Toque boom in Kandy has reduced bird population

Transport and Highways Deputy Minister Dr.Prasanna Gunasena, stated that the bird population, including crows in the Kandy District, has significantly declined due to the toque monkey menace.

He explained that torques destroy bird nests and consume eggs and chicks, causing a severe imbalance in the ecosystem.

Speaking at a media briefing in Kandy, the Deputy Minister highlighted that birds, which naturally control pests like caterpillars and insects harmful to agriculture, are also being affected. This reduces the population of species that contribute to environmental stability by controlling pests.

Dr.Gunasena added that Agriculture, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha has taken certain measures to address the issue. However, some individuals claiming to be environmentalists have begun protests against these actions, failing to understand the hardships faced by the majority of the population. He further noted that the collapse of the agricultural sector would compel the country to import even basic crops. As an example, he pointed to the destruction of coconut harvests, a major export crop. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, he emphasised, would never make decisions detrimental to the people or the country under any circumstances.

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