The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I table the answer.

¶ 02 (a) (i) The entire land known as “Regidale Estate” in Kahapola, Kesbewa DSD, is 77 acres. Of this, 72 acres have been vested in the Department of National Zoological Gardens, and the remaining 5 acres have been vested in the Ministry of Buddhasasana. Certified copies of the deed and relevant Cabinet Memoranda (14.09.2016; 09.11.2016; 03.11.2020) are annexed (Annexures 01–03, placed in the Library).

¶ 03 (ii) 72 acres (belonging to the Department). The layout plan is annexed (Annexure 04).

¶ 04 (iii) To support the core conservation objectives of the National Zoological Gardens and to avoid maintaining the Department as a budget burden, a fodder/farm operation is required to supply feed for animals. Using existing funds, portions of the land have been allocated for cultivation (including grass, bananas, other fodder crops, and vegetables). Expansion is planned so that the Dehiwala Zoo’s fodder requirement can be fully met in the coming year.

¶ 05 (iv) A coordinated programme has been prepared jointly by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Buddhasasana. Yes.

¶ 06 (b) Not applicable.

¶ 07 Question by Private Notice

¶ 08 Solutions for Unemployment of Graduates