The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I second the Adjournment Motion moved by Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage.

¶ 02 Although within Gampaha, Muthurajawela’s strategic location is nationally significant. Rainfall from the Central Highlands collects into reservoirs and flows down the Kelani River; its outfall is associated with Muthurajawela. Likewise, the outfalls of Attanagalu Oya and Dandugam Oya are linked to it. Beneath Muthurajawela, 50–60 feet deep, lie valuable carbon stores — ancient forest matter decomposed over millennia forming dense carbon deposits — a carbon sink critical for climate mitigation. Offshore, the wetland supports coral formation and sand deposition.

¶ 03 Our ancestors utilized the wetland for various needs yet preserved it. Though recorded as paddy lands, today it is designated as marsh, reserve and water retention areas. It sustains life — aquatic ecosystems, soil biota, bird habitats and a rich herpetofauna — significant for Gampaha and Sri Lanka’s varied geography. Beyond retaining water, it is nourished by fresh breezes traversing land from Somawathiya 3,000 km away. Because it is now commercially valuable land, pressures to convert for commerce are high, but we must bequeath a healthy ecosystem to our children.

¶ 04 The Central Environmental Authority has moved forward on wetland conservation, and the Ministry of Environment is preparing new laws to strengthen protection. Recognizing its value and ensuring intergenerational, sustainable protection of Muthurajawela is essential.