News
Tropicoir Lanka and SLLDC in Eco-friendly Lakeshore Conservation
Tropicoir Lanka (Pvt) Ltd launched a pilot project to protect the Diyawanna lakeshore using coconut fibre-based erosion control products with the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC).
The company provided all the required material, technical knowledge and expertise free of charge.
The SLLDC is promoting 100% local bio-degradable products to conserve fauna, flora and the environment.
Erosion Control Products such as geotextile (coir netting) and coir logs are natural coconut fibres designed to provide soil stabilization and support on riverbanks, slopes, steams, hillsides and other erosion-prone areas.
Offering a high level of strength and reinforcement, coir fiber rolls feature densely packed mattress coir fibers that are placed inside a tubular coir twine netting. Both components are all natural and bio-degradable, making coir logs safe for the surrounding environment. This is an ecological method of erosion control.
Using coir geotextiles and coir logs in environmental conservation is a many decades old practice in the western world. Commercial implementation of such projects with government intervention has the potential to drive the fibre industry towards greater value-addition and generate more employment opportunities.
Apart from its environmental benefits, it is beneficial to the economy in terms of foreign exchange savings as these products are made in Sri Lanka.
Unlike stones, concrete and other materials widely used, these are light in weight and could be moved into places with limited/narrow access through land and water making it an ideal solution to preserve urban waterways.
Once coir geotextile and logs are securely installed using proper techniques, these natural materials will bio-degrade within three to five years allowing the vegetation to take over the protection restringing its natural ecosystem.
Preservation of flora and fauna happens due to its natural tendency to allow quick growth of vegetation thereby providing a haven to birds and other forms of life. Conserving the waterways in Colombo using this eco-friendly method will enhance its natural beauty and can be turned into tourist attractions.
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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