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SAARC Summit SAARC: Promoting Regional Cooperation and Economic Integration

Introduction:

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1985 with the primary objective of promoting regional cooperation and economic integration among its member states. Comprising eight countries in South Asia, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, SAARC aims to foster mutual understanding, cooperation, and collaboration in various areas of development. This article will delve into the significance of SAARC, its objectives, achievements, challenges, and future prospects.

Historical Background:

The idea of regional cooperation in South Asia dates back to the early 1950s when leaders recognized the need for collective efforts to address common challenges. However, it was not until 1985 that SAARC was formally established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The charter laid the foundation for promoting economic, social, and cultural cooperation among member states.

Objectives of SAARC:

SAARC has set forth a comprehensive set of objectives aimed at achieving regional integration and sustainable development. These objectives include:

a) Promoting mutual understanding and good neighborly relations among member states. b) Enhancing cooperation in economic, social, cultural, technical, and scientific fields. c) Strengthening cooperation in agriculture, rural development, and poverty alleviation. d) Fostering cooperation in trade, industry, investment, and infrastructure development. e) Facilitating collaboration in education, health, population, and human resource development. f) Promoting cooperation in energy, transport, and communication sectors. g) Encouraging collaboration in environment and natural disaster management. h) Strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism, illicit drugs, and organized crime.

Achievements of SAARC:

SAARC has made significant achievements over the years in various domains. Some notable accomplishments include:

a) Trade and Economic Cooperation: SAARC has played a pivotal role in promoting intra-regional trade and economic cooperation. The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), established in 2006, aims to reduce trade barriers and enhance economic integration among member states. SAARC has also initiated discussions on a South Asian Economic Union (SAEU) to further deepen economic integration in the region.

b) Social and Cultural Cooperation: SAARC has facilitated cultural exchanges, people-to-people contacts, and cooperation in the fields of art, literature, sports, and tourism. The SAARC Cultural Centre promotes cultural diversity and heritage conservation.

c) Poverty Alleviation and Social Development: SAARC has undertaken initiatives to alleviate poverty, improve healthcare, and enhance education and skills development in the region. The Social Charter of SAARC provides a framework for addressing social issues and promoting social justice.

d) Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure Development: SAARC has emphasized the development of transport and communication infrastructure to enhance connectivity among member states. The SAARC Development Fund supports infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and power transmission lines.

Challenges and Constraints:

Despite its achievements, SAARC faces several challenges and constraints that hinder its progress:

a) Bilateral Disputes: Persistent bilateral disputes and conflicts among member states, such as the India-Pakistan conflict, have limited the scope for regional cooperation and hindered the achievement of SAARC's goals.

b) Unequal Economic Development: The wide economic disparities among member states pose challenges in fostering equitable development and economic integration. Disparities in infrastructure, trade imbalances, and development levels create obstacles to regional cooperation.

c) Security Concerns: The region faces security challenges, including terrorism, transnational crime, and political instability. These issues undermine trust and cooperation among member states and hamper progress in various areas.

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Waterfalls in Sri Lanka 2

Hulu Ganga falls – Huluganga falls is located at huluganga town, about 30km away from Kandy in on the way of bambaraella, in Kandy district in central province. Hulu River is originating from the knuckles mountain range. Hulganga falls is about 75 meters in height. The cascading water sprinkles the villages of elliyadda and arattnana, before flowing to the Victoria reservoir. There are lots of rocks on the river and even on the rainy days the water does not get muddy because of rocks, grass and plants, as well as less environmental pollution. Since the annual rain fall received by the catchments area of the fall is high, it is ever young throughout the year.



2.      Dunhinda falls - Dunhainda falls is a waterfall located about 5km from badulla town I uva province. The Dunhinda falls is one of the Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls. The waterfalls, which is 63 meters high, gets its name from the smoky dew drops spray, which surrounds the area at the foot of the waterfall. The waterfall is created by the river called badulu oya which goes through the badulla town. To reach the water fall you have to walk more than 1km distance along o foot path. Along this foot path you can see another small waterfall called “kuda dunhinda” at a distance. (In Sinhalese kuda means small) At the end of the path there is a secure stage constructed for views to see the waterfall. Downsides of dunhinda there are 3 main water valleys called randenigala, rantabe and theldeniya. Uma oya direct to rantabe and other 2 valleys from Mahaweli River from Kandy.



3.      Hunnas falls – Hunnas waterfalls is located about 22km from Kandy town in central province. However this is located in mathale district, elkaduwa village. There are two roads to reach hunnas waterfall. One is coming from mathale to elkaduwa, the other is wattegama (Kandy) to elkaduwa. Hunnas falls, which derives its name from hunasgiriya peak, the forest covered mountain which overlooks this tranquil landscape. The knuckles mountain range extends up to matale the hunnasgiriya is located at one end, 1765 meters above sea level. This are is subject to every climatic condition of the island. A group of five streams flow from here and meet to from the maha oya reservoir, which leads on to hunnas falls (48 meters high and 12 meter wide) and the Suduganga River. This waterfall is 60 meters in height and created by a stream from hunnasgiriya peak. Apart from the main fall several streams can be seen during rainy seasons.



4.      Nanu oya falls – From the Nanu Oya River, the water flows through the udaradella and bambarakelle areas to the fall. The water cascades through mist down a sequence of 25 steps and later joining the kotmale and Mahaweli River. A hint of grandeur id added to the scene by the imposing bridge that spans the fall. The fall situated in nanu oya, 6km from nuwaraeilya in central province.



5.      Bopath falls – Bopath Ella is a waterfall situated in the ratnapura district in sabaragamuwa province. The waterfall is major tourist attraction in the country. Local myths say that it is haunted and that it hides a treasure trove. The name “bopath ella” has been given to the waterfall because of its shape. The water flows through a narrow gap in the rocks and then widens, forming the shape of leaf of a “bo” tree which is the Sinhalese name for sacred fig. (Ficus religiosa). “path” means leaves of a tree and “ella” means waterfall. Virgin forests with a rich biodiversity surround the waterfall. Bopath ella is 30meters high. It is formed from the kuru ganga, which is a tributary of the kalu ganga. Its mean rate of flow is 6 square meters per second, and its catchment area receives an average rainfall of 5080 mm annually.



6.      Ravana Falls – The ravana ella is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the island. It located at ella-wellawaya road in uva provice.This waterfall measures approximately 25 meters in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an area flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically. The falls have been named after legendary Hindu character ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at that time) had kidnapped princess sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the ravana ella cave. At the time, the cave was surrounded with thick in the midst of wilderness. It is also believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from the waterfall.



7.      Galboda falls –Another beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka.  It is located by nawalapitiya, nuwara-eliya district in central province. Galboda is nice station along the railway track of Colombo – badulla. There is so much nature scenery and animals. The environment is very cool with much rain. This waterfall is higher than 30meters, but the width ranges from between 3-6 meters, depending on the season with distance of 1-2 km from the railway station, known as galboda waterfall. Since the area is closed to watawala where the highest rain fall is received out of the country, the waterfall is ever young. The name of the fall (fall adjoining the stone) is said to derive from the large boulder situated at its foot, through another theory is that the water here is heavier than anywhere else on the island. At certain times of the year, the water also cascades in 2 streams. Growing in the surrounding woodland is a rare species of orchid and the vicinity of wildlife. Among them are 12 species of reptile and 4 are only found in Sri Lanka. The upper section of the fall is unique in its biodiversity, thus it is of paramount importance to limit any potential danger to the area.



8.      Elgin falls – Elgin falls is a waterfall located in the Elgin tea estate which is 18km from the nuwaraeliya town in central province. The waterfall is 25 meters in height. Elgin falls named after Elgin major town of moray in Scotland. The falls is at about 1900 meters above sea level. There several ways to access the waterfall. When travelling by railway between nanu oya and ambewela the falls can be seen picturesquely. Elgin waterways are very pure water consisting one. Bath in Elgin and close to Elgin is somewhat difficult task. Because not a clear path to close to the falls. Downside of the falls there is a village and single line railway station called “parakumpura”. Dayagama ambewela, pattipola and closed area of the waterfall is very much suitable to cultivate potatoes.



9.      Handapan falls – The Handapan Falls, springs from the 23 meters high handapan falls valley and is the starting point of the Rakwana River. The northern slope of the valley is situated between Kadaragala Mountain and Sinharaja Mountain, ratnapura district in sabaragamuwa province. During the period of the kandyan kingdom, this area was under the rule of chieftain ehelepola nilame. Local villagers believe that his treasure trove is hidden in the fall. From rakwana, take ratnapura-deniyaya road and at the end of buluthota pass, it is a 4km trek along a difficult rocky path to the fall, which is located in the jungle near paluna village. Alternatively, from ratnapura take the road to kalawana via rambukka rajawatte.



10.  Baker’s fall - This fall is a famous waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is situated at Horton plains national park (cloudy forest) in nuwaraeliya district, central province. It tributary of the belihuloya. The height of the baker’s falls is 20 meters. Baker’s fall derives its name from Sir Samuel baker, a British man who discovered it in 1845. The baker’s fall in the Horton plains gets its water from the belihuloya. It is close to world’s end. The icy waters glisten in the sunshine amid a backdrop of mountain terrain and deep valleys and the patana through which you traverse give it contrast. Situated on the Horton plains, Baker’s fall is accessible from pattipola or ohiya town. From pattipola take the well-signed footpath and either follows it to world’s end and loop back to baker’s fall or take the right fork at the beginning of the path straight there. Immediately before the fall, there is a steep, root-strewn bank, which can be difficult to negotiate, especially in wet weather.

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Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

Bambarakanda falls – Bambalarakanda falls (also known as bambarakele falls) is the tallest waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

With a height of 263 meters, it ranks the 299th height waterfalls in the world. Situated in kalupahana in badulla district in uva province, this waterfall is directly visible from the A4 main road, the waterfall was formed by kuda oya, which is a branch of the Walawe River. The bambarakanda falls can be found in a forest of pin tress. It cascades in a torrent (especially in the wet season) from a rocky outcrop into deep, basin like pool. To the left of the fall, centuries of wind and rain have formed what is said to resemble two embracing lovers out of the rock.



2.      Diyaluma falls – Diyaluma falls’ is 220meters high and the second heist waterfall in Sri Lanka and 361th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated 6km away from koslanda in badulla district in uva province on Colombo – badulla main road. Koslanda is nearest town to the fall, 6km away, and wellawaya is 13km away. The falls are formed by punagala oya, a tributary of kuda oya which in turn, is a tributary of kirindi oya. The torrent of water cascades down to the koslanda plateau and during rain it is a spectacular sight. On one side of the fall the land is covered in deciduous plants. Wildlife found in the area includes lizards. In Sinhalese, Diyaluma or Diya heluma means “rapid flow of water” according to Dr. R.L. Brohier, the famous historian, Diyaluma is the setting of the folklore about a tragedy involving a young king and a young woman of a low-caste.



3.      Kurundu oya falls – Kurundu oya waterfall is third highest waterfall of Sri Lanka. This waterfall is situated at Walapane area in central province, which is closed to nuwaraeliya town. Kurundu oya falls starts from Kurundu River. The fall id high about 189 meters. This waterfall is very beautiful. But it not famous so far than other main falls. To access this water need to come nuwaraeliya and 18km to kandapola road. Pidurangala Mountain is much closer to kurundu oya waterfalls.



4.      Mapanana falls – Mapanana falls (mapalana falls) if situated amongst medicinal herbs; the 148 meters fall consists of three sections and is served by a stream, which originates from the thoranabandigala in the samanala mountain range. This waterfall situated at gilimale in sabaragamuwa province. This stream joins kalu Ganga River further down. During the rainy season the simultaneous flows can be heard from up to 6km away. (In Sinhalese ganga means river).



5.      Laxapana falls – Laxapana falls (lakshapana) is 126 meters high and the 8th highest waterfall I Sri Lanka and 625th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Hatton area in nuwaraeilya district in central province. It formed by maskeliya oya near the confluence of kehelgamuwa oya and maskeliya oya which forms Kelani River. The fall gives its name to twin hydroelectricity power stations laxapana which generates 50MW of electricity and new laxapana which generates 100mw. From the road between Norton bridge and maskeliya there is offered a scaled-down view of the falls and panoramic sight of the terrain but if one wishes to get nearer one may take the by road towards the polpitiya power station, after travelling around 2km along which an inquiry from the villagers would help one find out the falls.



6.      Ramboda falls – Ramboda falls is 109 meters high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area in central province, on the A5 main road at Ramboda pas. It formed by panna oya which is a tributary of kothmale oya. Altitude of the falls is 945meters above sea level.



7.      Ratna falls – Ratna ella is a waterfall within the Victoria, randenigala and rantabe sanctuary in central province. It has a height of 101 meters. Ratna ella is the highest waterfall in Kandy district and the 10th highest of the island. The route to the ratna falls lies along few villages between the hunnasgiriya mountain range and a dense jungle filled with wildlife. The walk along the villages will give you amazing scenes of far mountains and paddy fields. There is also an adventurous hike to the top of the waterfall. Only experienced hikers should attempt this hike. The name ratna ella means “a field of gems”. According to the legends there have been 7 vessels filled with gems and valuables hidden deep in the waterfall. 5 of them have already been found. And villages believe that any attempt to find the other 2 will bring bad luck and death to the people looking for them.



8.      Garadi Ella – This waterfall situated at ramboda-thawalanthanne area of nuwaraeliya in central province. In Sinhalese garadi means snake. In top of the waterfall, it divided into 2 parts. Then 2 parts are combined and finally flows as one part. Another special thing of this fall is 2 waterways arriving from different areas get together at top of the falls. Some identifies this as puna Ella waterfall, because large amount of water comes to the fall via puna oya. The fall is situated about 100 meters below the tea estate in either via the tea estate or the footpaths of ramboda village. From ratnapura take the pelmadulla-pathakade road to samanalagama village.



9.      Aberdeen falls – Aberdeen is a tea estate in Sri Lanka, is famous for its picturesque waterfall Aberdeen falls which situated in ginigathena nuwara-eliya district in central province. Aberdeen falls is located in the kehelgamuwa mountain range, which encompasses an area made up of ginigathena, Norton Bridge, lakshapana and maskeliya. The waterfall is 98 meters high and ranked 18th highest in the island. It is located in kehelgamu oya, a tributary of Kelani River. Earlier lakshapana falls and Aberdeen falls put together because the both falls situated in Aberdeen tea estate.



10.  Devon falls - One of the beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is situated at west of talawakele, nuwaraeliya district in central province in A7 main road. This falls is named after a pioneer English coffee planter called Devon, whose plantation is situated nearby the falls.  The waterfall is 97 meters high and ranked 19th highest waterfall in the island. The fall formed by kotmale oya, a tributary of Mahaweli River. Altitude of Devon falls is 1140 mater above sea level. There are 2 main observation points available at A7 road talawakele. Lower view point is special because both St. Clair’s and Devon falls can be viewed from same place. There is an observation point in railway at watagoda place which is at 10km far away from talawakele railway station. The Devon falls is one of the most prominent waterfalls of Sri Lanka, Positioned in the Devon estate, this spectacular fall lies in close proximity to the St. Clair’s waterfalls as well as the radalla waterfall.



11.  St. Clair’s falls – St. Clair’s fall is one the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Also called little Niagara of Sri Lanka. It is situated 3km west of the town of talawakele on the Hatton-talawakele main road in nuwaraeliya district in central province. The falls derived its name from a nearby tea estate. The fall is 80 meters high and hence 20th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. St. Clair’s falls comprises 2 falls called “maha ella” (the greater fall) and “kuda ella”, (the lesser fall) which is 50meters high and was created by a tributary of kotmale oya. This beautiful and popular fall is located among tea gardens, transmits a large volume of water, and is the widest waterfall in the country. The fall is sited over 500meters away from the road and one needs to walk down among tea bushes at a steep slope to reach it.

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Knuckles

Sri Lanka's first conservation forest. From southeast to northwest direction, from Laggala to Edurugala, there is a mountain range extending for about 12 miles. This forest belongs to the two districts of Matale and Kandy and several major mountain peaks such as Gombania, Knuckles, Keselpondaruwagala, Kirigalpotta, Dumbagala, Kalupahana, Dothalugala, Charapugala, Thelambugala and Lakegala are located here. The Knuckles mountain range is the main catchment area of the rivers Hulu Ganga, Kalu Ganga, and Heing Ganga.                                               

Also, the climate zones and the following forest types can be identified in the Knuckles Conservation Forest. They are,

Low dry semi-evergreen forests, Mountain moist evergreen forests, Mountain-dry evergreen forests

Moist evergreen forests, Pitawala pathana



(sera falls)

Knuckles is located perpendicular to the northeast and southwest winds, so it receives rain from both monsoons. It rains throughout the year but the most rainfall occurs from November to February when the northeast monsoon winds blow. The average rainfall in Knuckles East is between 2540 - 3870mm. 5081mm of rain in the main Knuckles area according to data from the St. Martin estate. From October to January, there is more rain in the northeast of the mountain range, but there is almost no rain in the other part.

The temperature in the Dumbara range is 26 to 21oC above 300 feet. The temperature at the highest point is between 13-18oC. This is the temperature in these types of forest areas from January to March.

Pleistocene Era (1.6 million years ago to 10,000 years ago) acknowledgment that sea level change-related events largely influenced the formation of the Central Highlands and Knuckles in Sri Lanka.



Many species of plants and animals endemic to Sri Lanka are found here and according to the tests done, 50% of the plants in the Knuckles area are indigenous to Sri Lanka. This is a forest with an ecosystem that is not seen anywhere else in the world at an altitude of more than 3500 feet.

Among the types of plants here are milla, mora, atamba, badulla and ornamental plants endemic to Sri Lanka, iraraja, sandaraja, mahahadaya, medicinal orchids, and ferns.

Apart from leopards, elk, sanddeer, mink, wild boar, stick squirrel, Slender Loris, and bats, 20 out of 35 species of mammals and 14 out of 21 species of birds are found in Knuckles. 28 species of fish have been identified in Knuckles. 9 are threatened with extinction and are endemic to Sri Lanka. Species 4 is unique to the Knuckles region. E.g. Galpadiya, Ran Petiya, Mal Petiya, Gadaya

A large number of lizard species are found here. Kuru Bodilima is native to Sri Lanka. The specialty of this type is that there are two species of this lizard in the world. One of them lives in Knuckles, Sri Lanka, and the other lives on Java Island, Indonesia. The horned lizard that lives above 800m in the Knuckles Mountains is a lizard unique to Knuckles. Pinum katussa, Mookalan pala katussa, both species of lizards endemic to this country are found only in this mountain range. 67 species of butterflies belonging to 6 genera have been identified from knuckles, of which 14 species are endemic to Sri Lanka and 17 species are threatened with extinction.

Pitawala Pathana



There are 5 acres of land among the Knuckles Mountains. Its height is 865 m above sea level. From this place, many mountains ranges belonging to the Knuckles forest area can be seen. It has valuable biodiversity. The Dumbara gal mediya and the Mookalang Huna, endemic to Sri Lanka, live here. Pathan ala plant, which is native to Pitawala Pathana, and Carnivorous plants native to this country also grow well E.g. Kandulassa

Reverstern (Batadadu kanda)

Located in the Laggala Constituency of Matale District, Mount Reverstern belongs to the Knuckles mountain range. This mountain with a height of 1205m was called Reverstern by the British and is called Batadu Durgaya, Batadadu Kanda in Sinhala. This mountain is very rich in biodiversity. It has its own unique animals and plants. Binara flowers, unique to Sri Lanka, are found here. In 2010, it was declared as a reserve. Invasive plants are a threat. E.g. The South American plants called sudda and maha midum.