SL's first ever croc farm in Muturajawela

Priyanka Kurugala

The Wildlife Conservation Department is making arrangements to open Sri Lanka's first ever crocodile farm at Muturajawela, Wildlife Director General Chandrawansa Pathirage said. Agrarian Services and Wildlife Minister S.M. Chandrasena will make arrangements to set up the crocodile park with facilities for local and foreign bird watching enthusiasts in areas surrounding the Muturajawela marshy land.

This will be implemented as a pilot project, Pathirage said. The director general said that there are many natural ecological systems at Muthurajawela including rivers, lagoons and mangroves. "Muturajawela is a sanctuary for many birds", he said.

The crocodile farm will be established in a section of Muthurajawela sanctuary Pathirage said.

"The department has drawn up a plan to construct this crocodile park as a centre of study and research for crocodiles. Facilities will be available for local and foreign scientists wishing to conduct research on crocodiles, he said.

"This site will be very important as an educational site. The Agrarian Services and Wildlife Ministry has also drawn up a plan to commence a boat service", Pathirage said.