officially measured by the Survey Department.
Big or small, all waterfalls perform an important task. To protect them, it is necessary to identify where waterfalls are located. “That is why the Sri Lanka Waterfall Council started recording the waterfalls spread across Sri Lanka as the first step,” President of the Waterfall Council Anura Nellugolla told The Sunday Times. To date they have recorded 382 waterfalls across the country. Most of these waterfalls are properly documented for the first time and Mr. Nellugolla fears there may have been many small waterfalls that have dried up unnoticed. The Waterfall Council believes there may be at least 50 more unexplored waterfalls in the country.
The threats to waterfalls are many. Forest cover clearance, gem mining on river beds, sand mining and damming the waterfalls are among the reasons for the thinning of the veils of water. Visitor misbehaviour is another problem. “Bopath Ella” is probably the most affected in the country. “The decline of fresh water fish is an indicator of the pollution of Bopath Ella,” said environmentalist Jagath Gunawardene who has witnessed the degradation of the Bopath Ella environs where visitors throw garbage into the water and disturb the habitat causing damage to the fragile waterfall ecosystems. It is apparent that visitors need to be educated to enjoy the natural beauty of a waterfall. Birds, ferns, fish, the sound of gushing water – all create a unique experience.
The Sri Lanka Waterfall Council’ has already published several books illustrating the waterfalls in Sinharaja, Knuckles and even in Colombo. The council also organizes study tours to many waterfalls under the guidance of experts.
Those interested could contact the Waterfall Council - email waterfalls@sltnet.lk or phone 0115648151. For more information, visit http://www.srilankanwaterfalls.net