The Ministry of Environment states that landslides triggered by the heavy rainfall accompanying Cyclone Ditwah have severely impacted Sri Lanka’s central highland natural forest ecosystems, it was reported.
Minister Dammika Patabendige noted that 34% of the country’s central highland natural forests have been damaged.
He further said that this revelation was made in the preliminary report of the committee appointed to study the environmental damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The minister added that the committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, had submitted its report to him the day before.
According to Minister Dammika Patabendige, the disaster has also damaged the ecosystems of seven major river basins in the country.
He further stated that the report also revealed damage caused to Sri Lanka’s coastal and lagoon environments as a result of the disaster. (Newswire)