Environment Observation centre at Muttettuwegama

by Rohana JAYALAL

An Environment Observation centre set up by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in collaboration with the Coastal Conservation Department was opened on wetland at Muttettuwegama in the Galle district recently.

On a proposal made by the Ministry of Fisheries the centre which was a long felt need was set up and provided with educational and Research facilities. Rs. 33 million has been allocated by the Asian Development Bank and the Netherland Government for this project.

According to Ministry sources, the main objectives of the centre are to protect the environment,provide environmental education to schoolchildren, provide environmental research facilities to local and foreign University students and develop the tourism sector in the area.

The project will provide direct and indirect benefits to the residents of Muttettuwegama and the nearby villages.