LLLF Media Team
Colin Harischandra
Beddagana Wetland Park is a beautiful wetland park located near the new Parliament Complex in Kotte, Sri Jayewardenepura. Spread over 18 hectares, this park is managed by the Urban Development Authority.
This park is located close to Battaramulla town and the Sri Jayewardenepura Parliament Complex. The entrance to the park is on the right before passing the new Polduwa bridge on the Colombo-Kaduwela main road. The park is open to the public from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and an entrance fee is charged.
Biodiversity
This wetland park is home to a variety of native bird species, butterflies, dragonflies and trees endemic to the lowland wet zone. It is also an important stopover for migratory birds. According to reports, 50 species of birds, 20 species of fish, and 119 species of butterflies can be seen here. Mammals such as the fishing cat, which is under threat of extinction, also live here. This plant is divided into three types of Native plant, plotting plant, Natinon Plant and lives in fishing craft, wetlands.
Butterfly species can be seen.
White water lily, purple water lily, pan bark leaf, blue kite, and purple kite can also be seen.
Dragon Fly The male animal is on top and the female lives below. They lay eggs after 10 to 15 minutes of reproductive activity and increase the Grove Range.
Antiseptic plants can also be seen here. Medicinal plants can also be seen.
Hangovana plant has been identified as a good plant that purifies water.
The Selvinia plant is also a good plant for bio cleaning.
The plants here are also found in the West Zone and Dry Zone.
The white water lily plant brought from India is also found here.
There is an increase in poplar nine in the months of June and July.
The highest number of animals can be seen here in the months of May, June and July.
Wel Atha, Diapara, Salvinia plant, and Godapara plant species can also be seen here.
Many plants grow from a single plant in wild Atha.
Kadolana, which obtains minerals while drinking water, can also be seen here.
The Dyakira plant, which is a true mangrove plant species, which maintains the balance of the wetland ecosystem, can also be observed.
The Vine Kandur plant, also known as the Pond Apple, can be seen. This plant can also be observed as a habitat for aquatic organisms.
This is a popular bird watching spot and is home to both local and migratory birds.
The main predator of this ecosystem is the scented leopard or fishing cat, which is a testament to the health of this ecosystem.
It is also a center for school studies and environmental enthusiasts for wildlife photography.
This wetland acts as a natural sponge for flood control. This wetland is useful for reducing air pollution and purifying the air and obtaining oxygen. It is a great place to achieve mental well-being.
In 2006, the Urban Development Authority planned to conserve 11 threatened wetlands around the new parliament and as a first step, the Beddagana Wetland Park was created. The primary objective of this project is to conserve the valuable wetland environment and use it for eco-friendly tourism and provide opportunities for environmental studies. This park has been created with the assistance of the World Bank.
Several towers, walking paths and observation cabins have been built in the park for bird watching. It is special that these constructions have been done on pillars without the use of machinery. This will encourage all those who come to visit the wetland environment to take steps to protect this environment and keep it clean.