Sri Lanka, Aug. 20 -- Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendige, together with MP Samanmali Gunasinghe, visited the Attidiya Bird Sanctuary yesterday (19) following complaints from residents about unauthorized constructions and land reclamation in the area.

In a post on his official Facebook account, the Minister said the inspection tour was carried out to look into these issues and assess the environmental impact. He noted that the wetlands serve as a vital habitat for both local and migratory birds and also act as a natural flood buffer for nearby areas such as Bellanwila, Attidiya, Boralesgamuwa, Pepiliyana, Nugegoda, and Ratmalana.

"The wetlands in this eco-region are an ecosystem where local and migratory birds live in large num...