200-year-old Mara tree inside Galle Fort cut down

A 200-year-old 'Mara' tree inside the historic Dutch Fort in Galle has been cut down by authorities as it posed a risk to people's lives.

The tree, dating back to the Dutch colonial period, was situated next to the Galle Court Complext inside the Fort. Workers from the State Timber Corporation cut it down on a request made by Galle Four Grevates Divisional Secretary. 

The decision to cut down the historic tree was made as it was dead and was posing a risk to the court complex as well as to those traveling on the road next to it. 

A Spokesman for the Galle Heritage Foundation stated that new Mara saplings will be planted at the spot where the tree was cut down, as well as several other identified locations within the Fort. He assured that measures are being taken to ensure that the historic nature of the Fort is protected. 

Pix by Sirangika Lokukarawita 

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