Discolouring of pink quartz mountain range:

Natural process, says Thera

Disna MUDALIGE

The discolouring of the pink quartz mountain range in Sri Lanka is a natural process due to prolonged exposure to air, moisture and direct sun rays, Jathika Namal Uyana Curator Ven. Wanawasi Rahula Thera said.

Addressing a media conference at the Information Department, he said the mountain range is undergoing a chemical and physical decay due to high percentage of impurities in the area.

The climate change has also contributed towards this process. Even though the surface is affected to a considerable extent a field survey revealed that the core of the quartz mountain range is still existing in a good condition, the Thera said.

"There was confusion among the people over this issue for the past few days. But we stress that it is non other than a gradual natural process," he said.

The pink quartz mountain range is the largest in Asia and has 550 million years of history. It contains a unique ecosystem and has a national, environmental, historical and geographical importance.

"We are in the process of making it a world heritage. Once the stages are completed we will be able to announce it. It is our duty to conserve this national asset," he added.