Bio-diversity

The water hyacinth is considered one of the worst weeds in the world. This aquatic plant can create floating mats that can weigh up to 200 tons per acre. The plant can quickly dominate waterways and aquatic systems, as well as blocking irrigation canals. It makes water unfit for drinking and displaces native aquatic life. Additionally, the water underneath the mat creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. However, it has been realized that paper can be made from this plant. Therefore, Prathichakra Pivithuru Padanama (PPP) intends to remove this invasive species from the Bolgoda Lake and then produce paper from the removed water hyacinth. The community will be involved in an awareness programme on the production of the water hyacinth paper. This removal of the plant from the lake will improve the quality of the water as well as allow the nearby communities to gain access to the water.

Sri lanka