Internal road network at Namal Uyana opens today

Irangika Range

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will open a newly constructed internal road network system at 4 p.m. today at the Jathika Namal Uyana premises for the benefit of local and foreign visitors to view the largest ironwood forest and pink quartz mountain in Asia.

Ports and Highways Deputy Minister Nirmala Kothalawala told the Daily News that the total length of the internal road network system is 1,257 metres, has been constructed under the Maga Neguma rural road development project implemented by the Ports and Highways Ministry.

"The Ministry has voted Rs. 8.8 million for the project. "We use the interlocking concrete block paving technique recommended by experts to concrete the internal road network system of the Jathika Namal Uyana roads," he said.

Jathika Namal Uyana is situated 7 kms off the Madatugama junction on the Colombo - Anuradhapura main road. According to archaeological findings, the pink quartz at this historical place has a history of over 550 million years. This hitherto hidden natural treasure has been brought to the attention of the world almost 15 years ago by the Ven. Wanawasi Rahula Thera". It is believed that Namal Uyana has 102 species of tropical plants of which 82 are herbal plants within a 260 acre garden and forest bordering it. Meanwhile, 18 bird species and a number of mammals including elephant, leopard, monkey and deer are also found in the park and its environs.