Look after green giants of Colombo

When Karu Jayasuriya was Mayor of Colombo, he set up a Committee, chaired by the undersigned, to look into and advise on some existing, or developing environmental problems. The Committee members were leaders in their areas of expertise, and made no overtures for financial remuneration for their knowledge, time and expenses incurred.

One item considered was the status of the roadside trees of Colombo. It was advised that the Colombo Municipal Council should pay attention to the maintenance of these trees, according to a regular schedule of work.

It is stated that Flower Road, in Colombo, was so named in colonial times, as it was an avenue of flamboyant trees, which were a beautiful sight when in bloom. This no longer applies. However, the road continues to be much used, due to the traffic to Ladies College, the Prime Minister’s office and embassies, etc.

This note is prompted by the collapse of a tree, on Flower Road, which had been seriously aslant for weeks (if not some months), due to extreme and very visible termite infestation and wood rot, at its base. The falling tree caused damage to a car parked alongside.

Prior to this incident, a large tree, also on Flower Road, fell some months ago. The writer has been informed that another tree fell on Flower Road some years ago on a three-wheel taxi, allegedly causing grievous hurt.

Other trees in Colombo have been observed to have fallen or are in imminent danger of falling. CMC-related vehicles and employees are regular users of Flower Road and it is incomprehensible why this termite-ridden tree was not attended to, since its collapse was, unquestionably, only a matter of time.

Could the Mayor of Colombo please look into this and arrange for a regular inspection and maintenance programme for the roadside trees of Colombo?

Dr. ROHAN H WICKRAMASINGHE