Welcome change for the better

I was surprised to read a news item that appeared in several national newspapers regarding the felling of Indian Willows along the two sides of the Independence Avenue in Colombo. The surprise was due to the distorted impression the news item tends to mischievously create in the minds of the reader that the government authorities responsible for this action are resorting to wanton destruction of well-grown trees in the name of beautifying the city of Colombo.

The news item seems to camouflage a cynical dimension in its contents to undermine and belittle the well-intended purpose and the process of beautifying the city. There is no contention that the weeping willows have stood serene tall, green shady and pleasing to the eye for decades.

But, true to nature the decades have taken a toll of their useful lifespan as they stand today a little stooped and top-heavy needing replacement.

What better replacement could there be, than lining the Independence Avenue with the national tree the ‘Na’ or the ‘Ironwood tree’ which is luxurious in its growth, green and shady with a flush of tender leaves and blossoms to suit the season once in maturity, posing a pleasant approach to Independence Square.

Already, the approach road to the Parliament of independent Sri Lanka is majestically lined with the national trees a project which I proudly initiated then. Isn’t it a fitting tribute to the symbol of independence the Hall of Independence in the Independence Square to line its approach road with the national tree ‘Na’ at least now 60 years after independence.

One may argue that it takes years for the ‘Na’ plants to grow up to that fascinating and stately state. True, a young ‘Na’ plant needs up to five-six years to reach maturity. But that is the plan in place for the future.

In five to six year’s time the up and coming generation will appreciate and admire not only the tranquility and peace of mind that the trees will provide but also the wisdom of those in power who had the foresight to replace the aging exotic weeping willows with the national tree which is truly indigenous to this country. Even at the time the weeping willows were planted it was generally considered as bringing ill-luck which is suggestive in its very nomenclature.

I wish to go a step further and propose that the surrounding ponds in the precincts of the Hall of the Independence in the Independence Square be planted with the national flower ‘Nil Manel’ or the Blue water lily to add luster and beauty to this dignified place and entice the visitor and greet him to a warm welcome at all times.

- P Dayaratne (MP) Senior Minister of Food Security