Sri Lanka has taken steps to conserve and officially gazette the country’s first-ever geothermal wetland, located at Kapurulla in the Bogamuyaya Grama Niladhari Division of Maha Oya in the Ampara District.The Environment Ministry said the Kapurulla Hot Water Wetland spans 20.1 hectares and is being conserved in collaboration with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Central Environmental Authority and the Department of Forest Conservation.

According to the Ministry, the wetland is the first geothermal wetland discovered in Sri Lanka. Unlike the country’s other hot springs, which are mostly found as small pools, the Kapurulla wetland is characterized by its marshy landscape where heated water bubbles to the surface from underground rock layers.Environmental officials said that the wetland possesses rare geological features and supports heat-resistant bacteria, microorganisms, unique aquatic plants and a variety of bird species due to its unusually high water temperature.The Ministry said that conserving the site could create opportunities for international scientific research related to geology and thermal springs, while also promoting sustainable eco-tourism in the region.An official inspection of the wetland was carried out on May 12 under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody. The event was attended by local officials, Members of Parliament, local council representatives and residents.