Cheers to one year! Cinnamon Myst still casting its spell – The Island

In the village of Boralugoda, Sri Lanka, Research Scientist Shantha Jayaweera has spent nearly 40 years studying and defending one of the island’s richest freshwater ecosystems, a habitat increasingly threatened by human activity.

A Global Biodiversity Hotspot

Sri Lanka is part of the Oriental region, a biologically diverse freshwater zone. Within the island, the lowland wet zone is particularly species-rich, benefiting from year-round rainfall and dense vegetation. Boralugoda, located within this zone, is exceptional, supporting 53 of the country’s 94 true freshwater fish species.

Of those 53 species, 26 are endemic and 23 are currently threatened, ranging from vulnerable to critically endangered.

The Maguru River’s Unique Ecosystem

The Maguru River, flowing through this biodiversity hotspot, plays a critical ecological role. Originating in the rainforest-covered Morapitiya area, the river maintains its clarity due to limited sediment, allowing sunlight to sustain aquatic life.

The river’s structure, transitioning from fast-flowing rocky sections to slow-moving sandy areas, supports a diverse range of species adapted to each habitat. Some species are highly specialized and cannot survive outside the rocky zones.

The area is also crisscrossed by a dense network of streams, acting as nurseries, refuges, and migration pathways for many species.

Threats from Sand Mining and Agriculture

Large-scale sand mining, particularly since the early 2000s, has significantly altered the riverbed, leading to the loss of aquatic plants, riverbank trees, and habitats. The endangered Red Neck Goby has become locally extinct, and the Ocellated Pipefish has not been recorded in years, largely due to habitat loss.

Agricultural expansion, specifically the spread of lowland tea cultivation since the 1990s, has further impacted the ecosystem. Riverbank vegetation is often cleared for cultivation, reducing bank stability, filtering runoff, and providing shade.

Existing environmental regulations requiring buffer zones along rivers and streams are often disregarded by local authorities.

A Four-Decade Vigil

Jayaweera has dedicated nearly four decades to observing and working to conserve the ecosystem through the Organisation for Aquatic Resources Management (OARM). Efforts include replanting rainforest species, restoring stream banks, and raising community awareness.

He also uses his skills as an artist to create illustrations and visual storytelling to connect people emotionally to the importance of freshwater ecosystems.

Despite ongoing challenges, including pollution and waste disposal, local community-led clean-up campaigns offer a sign of hope.

Jayaweera emphasizes the need for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, increased awareness, and a commitment to conservation to prevent irreversible damage to this fragile ecosystem.