Sri Lanka’s second international airport has been built in the arid zone, in close proximity to several animal and bird sanctuaries. To protect the airport from animals and birds, the authorities are planning to destroy their traditional feeding grounds and water-holes. If these plans are carried out, the impact on Sri Lanka’s natural-wealth will be nothing less than catastrophic.
The petitioners say; “To turn the airport into an animal and bird free zone the authorities have come up with various plans. The most outrageous is the destruction of water-holes and feeding areas around the airport. If this plan is implemented, it will have a deadly impact on the bird population in the region, both migratory and indigenous. It will also worsen incalculably the human-elephant conflict, as the elephants are likely to venture into sorrounding villages and farms in search of food and water. The location of the airport was motivated by political reasons as the Hambantota District is the home-base of the President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapakasa. To save the airport, the Sri Lankan government is willing to risk a part of the country’s irreplaceable natural heritage. Please prevent this tragedy by asking the Sri Lankan government not to close down the water holes and animal feeding grounds around the airport.”
Why this is important
“In a move, probably without precedent anywhere in the world, the government of Sri Lanka is in the process of destroying sources of water for migratory birds, elephants and other wildlife in the proximity of the recently commissioned Mahinda Rajapaksa Mattala International Airport. The airport is located in the Hambantota District in the arid zone of Sri Lanka, in close vicinity to several sanctuaries including Bundala and Kumana. Therefore the airport is proximate to the flight paths of migratory birds; already two aircrafts have had close shaves when they hit flocks of birds. A week before the airport was inaugurated; a wild elephant attack took place on the main access road (the victim died subsequently). It has been reported that peacocks often wonder into the airport, including the runway, from the sorrounding shrub jungles.
To sign the petition asking President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and other officials to protect the habitats of animals and birds around Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, click here.