The removal of the indigenous tree “Crudia Zeylanica” located in the Daraluwa area in Gampaha, which caused a controversy in 2021, was carried out based on Cabinet approval, Minister Bandula Gunawardena told the media today.
Cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena stated that the removal of the endemic tree was a policy decision by the government.
Minister Gunawardena further stated that the Cabinet approval in this regard was sought by him and approval was thereafter granted.
“A comprehensive study was conducted and it was found there are 15 palm trees over 40 years in the area. There are 25 trees which are between 12 – 15 feet in height. Any person who requires the trees can visit the area and acquire them,” he added.
The Cabinet Spokesman further stated that plans have been made to plant 200 trees in place of the “Crudia Zeylanica”.
“Revealing these details to the Cabinet I requested permission for the removal of the said tree. Environmental experts have also supported this decision. The Cabinet is of the view that when there are several more “Crudia Zeylanica” trees in various parts of the nation, one tree alone cannot be protected. The Cabinet also pointed out that this one tree was causing a loss of Rs. 15 billion to the government. Thereby, the Cabinet granted approval for its removal taking into consideration the country’s economy,” Minister Gunawardena said.
In 2021, concerns were raised against the removal of the tree by many environmentalists and wildlife officers after it was revealed that the tree was to be relocated due to the construction of the central Expressway.
At the time, the tree was brought into the spotlight after Gampaha District Forest Officer Devani Jayathileke challenged authorities for violating an earlier agreement to protect the tree. (NewsWire)