'Ecological Floating Islands' Introduced to Wetlands around Army & Defence HQ Entrance

The Army Chief-initiated beautification project, "Thuru Mithuru-Nawa Ratak" that transformed the areas adjoining the road patch between the Central Environmental Authority junction and the main entrance to the Army and the Defence Ministry HQs to ecologically-friendly wetlands, walkpaths, children's parks and cultivable paddy fields received another stimulant this morning (22) when 200 Ecological Floating Islands that float on the surface which can purify the sewage, reduce the smell of sewage and provide a suitable habitat for aquatic animals and waterfowl were launched as an effective nature-based water pollution solution.

General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army who pioneered the total transformation of both rugged and barren sideways of the road about two years ago with his tree-planting, harvesting and beautification project joined the launch of those floating islands, rich with wetland plants and aquatic vascular plants at the invitation of Major General Indu Samarakoon, Commander, Army Logistic Command.

This cost-effective and nature-based water pollution solution for Sri Lanka that provides an aesthetic and leisure tourism effect of a water garden was made a reality in consultation with the reputed ecologist Ms Ranoshi Siripala who maintains that the experiment conducted for water purification by planting plants such as Cannas, Savandara and Heliconia using PVC pipes, bamboo and foam mattresses as floating supports has produced successful results and found floating wetlands absorb excess nutrients carried in the water and are capable of control of mosquito menace, too.

Troops of the 12 Gajaba Regiment and 2 (V) Sri Lanka Light Infantry of the 144 Brigade under command to the 14 Division of the Security Force Headquarters – West under the close supervision of the Commander 144 Brigade, Colonel Vindana Kodituwakku under the guidance of Major General Indu Samarakoon, carried out the placement of those floating islands on the surface of the water after the day's Chief Guest, General Shavendra Silva inaugurated its launch. The Ecological Floating Islands method was implemented under the guidance of the Chairman of the Land Development Corporation, Major General M.R.W de Zoysa (Retired) who launched the same project at Beira Lake with the blessings of HE the President a few months ago.

Eng. Ms Ranoshi Siripala, the ecologist, Ms Isurie Dharmasoma (Environmental Scientist), B.D.C Kumara (Senior Engineer), Hirantha De Silva (Engineering Assistant), Sampath Dahanayake (Supervisor), Major General Vikum Liyanage, Chief of Staff, Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku, Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Channa Weerasuriya, Commandant Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Major General Ajith Kolambathantri, Military Secretary, Major General Nishantha Manage, Director General General Staff, Major General Deepal Pussella, Adjutant General, Officers and Other Ranks joined the occasion.