  A better tomorrow for Trinco?
by Nilma Dole
Trincomalee, the name of the
place says it all for many. A beach getaway at Nilaveli, a soulful
retreat to ease your senses and a peaceful spot to get away from the
hustle and bustle of city life.
What more could you ask for, right? However, as we ventured to find
out, Trinco’s future doesn’t look all that positive especially when one
of the world’s natural harbours is fast diminishing right under our very
noses.
When we saw bus loads of people pouring in during Vesak and the fact
that there was litter strewn all over Nilaveli beach, it was appalling
that ours was a country that is inhabited by nature-loving people.
While only a handful of people have been good enough to pick and
throw the litter into the bins, we can see many having a gala time,
dancing to baila music disturbing the peace and even littering without a
moment’s hestitation. On a positive note, some of the armed forces and
military did keep an eye on the people but they should have warned them
not to litter around when there were prominently displayed green garbage
cans which the people could use.
 But then again you were always harassed by the boatmen to go on a
ride to Pigeon Island and had to brush away harrasing strangers.
Speaking about Pigeon Island itself, the area is a sorry sight.
Rumours have been circulating that the local government office is
planning to make maximum use of the island, which is home to several
endemic and endangered species of corals. There are plans to make stalls
and food outlets that would not only tamper with the beauty of the
island but also cause destruction to Mother Nature.
Even still, while snorkelling on Pigeon Island one can see plastic
refuse strewn everywhere and it’s upto the swimmers to clean up the sea.
If the government makes stringent nature conservation standards for the
hotels in the East, then many eyes would open to the plight of
Trincomalee.
It should be said one of the most beautiful beaches in Trinco, Marble
Beach is still preserved and in pristine condition because of the mere
fact that the Air Force still keeps it under their supervision. However,
after the war, the armed forces should have thought twice before handing
over Pigeon Island in a sustainable manner where people realise the
consequences of littering and destroying nature.
Hence, we could protect our nature’s bounties but also enlighten our
people and future generations about it. So give Trinco a better tomorrow
and be mindful of leaving only footprints, taking photographs and
memories back!
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