Colombo Mayor Vraîe Cally Balthazaar says the city remains committed to protecting its trees, even as urban development projects continue to reshape the capital.

She revealed that two institutions, Fort Railway Station and the University of Visual and Performing Arts, recently sought assistance from the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) when renovation work threatened trees on their premises.

“Because the trees could still be moved, we were able to root ball them and give them new homes, one at Flower Road, and the others at Viharamahadevi Park,” the Mayor said.

Balthazaar emphasized that the CMC will always work with organisations and residents to safeguard Colombo’s greenery. 

However, she noted a contrasting case where a company cut down a mature tree on Galle Road, which had stood for many years. “They will be charged for destroying public property,” she confirmed.

The Mayor also urged businesses to stop requesting tree removals simply because they obstruct signage or branding. “These trees are just as much a part of Colombo as your businesses,” she remarked.

Reflecting on her own favourites, Balthazaar said she especially admires flamboyant and ehela trees, and encouraged citizens to appreciate the city’s natural heritage. (Newswire)

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A vehicle was damaged after a tree fell onto it moments after it was parked under the tree.

According to reports, the incident occurred in Mount Lavinia.

The moment was caught on camera by another vehicle that had given way for the double cab to park. (Newswire)

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One person was reported dead in the tragic accident on the Rambukkana- Mawanella Road last night, where a tree had fallen onto a three-wheeler.

The deceased has been identified as a 38-year-old resident of Mawanella, and the driver of the three-wheeler. 

A tree had fallen onto a three-wheeler last evening, trapping 02 men, a woman, and a young child. 

The Police, together with area residents, rescued the trapped individuals and admitted them to the Mawanella Hospital, after which the driver of the three-wheeler succumbed to injuries. 

According to the Police, the other injured individuals are continuing to receive treatment in the hospital. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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Two vehicles were damaged after the branch of a tree had fallen on them this afternoon. 

According to reports, the incident had occurred in the Hyde Park Corner area in Colombo. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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A 5-year-old student has been reported dead after a tree collapsed on a group of students at an international school.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), three other students sustained injuries in the incident.

The injured students have been admitted to a hospital in Gampola. 

The DMC further said that the incident had occurred at an international school in Gampola. (NewsWire)

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The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has removed around 20 large roadside trees, at risk of falling, in the last eight days, it was reported.

The CMC has taken the measures following the accident involving a tree in Colpetty last week. 

According to the Daily News, the Industrial Administrator of the CMC, Sujeeva Paragasthanna said the CMC had removed three large trees in the suburbs of Colombo on Sunday (Oct 08). 

The large tree leaning towards People’s Bank on Thurstan Road near the Colombo University, and two large roadside trees at risk of falling at Horton Place and Kannangara Mawatha were removed, he said. 

Paragasthanna further said that branches of some trees should be cut and trees blocking street lamps and traffic lights would be removed.

The CMC has taken these measures following the death of five passengers after a roadside tree fell onto a bus in Colpetty last week due to inclement weather. 

Following the accident, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon issued a directive to carry out an immediate study of large roadside trees at risk of falling due to the prevailing wet conditions and remove any which may pose a threat to the public. (NewsWire)

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State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon has issued a directive to carry out an immediate study of large roadside trees at risk of falling due to the prevailing wet conditions and remove any which may pose a threat to the public. 

Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Defence said that the State Minister has directed officials of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and National Building Research Organization (NBRO) to coordinate with the Environmental Authority, Road Development Authority (RDA) and local authority bodies in this regard.

The State Minister has further issued directions to relevant officials to take immediate preventive measures and remove potential roadside trees at risk of falling. 

The directives have been issued following the tragic accident that was reported near the Liberty roundabout in Colpetty this morning, where a tree had fallen onto a bus killing five passengers and injuring at least 10 others. (NewsWire)

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