BY Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa
Residents report a severe environmental crisis unfolding as garbage collected from the New Laggala Green City, under the Matale District administration, is being dumped by the Laggala Pradeshiya Sabha into the Kabaragoimada area within the Wasgamuwa National Park boundaries.
Following the construction of the Moragahakanda and Kaluganga reservoirs, New Laggala was officially declared and opened as a “Green City” by then-President Maithripala Sirisena. However, dumping waste into this ecologically rich landscape—surrounded by natural attractions such as the Knuckles Mountain Range, Sera Ella waterfall, Lakegala peak, and Kiriamma Ulpatha spring—has resulted in a pervasive, unbearable stench across the region.
Wildlife, including wild elephants, frequently scavenge through the refuse. Polythene and plastic waste are now commonly visible in wild elephant dung. Furthermore, organized poaching rings are using steel wire snares to target animals drawn to the garbage dumps for meat. Trapped animals are frequently left to die and decompose on the spot.
In addition to municipal solid waste, discarded medical and hospital waste has also been observed scattered around the location.
Residents emphasize that unless authorities immediately intervene to stop this environmental destruction by the Laggala Pradeshiya Sabha, it will not only devastate the wildlife of Wasgamuwa National Park but also escalate human-wildlife conflicts, severely impacting local farmers and communities.
