CMC identifies high-risk trees for removal; plans to introduce safer species for Colombo

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) announced on Friday (11th) that it was in the process of identifying trees within the CMC areas that pose a risk to the public. Trees already flagged as high-risk by the police and the public are currently being removed.

CMC Commissioner Bhadrani Jayawardena informed journalists in Colombo that three teams were actively working on tree maintenance across the city.

She said that when these trees were originally planted, there had been little consideration given to selecting species that shed fewer leaves, flowers, or branches, have sturdier trunks, or deeper roots.

“Colombo is often referred to as a garden city. The trees significantly contribute to the city’s beauty, and while maintaining them can be challenging, their benefits should not be overlooked,” she said.

Jayawardena also urged the public to remain vigilant about any trees that may have become destabilised and to report them to the CMC through their emergency number, 110.

“There are trees that could cause serious harm if they fall, so we encourage the public to assist us by identifying those that pose a high risk,” she added.

She noted that after conducting research in collaboration with the Central Environmental Authority the CMC had identified several tree species with a lower risk of falling, including the Karanda (Pongame Oil Tree), Mee Tree, Na Tree, and Kobolila Tree (Butterfly Tree), which will be planted in Colombo.