Diyasaru Park

 

colombo, sri lanka

Biophilic Cities Partner City Since 2023

The capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo City is built on a mosaic of thirty-six wetland patches, connected through a nearly 50 km long man-made canal system. Known as the Colombo Wetland Complex (CWC), the city is dependent on the wetlands for critical ecosystem services that enhance the well-being of city residents through water purification, cooling, recreation, urban agriculture, and more.

The wetland complex consists of different wetland habitats, such as open-water lakes, wet woodlands, herb‐dominated habitats, active and abandoned paddy lands, and reedbeds. These wetlands provide a haven for urban wildlife providing a home for nearly 250 plant species and 285 animal species including many amazing species that can be rarely spotted in a capital city of any country including the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and purple-faced leaf monkey (Semnopithecus vetulus), which is endemic to Sri Lanka. Further, these wetlands are a paradise for many migratory bird species visiting the country.

Wetlands in Colombo have been actively used to promote the healthy lifestyle of the residents. More than 20 km of walkways and jogging paths have been built around wetlands in Colombo, incorporating them as part of public infrastructure bringing the wetlands close to public life. Colombo wetlands also play a critical role in the food security of the city.

The city manages the wetland complex through its Colombo Wetland Management Strategy, which was adopted in 2016. The guiding principle of this strategy is the wise use of the ecosystem services of the Colombo wetlands for the well-being of citizens with five strategic objectives; recognize, prevent, restore, engage, and govern. Due to the strong linkage between the city and its wetland complex, in 2018, Colombo City was declared the first capital to be accredited as an International Wetland City by Ramsar.

As a critical element of its efforts to protect wetlands, Colombo City fosters awareness of urban wetlands and their importance for urban sustainability through CEPA (Communication, Education, Participation, Awareness) activities conducted at the three city wetland parks: Diyasaru Park, Baddagana Wetland Park, and Rampart Wetland Park. These parks have now become popular outdoor recreational areas and wetland education centers in the city. Another new wetland park is under construction in the Gothatuwa wetland and the first phase of it will be opened to the public soon.

City Contacts (Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation):

Dr. N.S. Wijayaratne, Deputy General Manager
Dr. Chethika Gunasiri, Environmental Scientist
Mr. Hasitha Kalahe, Engineer

chethika gunasiri | colombo wetland capital city