In a concerted effort to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (TCS), a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Tourism, the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local councilors, headmen from the Regent and Barthurst Communities, the media, and other stakeholders took place on February 5th and 6th, 2025.
This joint patrol aimed to assess and reclaim areas designated by the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning for tourism development. The gathering, which took place at the Tacugama Car Park, included prominent figures such as the Executive Director of TCS, Mr. Bala Amarasekeran, the Minister of Tourism, her Deputy, and various officials from the Ministry and environmental agencies. Each representative delivered statements underscoring the urgent need for action to restore the increasingly degraded areas surrounding the sanctuary, particularly those near the Tecugama Dam.
During his address, Mr. Amarasekeran issued a stark warning: if substantial progress is not made to reclaim and restore these vital habitats within the next two months, he would be compelled to resign from his position. This statement highlights the gravity of the situation and the critical need for immediate intervention. In response, the Minister of Tourism and her team pledged to engage with military leadership to secure the deployment of additional personnel to the area. Meanwhile, the Executive Director of NPAA assured that more energetic rangers would be assigned to TCS, emphasizing the necessity of swift action to demolish illegal structures encroaching on protected land.
Local leaders, including headmen and councilors, expressed their commitment to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism and its partners to restore the degraded areas as quickly as possible.
Following the discussions, participants conducted a joint patrol of the buffer zone and the Tecugama Dam area, culminating in the installation of signposts bearing strong warnings to deter land grabbers and illegal encroachers. Additionally, as part of the UNDP/WAP PROJECT, stakeholders erected two billboards at key locations—Mile 13 Comfort Bridge and Songo roundabout—to promote conservation education, raise awareness, and sensitise the public about the importance of preserving the sanctuary’s natural environment. This initiative underscores the collective commitment to safeguarding the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary for future generations.
