The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is investigating the recent deaths of ducks at Beira Lake, located on Navam Mawatha. CMC Chief Veterinary Surgeon Dr. M. Ijas stated that claims the ducks died from a substance introduced by the CMC cannot be confirmed until postmortem investigations are completed.
Dr. Ijas explained that the CMC had added an organic bacteria to the lake to help break down pollutants, which had been causing a foul odor. This same bacteria had been used in previous instances with no reported issues.
He added that the Homagama Veterinary Investigation Centre, led by Dr. S.K. Samanthi Rathnasiri, is assisting with technical expertise in the investigation. Water samples and the carcasses of the deceased birds have been sent for postmortem analysis, with some samples also being forwarded to the Veterinary Research Institute of Peradeniya for further examination.
According to initial findings from the Homagama Veterinary Investigation Centre, avian flu has been ruled out as the cause of death. Additionally, the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) is conducting a separate investigation into the incident.
