Excellent progress in botanical-zoological sector in two months

COLOMBO: The three month accelerated development plan implemented by the Ministry for Promotion of Botanical and Zoological Gardens has shown excellent progress during the last two months, said Minister for Promotion of Botanical and Zoological Gardens Bandula Basnayake at a progress review meeting held at his Ministry recently.

The Minister said the bathing pond at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage should be deepened to provide more room for elephants to frolic during their bathing time.

The environment surrounding the pond should also be made more pleasant and attractive through proper landscaping.

Director, Dehiwala Zoological Gardens Brig. H.A.N.T. Perera said work on the Dehiwala Zoo Swan Lake modernisation project was almost 75 per cent complete. They hoped to complete the work in another week. A waste recycling project was also in operation at the Dehiwala Zoo he said.

He also said the Butterfly Park renovation work will be completed by next month. Tenders will also be called soon to widen the cages set apart for jaguars and tigers. Work on the open Elephant Park too would be completed by next month.

Director Peradeniya Botanical Gardens Dr. Cyril Wijesundera said they have organised a 'Suvahas' Flower Exhibition to train horticulturists and induce people to take up horticulture as a vocation.

Plans have also been finalised for the proposed new Botanical Gardens at Mirijjawila, Hambantota which will be a reserve for dry zone plant species.

Ministry Secretary S. Liyanagama and Additional Secretary W.M. Jayawardene were also present.