Western coast erosion:

Unusual during this period - CCD Chief

Disna Mudalige

The Western coast has been subjected to erosion. This is an unusual phenomena during this period of the year, Coast Conservation Department Director General Anil Premaratne told the Daily News yesterday. He said that the Western coast experiences the off monsoon season and it should not be subjected to coastal erosion until the activation of the South Western monsoon.

However Premaratne noted that it was found out day before yesterday that the Wattala Divisional Secretariat and Palliyawatta Preethipura area were subjected to coastal erosion.

He pointed out that coastal areas in the Colombo District such as Wallawatte, Bambalapitiya and Wedkanda in Ratmalana have also been subjected to erosion.

He said that the Department is conducting a study to find out the reasons for this phenomena.

The Director General also said that measures will be taken soon to prevent this situation after the results of the study. As a temporary solution the Department is engaged in placing sand bags along the coastal belt where coastal erosion is seriously felt. He observed that this may be due to the sea level rising with the global climate change impact.