Colombo, December 20: One of the most attractive landmarks in Colombo, is the Beira Lake. It has been in existence since the sixteenth century when the Portuguese built a fort in Colombo and created a lake to be a moat for defence purposes. As part of the defense perimeter, crocodiles were reared in the lake.
However now, there are no crocodiles now, but only graceful egrets, storks, cormorants, pelicans, monitor lizards, and a variety of fish. It is a scenic spot in the midst of Colombo’s business district for people to take in fresh air in the mornings and evenings.
Old and young find it ideal for a jog or a stroll around it. While children and adults enjoy boat rides, the spiritually inclined visit the Buddhist temple right in the middle of the lake. For the corona-hit denizens of Colombo, the lake offers a safe refuge from crowds.
The lake initially occupied approximately 1.65 sq.km a 100 years ago but this has since been reduced to 0.65 sq km due to various reasons including the development of the surrounding area as the city’s commercial centre.
(Text newsin.asia/Pictures Tang Lu/Xinhua)