The Cabinet spokesperson and Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, Bandula Gunawardena, announced that the Cabinet has granted approval for the cutting of a Crudia Zeylanica tree located in Gampaha, Daraluwa.

Minister Gunawardena stated that a comprehensive assessment revealed the presence of 15 Crudia Zeylanica trees in the vicinity, all of which are over 40 years old. The officials responsible for the highway project are prepared to showcase these trees to anyone interested.

Highlighting the government's commitment to environmental preservation, Minister Bandula Gunawardena explained that a plan has been devised to replant two hundred worm-bearing trees in place of the removed tree. These measures aim to mitigate the ecological impact and ensure a sustainable approach to the development project.

The decision to remove the Crudia Zeylanica tree followed extensive consultations with botanists who confirmed the potential for abundant growth of these trees. Considering the significant financial implications, Minister Gunawardena emphasized that leaving the tree intact in the proposed highway environment could result in a loss of 15 billion rupees.