The committee appointed to assess the environmental damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah has revealed that 34 percent of the natural forests in the country’s central highlands have been damaged by the disaster.
Speaking in Parliament, Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi said the nine-member committee submitted its preliminary report within two weeks of its appointment. He added that the committee has been authorized to submit a comprehensive report within six months.
According to the preliminary findings, Cyclone Ditwah has severely affected the ecosystems of several major river basins. These include Attanagalu Oya, Kelani Ganga and Kalu Ganga in the wet zone, as well as Malwathu Oya, Mahaweli Ganga, Mee Oya and Kala Oya in the dry zone.
The Minister further stated that natural forests in the highland areas of Minipe, Kotmale and Aranayake, along with forest cover in the Badulla and Matale districts, have sustained significant damage.
In addition, the cyclone has impacted the coastal belt in areas such as Point Pedro, Valikamam North, Kalmunai, Ninthavoor and Kinniya. Mangrove ecosystems in the lagoon environments of Muthupanthiya and Arachchikattuwa have also been damaged, the Minister told Parliament.
