The largest orchard in South Asia to create awareness among locals and foreigners about endemic fruits in the region will be established at Kananwila in Horana. The orchard will be a tourist attraction. The Additional Director of the Kananvila Fruit Crop Research and Development Centre, K.K.Perera said the main object of the orchard located on 60 acres was to conserve the genes of endemic fruits and to protect local verities of fruit. He said the orchard rich in the scenic beauty of a natural forest and trees bearing local fruits will be designed to attract tourists. The Ministry of Economic Development has allocated Rs.6.5 million for Stage 1 of the project.

The Medical Officer of the Curative Department of the Crop Research Centre, Dr. Pradeepa Alahakoon said: "Sri Lanka is an island rich in bio-diversity. There could be many endemic fruits that are yet to be identified. We have planned to name a newly identified endemic fruit after the person who identified it. The orchard will be of immense benefit to botanists interested in studying endemic fruits in Sri Lanka." Students of several leading schools in Colombo have visited the Fruit Crop Research Centre.

The Asst. Director of the Fruit Crop Research and Development Centre and Project Coordinator, Chandana Samarawickrema said the project would be completed in three years and that the infrastructure is nearing completion.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka