There are more surviving 'Crudia zeylenica' trees: CEA

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Road Development Authority (RDA) was vested with the responsibility of taking necessary action in the future with respect to the rare species Crudia zeylanica or Sri Lankan Legume, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) said. Another small tree was found near the 14th kilometer point of the expressway, and field observation revealed another small plant of the Crudia zeylanica was also found in the area, the Central Environmental Authority noted in a media release issued on Wednesday (Feb. 10). Field inspections carried out by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), the National Botanic Gardens Department, the Wildlife Conservation Department and the Road Development Authority revealed there is a mature plant belonging to this species in the Henarathgoda Botanic Gardens as well, noted the CEA press release. It was initially decided to remove the endangered Crudia zeylanica plant at the expressway construction site, and replant it at another suitable location. The Road Development Authority will be given the responsibility of taking further steps with regard to the plant, the CEA statement further said. The Buddhist clergy from the National Bhikku Front, on Wednesday (Feb. 10) ordained a fully grown tree of the Sri Lankan Legume or Crudia zeylanica in Daraluwa in order to protect it from being destroyed for the construction of an expressway.