No decision yet on whether rare Legume tree will stay or go

By Ifham Nizam

While environmentalists have warned of legal action if a rare Sri Lankan Legume tree is felled, Wildlife & Forest Conservation Ministry Secretary Bandula Harischandra, says a decision is still pending on the matter.

“A report is expected to be submitted in this regard”, he said, referring to the Legume (Crudia Zeylanica) tree, belonging to the critically endangered plant species, standing at the site of the proposed Central Expressway at Daraluwa.

Officials said that there appears to be differences of opinion between the Environment and Wildlife Ministries on whether the tree, described as a “national treasure”, should stay or go. However, they are expected to make their standpoint known before a final determination is made.

“We will initiate legal action if the tree is removed”, environmentalists cautioned.

A senior environmental scientist said that while the President and the Prime Minister have been briefed, there is cause for concern over ad hoc studies done prior to starting work on the project.

The Sunday Island learns that a report by relevant authorities on the subject was handed over to Wildlife & Forest Conservation Minister, C. B. Ratnayake on Friday.

The environmental study on the proposed construction of the expressway should have focused on the presence of this rare plant species, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

“We have decided to inquire into this matter to find out those responsible for the lapse”.

The Wildlife Department and the Road Development Authority have been instructed not to take any action to remove the tree until a final decision is reached, he added.