I always thought of Colombo as just a busy city with traffic, buildings, noise, and the usual rush of people trying to get somewhere. Nature wasn’t really something I associated with it. But that completely changed after my visit to Beddagana Wetland Park.
The moment we stepped into the park, it felt like entering a completely different world. It was quiet, calm, and full of life. There were birds everywhere,some flying low over the water, others perched quietly on branches. I saw water lilies floating on the surface and even spotted frogs blending perfectly into the environment. We even came across scat, which we learned belonged to a porcupine and the urban fishing cat. That made it even more exciting, knowing these animals actually live here, even if we couldn’t see them. I couldn’t believe that this kind of biodiversity existed right in the middle of Colombo. It made me realize how little I actually knew about the nature around me.
What surprised me the most was how important these wetlands are. They’re not just “pretty places”, they help control floods, clean water, and provide a home for so many animals. Without them, the city would be very different, and honestly, probably much worse to live in. It made me think about how easily these places could be destroyed if people don’t care enough.
As young people, I think we have a big responsibility. We’re the ones who will live with the consequences of what happens to these wetlands. If we ignore them, they could disappear. But if we protect them, they can continue to be these amazing spaces that support both nature and people. Even small things matter, like not littering, spreading awareness, or encouraging friends and family to visit and appreciate these places.
This visit didn’t just show me a park,it changed how I see Colombo. It’s not just a city of buildings, but a place where nature still exists and needs to be protected. And now that I know that, I feel like it’s up to people like me to make sure it stays that way.