New Conservation Zone to Save Endangered Bandula Pethiya

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Environment has announced the designation of the natural habitat of the endangered freshwater fish species 'Bandula Pethiya' as a conservation zone. 

This decision aligns with a series of special initiatives launched to mark International Day for Biological Diversity.

The 'Bandula Pethiya' or the Bandula barb, a freshwater fish species endemic to Sri Lanka, is found exclusively in the Galapitamada area within the Warakapola Divisional Secretariat. 

The species is currently under threat of extinction due to habitat degradation and environmental pressures.

The official conservation program is scheduled to take place in Galapitamada under the leadership of Deputy Minister of Environment, Anton Jayakody. 

The initiative aims to ensure the long-term survival of this rare species by preserving its natural ecosystem.

In a parallel development, the Ministry also announced that the Nilgala Forest will be formally declared a protected reserve today. 

The declaration ceremony will be held at the Rathugala Indigenous Heritage Center in Bibile at 8:00 a.m., under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Dr. Dammika Patabendi.

The Nilgala Forest, which spans 40,683 hectares, includes four key conservation blocks: Madagama, Bibile, Nilgala, and Inginiyagala. The Bibile region is considered the core conservation area within the forest.

Today marks the fourth day of Sri Lanka’s Environment Week, which is being observed in conjunction with World Environment Day.