Nature is something truly wonderful. We cannot even imagine the things it gives us without asking for anything in return. Our country is an extraordinary hotspot of nature and biodiversity. However, due to gradual development over the past century, we have lost an immeasurable amount of natural resources. You may be surprised to learn that there is an evergreen wetland forest adjacent to the town of Homagama, located close to Colombo. Today, in the Kele Kolama column, we hope to discuss the possible fate that this forest may face in the future.
Thanks to the immense courage and dedication of a group of nature-loving researchers, academics, and young people, this forest ecosystem has so far been protected. This forest system can be identified as the Diyagama Rainforest. It is a pristine ecosystem that is still nourished by endemic plants, endemic birds, butterflies, reptiles, and water sources, and one that must be preserved without allowing it to degrade. To discuss the background and significance of this ecosystem, Kele Kolama spoke with Shyamal Rasanga, a member of the research team studying the Diyagama Forest. Let us now listen to his account.
Originally, the Diyagama area covered about 100 acres. After the construction of the Diyagama Sports Complex, the forested area has now been reduced to around 50 acres. Last year, a biological study was conducted under the leadership of Professor Sudheera Ranwala from the Department of Botany, University of Colombo. This study confirmed that the area contains around 100 plant species with high biodiversity value. In addition, 90 bird species, 20 mammal species, 10 amphibian species, 18 fish species, and 60 butterfly species have been recorded, amounting to more than 200 animal species associated with this ecosystem.
Recently, a group from the Department of Forest Conservation, with the involvement of the Presidential Secretariat and the Clean Sri Lanka Project, visited the site. They stated that this forest exhibits characteristics of a rainforest ecosystem. Accordingly, this is the closest remaining rainforest fragment to Colombo.
Animals such as the leopard and otter inhabit this area. More recently, under the guidance of Professor Sampath Seneviratne, a study on monkeys was conducted here. Based on the data collected, it was revealed that around 50 endemic red slender lorises inhabit this area. This location can also be used for activities such as eco-tourism, as there are foreign visitors who come specifically to observe these lorises. Therefore, this area has the potential to be developed into an attractive tourist destination.
Furthermore, the area includes two reservoirs and a rainforest section, which means that both wetland birds and rainforest birds can be found here. Among the wetland birds is the rare Dwarf Kingfisher, locally known as the “Ran Pilihuduwa”. Generally, sightings of this species in such areas are extremely rare. Additionally, species such as the “Mal Seruwa” and “Manathudu Pilihuduwa” can be found here. Out of the seven kingfisher species endemic to Sri Lanka, four species inhabit this forest. Within the forested section, around three species of barbets can be observed, including the Yellow-fronted Barbet and the Brown-headed Barbet. Moreover, about 10 endemic bird species such as the Crimson-fronted Barbet and the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie can be observed in this area.
To protect such a valuable ecosystem rich in biodiversity, it is essential that everyone who loves the environment commits themselves to its conservation to the fullest extent. Through Kele Kolama, we urge our readers to raise awareness about the Diyagama Rainforest, which is located close to Colombo. We respectfully call upon everyone to come together to protect this forest for future generations and pass it on as a legacy for tomorrow.
Saman Halloluwa
