Diyawanna Oya at risk due to the red eared slider

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.