Lunawa lagoon A birds' paradise

by Dr. A.T.W. Guneratne

The newly dredged and cleaned Lunawa lagoon, which was an eyesore a few months back is now teeming with both local and migrant birds.

Few people outside Moratuwa are aware that there is a beautiful lagoon bordering Prince of Wales College and St. Sebastian's College. It has already become a very popular place for people walking for leisure and exercise.

If one walks around the lagoon around 6 am - 6.30 am he is sure to see a large number of birds. Terns, Egrets, purple coots, Cormorants, Spot billed Pelicans, Purple and Grey Herons. Black-winged Stilts, Sand pipers and Brahaminy Kites are some of the birds seen. Unfortunately the lagoon is being polluted rapidly. The Moratuwa Municipality and other relevant authorities should attend to this without delay; otherwise this beautiful lagoon will be another garbage dump in the near future.

Officials of the wildlife Conservation Department should visit this lagoon and consider declaring it as a bird sanctuary.

Lunawa lagoon can be reached from the Galle Road. It is situated about half a mile towards the sea side from the Rawatawatte junction.