COLOMBO (News 1st) – Environmentalists have warned that the marine life in the Diyawannawa Oya and other wetlands are at risk due to the increase in the number of Red-eared sliders or red-eared terrapin, a semiaquatic turtle.

This carnivorous species was first introduced to the country in 1990 as ornamental pets.

Environmentalist Attorney at Law Jagath Gunawardena said a large number of Red-eared sliders can be seen in the local aquatic ecosystem.

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