National Sandalwood Park at Battaramulla

Another park was inaugurated in the Battaramulla area, named ‘National Sandalwood Park’, also known as ‘Jathika Hadun Uyana’. This is in addition to the existing parks in the area, namely; Diyatha Uyana, Beddagana Wetland Park, Diyasaru Park and Apegama Heritage Village.

About a week after the inauguration, I visited the Hadun Uyana during the daytime and paid a second visit in the evening to witness the colourful illuminations. It is located in a beautiful environment with an amazing view of the Diyawanna lake, and the Parliament complex. Hadun Uyana is accessible from the Japan-Sri Lanka friendship Road.

This project of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) is a brainchild of the President. As per UDA information, there are about 1,200 plants over an area of nine acres.

Meticulously planted trees, two feet above ground level on a tapering soil platform, provide a grand view to visitors as they enter the premises. Three hundread plants are of the rare red sandalwood variety and 900 are of the white sandalwood variety. There are many hued flower bearing plants, adding to the beauty of the park. An outdoor theatre is freely available to the general public for recreational activities. In addition to the two main ponds, located on either side of the main passage, many small ponds are also located at the rear end of the elevated platform.

In order to see the real beauty of the park, a night visit is a must as multicoloured illuminations and colour changing glass wall fountains come into action with the sunset.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises sandalwood as unique trees as it yields seven times more oxygen than other trees. In this context, it is considered a royal tree and would certainly provide a refreshing and soothing atmosphere once fully grown.

Lionel Palliyaguru

lionelpg@gmail.com