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Civil Aviation DG on water holes around Mattala
View(s):Right of reply
H.M.C. Nimalsiri, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, has responded to last week’s Sunday Times news report titled ‘Water holes around Mattala closed to keep away birds and animals’
He says “I refer to the article published by Mr. Leon Berenger on the first page of the Sunday Times on 07th April 2013 under the above caption.
“In reference to the statement made in paragraph 1 and 2 of this news article referred above, I wish to state that during Mr. Berenger’s telephone conversation with me, I only stated that the water holes in and around the runway at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) would be closed as a migratory measure for the attraction of birds and wild life species to the airport.
“Those water holes have been created during the construction process of the runway due to earth cutting or filling and only those water holes located within the airport premises would be closed. Closing of water holes around Mattala area as stated in the news item was never envisaged.”
Reporters note:
Mr. Nimalsiri in his letter says he only stated that water holes in an around the runway at the Mattala Rajapaksa Airport (MIRA) would be closed.
However he told the Sunday Times last week, “The only way to prevent the birds and animals from interrupting aviation traffic is to deprive them of their water and fodder. The birds descend on water holes in search of fish and their presence goes on to attract wild animals in search of food”.
Therefore the suggestion that the birds were descending on water holes in search of fish to water holes “in and around the runway” by Mr. Nimalasiri’s own admission may not be good for the airport.
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