World Champion Riders

Marc Márquez is a championship-winning MotoGP™ rider from Cervera, Spain. He first climbed onto a bike at the age of four and soon collected more domestic titles than he knew what to do with.

A move onto 125cc machinery was inevitable, and back-to-back Catalan titles in 2005 and 2006 followed, as did a successful debut season in the world-renowned CEV Championship before his rapid ascent continued on the World Championship stage with Team Repsol KTM in 2008.

At the British Grand Prix, he became the youngest-ever Spaniard (15 years and 127 days) to earn a podium finish as his promise prospered even further. 2010 saw Márquez secure the backing of Red Bull, switching to Derbi bikes as he joined Ajo Motorsport, and the season turned out to be a golden one. He claimed his first world championship title and then swiftly moved up to Moto2 for the 2011 season.

A string of championship-worthy results saw him winning six races and grabbing nine podiums, including victories at Mugello, Sachsenring and Assen. Unfortunately, a crash in practice in Malaysia ended his title charge, and he finished runner-up. Márquez continued to dominate in Moto2 in 2012 and eventually took the overall title.

In 2013, he became a history-maker. At the beginning of the year, he stepped into MotoGP™ with Repsol Honda, first making his mark by becoming the youngest rider in history to win a MotoGP™ race. He then became the youngest rider to claim three successive podiums. Finally, in November, he shocked the sporting world when he became the world’s youngest-ever MotoGP™ champion. But he didn’t stop there and cruised through 2014 to take another world title with three rounds to go.2015 proved to be a testing season for Márquez, who, despite six DNFs, still managed to get onto the podium nine times, five of those as a winner. He ended a tough campaign third overall in the championship.

In 2016 Márquez was back to winning ways, taking an historic third championship title with three races to spare at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Japan, home of his Repsol Honda team.2017 saw the same result, another title for Márquez, but he was pushed all the way to Valencia and the final race of the season as Andrea Dovizioso took a thrilling championship right to the wire.In 2018, Márquez claimed the title with victory at the Japanese Grand Prix. One year later, he continued his relentless pursuit of silverware as he claimed a fourth consecutive championship – and sixth premier class crown – in Thailand with four races remaining.

Starting the 2020 campaign as the favourite, Márquez broke his humorous in the first race in Jerez and subsequently missed the entire season.

The Spanish rider returned to racing in the 2021 season and, despite still feeling the effects of the wrist injury, secured his first win of the campaign at the German GP. Showing that he was returning to his best, he then triumphed late in the season at the Circuit of the Americas, recording a seventh victory at the track in Austin, Texas.

2022 proved to be another frustrating year for Márquez as he was forced to miss numerous races after undergoing a fourth surgery on his right humerus. However, despite not being fully fit, he still finished 10th or better in 10 races and secured the 100th premier class podium of his career at the Australian Grand Prix.

 

Starting the 2020 campaign as the favourite, Márquez broke his humorous in the first race in Jerez and subsequently missed the entire season

My Work

My Work..

A tight economy and rising costs at the pump have spurred increased interest in fuel-efficient, single-cylinder streetbikes. Much is also owed the supermoto movement for lending a cool factor and styling flair to the modern one-lunger. These days, riding a Single doesn’t mean settling for pedestrian performance or bland aesthetics. A twist of the lightly sprung throttle delivers impressive acceleration that raises the bar for a Single. On the Cycle World dyno, the 690 pounded out 63.9 peak horsepower at 7630 rpm and a broad spread of torque ramping up to 48.9 foot-pounds at 5420 rpm. In addition to being fitted with a vibration-damping counterbalancer, this latest LC4 has an "anti-hopping" slipper clutch and ride-by-wire fuel injection.

The Yamaha WR250X is a 250cc supermoto bike. Its 4-stroke single cylinder engine has a power output of 22 kW and torque output of 17 ft-lb. The maximum speed of the Yamaha WR250X motorcycle is around 80 mph (128 km/h). Its horsepower is approximately 30 bhp. Yamaha WR250X weighs around 136 kg (299 lbs). Its seat height is 895 mm (35.2 inches). It is a lightweight motorcycle suitable for tall riders. The fuel tank capacity of the Yamaha WR250X is 7.6 litres. Its fuel consumption is around 60 mpg (25 km/l). The bike can provide up to 80 miles (128 kilometres) of fuel tank range. It has an average fuel economy.

 

Racing Events

Racing Events In Sri Lanka.

Foxhill Supercross

Gunner Supercross

My Partner

                                      A moment when I felt a strange weight on my heart, a strange feeling of happiness inside it, a feeling that not only my heart but my whole body felt like it, a feeling that I never felt before.  That was the moment you came to my mind about love, affection, and even more spiritual attachment for you.  When I remember that day even today, that feeling fills my heart with an even fresher flavor.❤

I still don't know if this meeting was a coincidence or not.  We can't say when, how, where, or when love will happen. It's someone who always reminds me of who I am.

When I'm losing confidence, when I feel like I can't do anything, "No, you're the one."  You can do that, how many things you can do, how much you have the ability, you are the best person to do it, someone who motivates me, when I am weak and depressed, when I am tired of looking for an answer, when there is no solution.  You are the person who reminds me that there are no problems in the world, after my mother, who am I, how talented I am, how lovely I am, how strong I am, and who always reminds me of the things I forget about myself💟

No matter how many special people there are in our lives, as soon as a special event happens, we plan to tell him when and how.  After saying that, I feel a great relief.  I think it's because we trust him so much.  So that special person in my life is "you".👩‍❤‍👨

 I think that's why people are afraid of being alone.  People are afraid of not having someone to share their feelings with. So I believe that you, who did not leave me alone in that feeling, will be alone in front of me.💕

You said that it's useless. Yes, if it's the two of us who truly love each other, if we both know each other very well, then why should someone else tell us.  In this love between us, there are not without quarrels, scoldings, sorrows.🥺 You said, "There are those things in love that make you feel its taste."  "Even if it's a river, when it's flowing along beautiful rocks." Yes, I believe that too.  Because after those fights, we are more in love than before, and our love is renewed

So, bbe, I am right if I say that I am addicted to meeting this love of life.  I have to say that your warm hugs, your shoulder, your affectionate and sweet words comfort my whole soul....

 

Most Using Dirt Bike In Sri Lanka

 Honda CRF250R

The Honda CRF250R is Big Red’s four-stroke production motocross bike for the 250F class. It competes annually in Dirt Rider’s 250 four-stroke shootout and received fifth place this year. The machine may have slipped down a rank compared to 2020, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in fun. Take the handling and engine as prime examples that this machine performs well and has a reasonable MSRP.The CRF250R is powered by a 249cc single-cylinder engine that, when measured on our in-house dyno, cranked 39.0 hp at 12,900 rpm and 18.8 pound-feet of torque at 9,500 rpm at the rear wheel. And while it didn’t deliver the most peak power of the group, the CRF250R’s “free-revving engine is one of the characteristics that make it so much fun to ride,” Dirt Rider’s Andrew Oldar reports. “It offers a smooth, linear powerband from bottom to top with no real hit anywhere in the rpm range, all of which contribute to the bike’s ability to get great traction.”

Yamaha YZ250F

First introduced in 1974, the Yamaha YZ250 has stood the test of time. The YZ250 is an ideal bike for a rider who wants a two-stroke motocrosser that is fun to ride and easy to maintain, while rebelling against the modern-day four-strokes. It has a long power delivery, plush KYB suspension, and proven durability. Of the big six manufacturers, Yamaha is one of only three to still offer a 250cc two-stroke motocross bike in 2020 and is the last premix-burning quarter-liter MXer from Japan. It’s also the only bike in its category to come with a cable-actuated clutch.he Yamaha YZ250 hasn’t changed much since 2006, but it has remained as a competitive package in recent years, as evidenced by a comparison test conducted by our dirt-only sister publication, Dirt Rider, between the YZ250 and KTM 250 SX.

KTM 250SX

As winner of Dirt Rider’s Best Motocross Shootout for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), the KTM 250 SX-F was bound to stoke the fires of competition, and so it did. While the Yamaha YZ250F took first place for 2021′s shootout, the KTM still followed closely behind taking second. Its strong and fast engine, nimble handling, tunable suspension, light weight, and excellent brakes continue to serve this machine well. Its high-rpm powerband makes it a suitable ride for intermediate and pro-level riders.

The KTM 250 SX-F is powered by the same liquid-cooled, DOHC, 250cc four-stroke engine as its counterpart, the Husqvarna FC 250. In measuring the machine’s rear wheel power figures for the five-bike comparison, the SX-F produced the highest horsepower figures and second highest torque numbers: 41.1 hp at 13,700 rpm and 19.1 pound-feet of torque at 9,100 rpm.While the engine doesn’t produce the strongest low-end power, it excels in seemingly endless top-end pull. Contributing to its low-end power performance and rpm recovery characteristics is the bike’s long gear ratios.

Kawasaki KX250X

The Kawasaki KX250 is a four-stroke motocross bike that takes after its bigger stablemate, the KX450, in chassis, EFI mapping system, hydraulic clutch, and front brake setup for 2021. The smaller KX also sees a multitude of other improvements, making it one of the most revamped models this year.As a well-rounded machine in stock form, the 2021 Kawasaki KX250 offers a nice mix of trickled-down improvements and a higher revving four-stroke 250cc engine. This model ranked fourth among the other 250 four-strokes in Dirt Rider’s 2021 250 Four-Stroke Motocross Bike Comparison Test where it was praised for its neutral-handling chassis, great ergos, competitive top-end power, and smooth clutch pull. The KX250 is powered by the 249cc, four-stroke, DOHC liquid-cooled engine. This dirt bike recorded 39.60 hp at 13,220 rpm and 18.38 pound-feet at 9,440 rpm on our rear-wheel in-house dyno.

The engine’s internal components have seen quite a few updates, but characteristics are very similar to what was seen in 2020. Now it has a little more over-rev because of the increased rev limit, and power delivery is better if you keep the revs up. The Dirt Rider 250 four-stroke comparison test did find that the engine characteristics and power delivery did still leave a bit to be desired though.Second gear will be used in most corners. Third is not needed until corner exits and is overall very useful. Fourth only needs to be used on faster straightaways, we reported in our First Ride Review. Further, shifting under load was reasonably easy with only a small amount of clutch lever input needed thanks to the new hydraulic clutch.

Racing Tracks In Sri Lanka

Racing Tracks In Sri Lanka.

FoxHill Track
 

Fox Hill Supercross is the biggest event in the Sri lanka's sports calendar where riders are opened to test their riding skills, speed and endurance during the popular event. The event is organized by the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Sri Lanka Automobile Sports and Sri Lanka Motorcycle Federation. The Sri Lanka Hutch is the Title Sponsor. The Fox Hill Supercross with 28 events took place at the Military Academy Track in Diyatalawa. The event was introduced in the year 1993 and for this year 2022 event surprising 350 car drivers and motocross Riders had submitted their entries to participate in this event. On the Drivers' section Champion Driver Silva is competing against Ushan Perera and Kushan Peiris, On the Motocross sector Ishan Dassanayake along with Buddhika Kasun Silva, Ivon B. Gurusinghe and Jacques Gunawardene are competing in the thrilling motocross sector. MXRacing Motorcross bikes up to 125cc 2 Stroke, up to 250cc 4stroke along with MX Racing Motocross up to 85cc for Under-16 in the motorcycle category. For the Super MotoRad Open event engines of 250cc up to 1100cc (2 stroke and 4 stroke) can participate.

Visitors need to buy Entrance tickets. They are available at Rs 3,000/-, Rs 2,000/-, Rs 1,500/- and Rs 100.

   Vijayaba Track

Vijayabahu Motocross, the motor racing competition organised by the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment along with Sri Lanka Racing Riders Association.

The Vijayabahu Motocross was first organised back in the year 2000 with the hope and intention of popularising and uplifting Motorsports in the Nation, while also raising funds for the welfare of the members of the Regiment and of the families of heroes who laid down their lives or became differently abled fighting for our Nation. considered one of the most challenging tracks in the country consists of 12 corners, 09 double jumps and 06 table tops all inside a 2.1km track which provides riders with a test of their stamina and concentration to be able to successfully complete a Moto.  In a track which includes plenty of difficult jumps riders will be awarded for the longest jump at the competition apart from the “Army Commander Challenge Trophy” which will be presented to the rider who accumulates the highest number of points at the rally and the rider who will accumulate the highest number of points in the 250cc category will be awarded the Regimental Challenge Trophy.

The events that are scheduled to take place are;

50 cc over 5-10 years

50-65 cc 2T 7-10 years

65-85 cc 2T 9-12 years

79-85 cc 2T & 100-150 cc 4T Under 15 years Moto 01

79-85 cc 2T & 100-150 cc 4T Under 15 years Moto 02

125 Standard/modified motorcycles 100-125 cc 2T

SS 125 Standard/modified motorcycles 100-125 cc 2T (Defence Services)

SS 125 Standard/modified street trail motorcycles including 125cc 2T -250cc 4T-Moto 01

SS 125 Standard/modified street trail motorcycles including 125cc 2T -250cc 4T-Moto 02

Over 100cc-125cc 2T

Over 100cc – 125cc 2T & 175cc – 250cc 4T  – Moto 01

Over 100cc – 125cc 2T & 175cc – 250cc 4T  – Moto 02

Longest Jump

Motocross In Sri Lanka

Motocross 

Motocross racing in Sri Lanka is dominated by the Sri Lanka Armed Forces.  Together with the Sri Lanka Racing Drivers and Riders Association (SLARDAR) they are the key figures in organizing Motocross events in Sri Lanka.  Also, many young people of Sri Lanka are involved in this adventure sports event.  On the other hand this race is expensive because the machines and their maintenance are very expensive for the average Sri Lankan.  Furthermore, rider's safety gear and equipment is also very expensive.  Many people are interested in these motocross races held in Sri Lanka.  With thousands of spectators participating in the matches, this is one of the most famous tournaments in Sri Lanka.

 

 Many local riders rode 125cc, 250cc and 450cc with two stroke or four stroke engines.  250 and 450cc are the two main groups of events.  Among them, junior competitors also participated using motorcycles below 85cc.  Along with local riders, foreign riders also participated in the Sri Lanka Motocross events.

 

As a Motocross enthusiast since childhood Ananda wedisingha, Gayan Sandaruwan, Imal Manchanayake, Deshan Solanki, Evon B Gurusinghe are my favorite racers.

Ananda Wedisinghe

       Gayan Sandaruwan

       Imal Manchanayake

Deshan Solanki

 Evon B Gurusinghe

   Sri Lanka Motocross Tracks .

•  Nuwera Eliya Motocross
•  Fox Hill Supercross
•  Gajaba Super Cross
•  Southern Super Cross
•  Vijayabahu Motocross
•  Commando Supercross

The Interplay of Perception and Communication: Unlocking the Path to Effective Understanding

 

Introduction:

 Perception and communication are two fundamental aspects of human interaction that heavily influence our understanding of the world and our ability to connect with others. The way we perceive information, events, and individuals shapes our understanding, while communication serves as the medium through which we express our perceptions and attempt to convey them to others. This article explores the intricate relationship between perception and communication, shedding light on how they impact our interactions and the keys to fostering effective understanding.

Perception:

 The Lens through Which We View the WorldPerception refers to the process of interpreting and making sense of sensory information received from the environment. It encompasses our senses, thoughts, emotions, and past experiences, all of which shape how we perceive and interpret the world around us. Our individual perceptions are subjective and unique, influenced by factors such as cultural background, personal beliefs, and cognitive biases.

Communication: 

The Bridge That Connects UsCommunication is the vital tool we use to share our perceptions, ideas, and emotions with others. It involves both verbal and non-verbal cues, such as body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, and written or spoken words. Effective communication is a two-way process, requiring active listening and clear expression to ensure mutual understanding. However, miscommunication often occurs due to differences in perception, language barriers, or inadequate listening skills.

The Impact of Perception on CommunicationPerception significantly influences how we communicate and interpret messages. When our perception aligns with the intended meaning behind a message, communication tends to be smooth and effective. However, when there is a mismatch between perception and the intended message, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise. For instance, an individual's cultural background and past experiences may lead them to interpret a statement differently from how it was intended, resulting in miscommunication and potential discord.

Overcoming Communication Barriers

To enhance communication and bridge the gap between diverse perceptions, it is crucial to develop certain skills and strategies:

1. Active Listening: Actively listening to others allows us to better understand their perspectives and clarify any potential misunderstandings. It involves giving our full attention, being open-minded, and refraining from making assumptions.

2. Empathy: Cultivating empathy enables us to step into someone else's shoes and understand their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Empathy fosters a deeper connection and helps us communicate with sensitivity and understanding.

3. Clarification and Feedback: When in doubt, seeking clarification and providing feedback is essential. It allows us to address any ambiguities or misconceptions, ensuring that both parties are on the same page.

4. Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting cultural differences is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication. Being aware of cultural norms, values, and non-verbal cues helps prevent misunderstandings and promotes respectful interactions.

5. Mindful Communication: Being mindful of our own language, tone, and non-verbal cues can prevent unintended messages and promote clarity. Mindfulness encourages us to think before we speak or respond, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings.

Conclusion:

Perception and communication are intricately linked, and understanding their interplay is vital for effective interpersonal interactions. By recognizing the influence of perception on communication and employing active listening, empathy, clarification, cultural sensitivity, and mindful communication, we can foster understanding, build stronger relationships, and bridge the gaps between diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the path to effective communication lies in embracing the diversity of perceptions and striving for

Master Of Motocross

Ananda Wedisinghe (Master of Motocross ) 

Racing is in my blood, and I will compete until my last breath,” was the mantra the energetic and legendary motorcross rider Ananda Wedisinghe uttered until he lost his life as a result of a fatal crash during the Nuwara Eliya Road Race in 2017.

He was 47 at the time of his untimely demise, which occurred on May 29 three years ago, breaking the hearts of thousands of motorsport fans and riding fanatics across Sri Lanka and beyond.

Wedisinghe’s competition number ’15′ was an anticipated thrill-giver to many of his followers at any given motorsport event held around the country. He was well known for his daredevil acts on the track, be it rollers, single or double jumps, off-camber corners, step-ups or any move or jump that could involuntarily get the spectators involved with the event.

Born on July 19, 1970 to Siri Wedisinghe and Rosemary Bultjens as the elder of four siblings, Ananda had a twin named Nalanda, who died a month after birth. As the older brother he was an inspiration to younger brothers Udesh and Sajitha, and sister Deepika. Eventually the two younger brothers and the only sister followed Ananda Wedisinghe’s trail to become good riders.

The senior Wedisinghe, Siri, was the role model to young Ananda, whose mother also came from a family connected to motorsports. The young Wedisinghe was just 13 years old when his father passed away following a fatal motor accident.

Soon after reaching 18, in 1988, Wedisinghe moved to Japan in pursuit of greener pastures with the assistance of his close friend Dilantha Malagamuwa, a world renowned motorsport driver and a pride of Sri Lanka. Wedisinghe made his motorcross debut in 1993 in Japan with a podium finish, on his way to become the iconic rider the whole country remembers.

Wedisinghe met his life partner Rumi, a nurse, in Japan and they got married in 1991. Both Ananda and Rumi were proud parents of two sons – Ken and June – and two daughters – Risa and Rina.

Wedisinghe was the Best Rider at the popular Fox Hill Supercross at eight occasions and six out of the whole, were back-to-back wins, which still stands as a record in Sri Lanka. He also went on to become the National Motorcross Champion on numerous occasions, while cementing his status as the rider to watch at any local event.

During a live interview at one of the Fox Hill Supercross events, Wedisinghe stated that he was ‘born to ride’ and went on by saying that he would ‘race until his last breath’, which incidentally became a tragic reality.Wedisinghe was geared up to win yet another race in the Super Motard up to 450cc event at the Nuwara Eliya Road Race in 2017 on that fateful day of April 23. He was riding neck-to-neck against another star rider of the class, Suraj Perera, and eventually ended up colliding after both riders failed control their machines.

Matters became more intense when Wedisinghe’s bike collided against a safety fence forcing him off it and ending up with a huge impact. His head had crashed against a huge wood log and one of his legs was badly damaged.Wedisinghe was rushed to the Nuwara Eliya Hospital, but due to lack of facilities authorities transferred him to the Kandy Hospital, where he spent five weeks in the Intensive Care Unit with the aid of a life supporting machine. In the meantime Wedisinghe’s wife Rumi and his children made all efforts to take the celebrated rider to Japan for further treatment, which would cost Rs. 39 million alone as airfare, but failed.

The much loved rider, who had gone beyond his path to help others, mainly the wounded and battered soldiers of Sri Lanka Army, eventually took his last breath leaving many in tears.“Ananda was a very good human being. He has donated a few ambulances to the Army during the height of the civil war, after getting to know about it. In addition he has donated wheelchairs, artificial limbs and helped in many other ways to those wounded soldiers, while also donating bicycles to the Army. There were many in motorsports, who had riches than Ananda, but he was more generous and caring for the soldiers than any other,” veteran driver and motorsport expert Mahesh Gammanpila stated.

As a tribute to one of the greatest riders to come out from Sri Lanka and in memory of his father, Wedisinghe’s oldest son Ken competed at the Fox Hill Supercross in 2018 under his flagship number ’15′. This gesture received a mixture of overwhelming and emotional reaction from spectators who were gathered.

In recognition of his great services rendered to motorcross and motorcycle sports in Sri Lanka, the organisers of Gajaba Supercross dedicated the Super Motard event to him. The champion rider of the Super Motard event would win the Ananda Wedisinghe Challenge Trophy since 2018, an event the experienced and eminent rider would have easily won had he continued.

Until his shocking demise in 2017, Wedisinghe competed for 24 years recording many wins both globally and locally, but above all his pride and joy was the countless number of followers he earned through this period.

Had he been alive, Wedisinghe would have turned 50 on May 26, but instead his family, friends, fans and the country, are commemorating the third death anniversary of the most loved rider of motorsport history in Sri Lanka.

The Dark Rider

 The Dark Rider                                    

We Ride.

To Feel.

To Fly.

To Breathe.

To Touch.

 I'm Learning To Ride A Bike

And I'm Learning To Fly On My Own

And I'm Learning To Sing

Not To Cry When I Fall

And I'm Learning Never Give Up

As I Ride Though Life

And I'm Learning To Try Try Try Again

To Get Back Up On That Bike

And I'm Learning

Not To Run Away From Pain

And I'm Learning To Fly High

While I Speed Through The Hilla Of Life

And I'm Learning That It's  Much

Environmental Challenges in Sri Lanka

What Is the Environmental Problem :

The environmental problem refers to a state in which the order and law of the ecosystem are collapsed as the ecological function it originally had is destroyed due to the influence of human activities. These environmental problems arise from conflicts between nature and humans.

Introduction:

Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, is known for its stunning landscapes, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage. However, like many countries around the world, Sri Lanka faces significant environmental challenges that threaten its natural resources, ecosystems, and the well-being of its people. This article sheds light on some of the key environmental problems in Sri Lanka and emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions to safeguard the country's ecological balance..

Water Pollution and Depletion:

Sri Lanka's water resources are under considerable strain due to pollution and depletion. Industrial waste, improper waste disposal, and agricultural runoff contaminate rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources. This not only endangers aquatic ecosystems but also threatens the availability of clean water for drinking, agriculture, and other essential purposes. Water scarcity is a growing concern, particularly during periods of drought, affecting both rural and urban communities..

Air Pollution and Climate Change:

Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increased vehicular emissions have contributed to rising air pollution levels in Sri Lanka's major cities. High particulate matter concentrations and pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pose significant health risks to the population. Moreover, Sri Lanka is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and changing rainfall patterns, which can have far-reaching consequences for agriculture, coastal communities, and overall economic stability.

Waste Polution:

Improper waste management is a significant environmental challenge in Sri Lanka. Inadequate infrastructure for waste collection, recycling, and disposal leads to the accumulation of waste in landfills, rivers, and other open spaces. Plastic pollution, in particular, has emerged as a critical issue, with plastic waste polluting water bodies and threatening marine life. Effective waste management strategies, including recycling initiatives and public awareness campaigns, are crucial to mitigate this problem.

wild Sri Lankan elephants have begun eating plastic rubbish dumped near habitat:

Dozens of elephants have begun foraging for food at a dump nestled in a Sri Lankan jungle after it encroached on their habitat.Photographs captured in the eastern Ampara district show the wild herd, which numbers almost 40, searching through mounds of plastic bags, which have since been discovered undigested in their excrement.Microplastics and non-digestive polythene were also found in the elephants’ stomachs during postmortem examinations. Such waste poses a serious threat to the health of the herd.It is thought the elephants gained access to the dump through a broken fence, although according to photographer Tharmapalan Tilaxan the garbage is now strewn through the surrounding forest.

He described the phenomenon as a “destructive and unhealthy habit” and warned that no action had been taken to prevent the elephants entering the area in search of food. Postmortems have shown the elephants have plastic products in their stomachsPostmortems have shown the elephants have plastic products in their stomachsThe herd of elephants are now so accustomed to feeding in the area that they have begun crossing into neighbouring villages and paddy fields, adding to existing tensions between them and the locals. for elephants, ingesting plastic can have devastating consequences. 

Microplastics can block digestive tracts, alter feeding behaviour and diminish the urge to eat. Each of these factors can impact on the herd’s ability to reproduce and damage population numbers.With their stomachs stuffed with plastic bags, herds often die of starvation. The herd, which numbers just under 40, has turned to rooting through the rubbish dumpThe herd, which numbers just under 40, has turned to rooting through the rubbish dumpIn 2019, Sri Lanka saw the highest number of elephant deaths since records began in 1948, according to environmental activists. 

Around 361 died in Sri Lanka that year, with 85 per cent of these deaths caused by human activity, the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform said. It is thought the country has a wild elephant population of around 7,500. Sri Lanka is ranked as the world’s fifth largest producer of plastic waste, with more than 50m kilograms of plastic wasted per day. 

Coastal Erosion and Marine Degradation:

Sri Lanka's coastal areas are vulnerable to erosion and degradation due to factors such as unchecked coastal development, sand mining, and coral reef damage. Coastal erosion not only impacts the natural beauty of the beaches but also poses a threat to coastal communities, tourism, and fisheries. Protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems, implementing sustainable coastal development practices, and raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation are essential to address this issue.

Deforestation and Habitat Loss:

One of the most pressing environmental issues in Sri Lanka is deforestation and habitat loss. Rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and irresponsible land-use practices have resulted in the destruction of vital forest cover and wildlife habitats. This loss of habitat has serious implications for the country's unique biodiversity, including endangered species such as the Sri Lankan elephant and leopard.

Conclusion:

Addressing the environmental problems in Sri Lanka requires concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and individuals. Sustainable land-use practices, reforestation initiatives, improved waste management systems, and the promotion of renewable energy sources are some of the key solutions. It is crucial to prioritize environmental conservation, raise public awareness, and foster a culture of sustainability to ensure a greener and more resilient future for Sri Lanka. By taking proactive measures today, Sri Lanka can safeguard its natural heritage for future generations and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

 

The environmental problem refers to a state in which the order and law of the ecosystem are collapsed as the ecological function it originally had is destroyed due to the influence of human activities. These environmental problems arise from conflicts between nature and humans....