At the invitation of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne Minister of Youth & Sports Namal Rajapaksa declared open the ‘Blue Beach Island Underwater Gallery’ at Nilwella beach Saturday.
Built with the contribution of the Sri Lanka Navy, this latest addition in the southern coast of Nilwella, is expected to attract more local and foreign holidaymakers towards this popular tourist destination.
According to the Navy, a wide array of matters were taken into consideration before launching the project. Prevention of harmful effects on marine animals, plants and corals due to natural and human activities, protection of the marine ecosystem, creation of an artificial fish breeding environment, provision of artificial substrates for coral reefing and offering a magnificent site for scuba divers were among the main considerations.
The mega project was launched by the Navy in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and State Ministry of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish, Prawn Farming, Fishery Harbor Development, Multiday Fishing Activities and Fish Exports.
Following the directives of Commander of the Navy and close supervision of Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera, naval personnel designed the spectacular Underwater Gallery Nilwella which reflects a 100m long and 40m wide model town beneath the surface.
The underwater gallery includes sculptures, structures and other artifacts molded by ecofriendly materials, discarded vehicles and aircraft as well as artificial substrates specially designed for coral growing.
Some of the models here are made by small pieces of rock so that seaweeds and corals can easily grow on those surfaces and create an environment conducive to natural fish breeding in a very short period of time.
Apart from the scuba divers, this attractive site, located at the depth from 04 to 10 meters, can be easily viewed by snorkeling and plying by dinghies with glass bottoms.
Source : colombopage.com