In 2019, during the construction of the Central Expressway (from Kadawatha to Kandy), a rare Crudia Zeylanica (Panu Karanda) tree, believed to be extinct, was discovered in Daraluwa, Gampaha.
Due to its endemic nature, a group of bhikkus took steps to “ordain” the tree at the time. Meanwhile, some individuals and environmental organisations also advocated against the removal of the Crudia Zeylanica tree to make way for the construction of the crucial highway.
Upon the discovery of the rare tree believed to be a Crudia Zeylanica, experts initiated tests and assessments to confirm its identity. As a result of this, the construction of the central highway was inevitably halted.
 Botanical scientist at the Kandy Institute of Fundamental Studies Prof. Sirila Wijeysundara |
 Director General of the
Road Development Authority
L.V.S. Weerakoon
|
This had a trickle-down effect. The contractors, a Chinese company known as MCC, informed the Government that the halting of the construction would require the Road Development Authority (RDA) to pay a substantial postponement fee.
The expert probe into the tree revealed the tree in question was in fact a Crudia Zeylanica and also revealed the presence of more trees belonging to the species elsewhere in the country.
With this discovery, the Cabinet recently granted its approval to remove the tree obstructing the construction while previously the expert recommendation had also proposed the same due to the presence of more trees of the same species in the vicinity and elsewhere.
Court
However, certain parties have now gone to Court against the removal of the tree. Despite being a rare and fortunate find that merits protection, the experts recommended removing the Crudia Zeylanica Tree to accommodate an essential development-related purpose. The proposal also suggested the setting up of a special program to grow more plants of the species as it is a very rare species.
According to the Deputy Director of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, Dr. Achala Ratnayake, the species has been found in abundance in Gampaha, Bemmulla and Magalegoda areas. Experts have identified more plants in various locations, such as Handimahara, Doranagoda, Biyagama, Kadirana, and Malwana areas. Attanayake said more saplings have also been found in many other places which are not within protected areas.
 Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena launches replanting of Crudia zeylanica in Kataragama. The Chairman of the Road Development Authority, Chaminda Athuwage and Kataragama Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara took part in this event |
The Deputy Director said that 55 saplings have been provided to the RDA to be planted in various areas while a propagation project has also been launched. Attanayake expressed her belief that more trees of the species can be found if more research and fieldwork is conducted by botanists and experts. She assured the tree is now not under threat of extinction as a result of all these discoveries and the swift measures taken.
Botanical Gardens
According to Prof. Cyril Wijesundara, the former Director General of the Department of Botanical Gardens, the initial step that authorities often take when a tree believed to be extinct is discovered is to implement a propagation project and restore the plant population. (More or less the same process applies to endangered animals).
He said that an experts’ committee looked into the matter of which he was a member as well. “There it was decided to check if there is a possibility to move the tree to another suitable location. A person had come forward to do it. We had decided to provide the relevant technical advice too.
However, the tree has now been removed. But this will not make it extinct,” he said.
“But it does not mean that removing the tree was the most suitable solution. But propagating the tree species has commenced. This is very important,” he said.
On July 16, planting saplings of the tree began in Kataragama at the Devalaya premises under the auspices of Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena. The Nilame of the Kataragama Devalaya has assured that the saplings will be attended to and taken care of.
Another tree was planted at the Anuradhapura Railway Station by the Minister recently during the inaugural run of the Yal Devi train after track repairs.
According to the Director General of the RDA, Sardha Weerakoon, the agency has commenced the propagating efforts in earnest. He ensured that all other Crudia trees found in the area will be protected.
Weerakoon said the RDA was faced with many obstacles due to the tree and was unable to forge ahead with the construction efforts. “We tried to change the road whilst keeping the tree but all proposals would have incurred a significant cost of around Rs. 15 billion,” he said.
He said while the contractors are seeking Rs. 5 billion as a late payment, the RDA will commence discussions on the matter. He also expressed confidence that the highway would be completed in due course.
Crudia zeylanica saplings ready to be planted