Wayside trees in city of Colombo

Abstract

In the present study, a review was carried out on the wayside tree Colombo city. In addition, a structural interview was carried out with the relaxants authorities including government and non governmental institutions. First chapter of the dissertation introduce the brief history of the wayside trees in Sri Lanka emphasizing different historical periods ruled by native and foreign rulers. The review indicated that there was a trend of integration of wayside trees in to a number of developments scheme. The second chapter and evaluation of way side trees of Colombo City was also made and there was drastic change in the planting of wayside trees with the introduction of modern construction in the city. Most of the wayside trees in the Colombo city have been evidence that the colonial rulers have paid an attention to preserve the wayside trees. In addition, there were roadside tree plantation plan during the time of foreign ruling and after the independence. The chapter tree briefly dealt with the wayside tree landscaping special reference to management of wayside trees. The review indicates that there is no appreciable level of the management of wayside trees attempted by local government, authorities in Colombo city. This may be due to the lack of finance, labours force, expertise and inefficient communication between the relevant authorities. Chapter four in the dissertation focuses the issues related to the wayside trees in the Colombo city. There are number of contributive factors in these issues, namely population increase, illegal encroachment, urbanization, and industrialization let to minimize the biodiversity in the city area. The earth slip, water logging, root damaging and water stress can be let to death of road tress and increase the risk of natural disasters. The beneficial effect of the wayside tree plantation let to minimize the industrial and vehicular CO2 emissions and create the microclimatic effect in Colombo city.