On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, steps are being taken to conserve the only place on earth where the Bandula Pethiya lives.
Accordingly, the Galapitamada, Nikkandupola area was declared a conservation zone on 02nd May to conserve the Bandula Pethiya, a Point Endemic fish identified in 1991.
The information board was unveiled today by the Honorable Deputy Minister of Environment, Anton Jayakody, and simultaneously, Kumbuk saplings were planted to provide shade to the environment where the Bandula Pethiya lives by the Honorable Deputy Minister, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, K.R. Uduwawala, Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, M.S.L.R.P. Marasinghe, Kegalle District Secretary, Jagath Herath and others.
Accordingly, from now on, catching, injuring, keeping in possession or selling, transporting, displaying or damaging the habitat of this fish, which is protected by the Wildlife and Flora Ordinance, is a punishable offense.
In conjunction with this event, prizes and certificates were also distributed to the winning students of the art competition held on the 22nd under the theme "Save the Bandula Petiya" involving 03 schools near the Nikkandupola Dola Para area.
It should be noted that officials including Dr. Ramani of the Nara Institute, Mr. Jagath Herath, Kegalle District Secretary, and Rangana Sajeewa, Warakapola Divisional Secretary, are making a great contribution to this work.
Members of Parliament, government officials, school students, villagers and a group of people participated in this event.
