A plant long entangled in folklore dating back to World War II has returned to the national spotlight, as Puttalam District NPP MP Hiruni Wijesinghe has submitted a parliamentary motion seeking urgent action to control and suppress the spread of the invasive water hyacinth, locally known as ‘Japan Jabara.’

The fast-spreading aquatic plant, scientifically identified as Eichhornia crassipes and commonly referred to as water hyacinth, is believed to have been introduced to Sri Lanka around 1904–1905 as an ornamental species due to its striking purple flowers. Native to the Amazon Basin, it has since evolved into one of the country’s most aggressive invasive plants, choking waterways, reservoirs, and wetlands.

Adding a historical dimension to the issue is a widely circulated World War II-era belief that Allied forces deliberately encouraged the spread of the plant in certain regions to disguise water bodies as green terrain, thereby preventing Japanese fighter aircraft from identifying potential landing sites. Though anecdotal, the story continues to shape public perception of the plant’s origins and impact.

In her motion, printed in the latest Addendum to the Parliament Order Book, MP Wijesinghe has called for the government to formulate and implement sustainable project proposals to manage the proliferation of the species, citing its severe environmental and socio-economic consequences.

The motion highlights that water hyacinth has encroached upon farmlands and wetlands at an accelerated rate, displacing native flora and disrupting ecological balance. The dense mats formed by the plant have contributed to sediment accumulation, obstructed water flow, and impaired irrigation and transport channels, thereby increasing flood risks.

Further, the unchecked spread of the plant has led to the deterioration of water quality, affecting its suitability for daily human use, while also disrupting hydropower generation. The motion warns that current suppression methods relying on chemical herbicides pose potential health hazards to communities dependent on affected water sources.

Public health concerns have also been raised, with stagnant water trapped by the plant providing breeding grounds for disease vectors. The motion specifically points to the increased risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and filariasis in infested areas.

Emphasising the urgency of the issue, the motion calls for an integrated and environmentally responsible approach to control the invasive species, balancing ecological preservation with public health and economic needs.The proposal is expected to be taken up for debate in Parliament in the coming weeks.

by Saman Indrajith

Residents of the Pallekele area have been left without potable water for days.Although pipe-borne water was restored after several days, residents claim that the water provided is not clean.

Investors in the BOI Zone in Pallekele said they were facing serious difficulties in carrying out daily factory operations for want of clean water.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board distributes water to consumers in the area after sourcing it from the Mahaweli River associated with the Victoria Reservoir. The water crisis in the region emerged due to a sudden drop in the water level of the Victoria Reservoir.

Numerous parties, including the Frontline Socialist Party, are currently levelling allegations that excessive amounts of water from the Victoria Reservoir is being utilised for power generation to offset the power shortfall from Norochcholai due to the procurement of substandard coal, and it has led to the current situation.

 By S.K. Samaranayake

A total of 44 people were killed in 42 road accidents reported across the country between April 10 and 15, police said.

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W.P.J. Senadheera, said that 19 of the accidents occurred on April 13, 14 and 15, claiming 19 lives. Driving under the influence of alcohol had been identified as the primary contributing factor in many of these accidents, he added.