Untitled - Neccdep.com

Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development 

EASTERN PROVINCE INTEGRATED COASTAL 

RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN 

TRINCOMALEE BAY SPECIAL AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN 

“TB SAM" 

25 JANUARY 2010 

North East Coastal Community Development Project

EASTERN PROVINCE INTEGRATED COASTAL 

RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN 

TRINCOMALEE BAY SPECIAL AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN 

“TB SAM" 

PREPARED FOR 

NECCDEP 

ANZDEC LIMITED 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH 

Resource Development Consultants 

25 January 2010

Citation: 

This document may be cited as: 

NECCDEP (2010). Trincomalee Bay Special Area Management Plan "TB SAM". Final. Pp. 

102. January 2010. Eastern Province Integrated Coastal Resources Management Plan (EP 

ICRMP) 2010-2013. The Green Blue Sunrise Plan. Anzdec Ltd., Resource Development 

Consultants. ADB LOAN 2027 SRI (SF): North East Coastal Community Development 

Project (NECCDEP). 

Note to the Pictures in the cover page: 

Top to Bottom: 

1. Kinniya bridge, prominent land mark in the TB SAM (The longest bridge in the country) 

2. Aerial view of Trincomalee bay (source: Google earth, 2009) 

3. Coral rubble along the shore of Pigeon Island 

4. Cod bay multi-day fishing boats in Cod bay (Trincomalee bay) 

Page Cover Concept: 

Page Cover Design: 

A. Rajaratnam, Deputy Project Director, NECCDEP 

N.Gobyrajh – Data Entry Operator, NECCDEP 

Published by: North East Coastal Community Development Project. 

Funded by ADB, GoSL & GoN 

This document is available electronically from NECCDEP at www.neccdep.com. 

Please do not print unnecessarily and use paper and ink responsibly.

COASTAL RESOURCES PLANNING UNIT (CRPU) MEMBERS 

Name 

Dr. Steven Creech 

Dr. A.R. Dawson 

Shepherd 

Dr. Selvaratnam Kandiah 

Designation 

Team Leader (From November 

2007 to December 2008) 

Team Leader (From 24 th 

February to November 2009) 

Deputy Team Leader - Resource 

Planner 

Consultants 

Dr.Sunil Liyanage 

Mr T Mathiventhan 

Mr. B. Umashanthan 

Mr. A.M.A. Lebbe 

Senior Resource Planner 

(National) 

Environment /Resource Specialist 

(National) 

Database & GIS Specialist 

Legal Advisor 

Administrative and Logistic Support 

Mrs. R. Chandrakala 

Mr. K. Vijayananthan 

Miss. G. Nilukshi Nadeeka 

Mr. C.J. Rathnakumar 

Mr. M. Enoke 

Office Manager 

Planner 

Data Management Assistant 

Driver 

Office Assistant 

NECCDEP MEMBERS NAMES 

Name 

S.M. Croos 

Designation 

Project Director 

A. Rajaratnam Deputy Project Director 

District Coordinators 

Mr. N.Arunanthi 

Mr. M.Thileeban 

Ms. Manoranjani 

Mr. J. Gnanenthiran 

Natural Resource Planner 



Management Assistant

FOREWORD 

This Trincomalee Bay Special Area Management Plan (TB SAM) is a significant deliverable 

from Component two of the North East Coastal Community Development Project (NECCDEP 

TA No.2027- SRI). The NECCDEP is funded by the Asian Development Bank, under the 

guidance of the Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development. 

The Government of Sri Lanka recognizes the significant links between natural resources and 

social and economic development. The benefits to economy and society from the goods and 

services provided by natural resources are substantial and include agriculture, fisheries, 

forestry, recreation and culture. All these natural assets and the social and economic benefits 

that are derived from them are at risk from overexploitation and the projected negative 

impacts from climate change. 

The Plan provides a roadmap to respond to these risks and reflects the guidelines provided 

by the Coast Conservation Department in the National Coastal Zone Management Plan of 

2006. 

Technical support for delivery of the 3 SAM Plans, including this TB SAM Plan under 

Component 2, “Resource Management in 3 Special Management Areas” involved 20 months 

of national consulting together with ad hoc international consultant support. 

The delivery of this product was co-ordinated by the NECCDEP and used the products of a 

number of NECCDEP activities such as the Divisional level “Coastal Resource Profiles” and 

“Special Studies”. 

During the course of the assignment the consultant team worked closely with the public 

sector at national, Provincial, District and DSD level as well as with civil society stakeholders. 

The Plan was subject to review by the general public, District level Special Area 

Management Community Consultative Committees and Provincial and National Interagency 

Planning Groups. 

The Trincomalee Bay Special Area Management Plan (TB SAM) has been designed using 

the logical framework approach. 

TB SAM Plan contains an overall objective, a purpose, 5 thematic results, a number of 

activities designed to support these results together with organizational arrangements for 

collaborating institutions and civil society players. The projected budget is Rs 57 million. 

It is the hope of the NECCDEP that this Plan will complement and integrate with the next 

National Coastal Zone Management Plan being prepared by the Coast Conservation 

Department. 

Finally may I take this opportunity to thank the Secretary, and the Senior Advisor of the 

Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development, Chief Secretary, 

Secretary to the Honorable Chief Minister and other officials of the Eastern Provincial 

Council, Security Forces, and all those who have shared their knowledge and experience to 

make the formulation of this Plan a success. I am grateful to the consultants and to the 

NECCDEP staff of Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara for their commitment and dedication 

to the production of this TB SAM Plan. 

S. M. Croos 

Project Director, NECCDEP 

15 th January 2010

PREAMBLE 

The Trincomalee Bay Special Area Management Plan (TB SAM) has been produced by a 

team of consultants at a time when our Province is gradually recovering from difficult times. 

At this juncture, I cannot help but think, with nostalgia, of the past when teeming tourists 

thronged the lovely beaches and other places of natural and cultural importance in the 

Eastern Province. 

This document is especially significant at a time when the Eastern Provincial Council has the 

full backing of the central government and the support of international agencies in its 

relentless pursuit of economic recovery and growth. In these respects I cannot over stress 

the important contribution that the natural environment has to make to this recovery and 

growth. This Plan provides a roadmap for this contribution to be delivered. 

I would like to thank the Asian Development Bank for funding the development of the Plan 

and NECCDEP, under the Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development, 

for managing and facilitating the development of this Plan. I would also like to take this 

opportunity to thank the Project Director and the consultants comprising of national and 

international planners for their hard and dedicated work. 

V.P. Balasingham 

Chief Secretary 

Eastern Province 

15 th January 2010

PREFACE 

"Reawakening East" is one of the major initiatives of Mahinda Chintana. The North East 

Coastal Community Development Programme (NECCDEP) was launched by the Ministry of 

Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development in 2004 to contribute to this 

reawakening. 

Trincomalee Bay Special Area Management Plan (TB SAM) has been prepared by a team of 

consultants under Component 2, “Resource Management in 3 Special Management Areas” 

of NECCDEP. 

Agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism all contribute positively to national and provincial 

economic and social development by providing food and fuel, generating foreign exchange 

and providing direct and indirect employment. To a great extent these benefits derive from 

the environmental goods and services provided by renewable natural resources. These 

resources need to be managed to ensure that they continue to provide these goods and 

services to current and future generations. Overexploitation and the projected negative 

impacts from climate change are challenges to this management. I believe that this Plan will 

help build capacity to meet these challenges. 

The Eastern Provincial Council has a concurrent role with that of the central Government to 

regulate and promote the environment in the Eastern Province so that it continues to provide 

benefits to present and future generations. MNB & EID commends the Eastern Provincial 

Council for supporting the development of this Plan and looks forward to facilitating its 

implementation under the concurrent list. 

On behalf of the Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development, I wish to 

convey my sincere appreciation to the Asian Development Bank for providing funds, the 

Project Director of NECCDEP and his team, the Consultants and all those who have 

contributed in many ways to successfully preparing this Plan. 

W.K.K. Kumarasiri 

Secretary 

Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development 

15 th January 2010

MESSAGE 

I am very pleased to note my appreciation of the hard work undertaken by NECCDEP in 

producing the Trincomalee Bay Special Area Management Plan (TB SAM) 

This Plan provides a good example of how to manage the environment under the concurrent 

list of the 13 th Amendment in that it “thinks globally but acts locally”. The Plan also reflects 

international good practice in terms of the principles of the “Ecosystem Approach”, of the 

International Convention on Biodiversity to which Sri Lanka is a signatory. 

The Plan addresses SAM level environmental issues but also responds to national and 

international concerns such as climate change. In these respects it complements and 

supports the CCD requirement, under the Coast Conservation Act, to deliver a national 

coastal zone management plan at four yearly intervals. 

It is my hope that this Plan will be fully integrated into CCD workplans and the next Sri Lanka 

National Coastal Zone Management Plan. Over the last year CCD has assigned officers to 

all three of the Districts in Eastern Province and it is my hope and expectation that the Plan 

request for significant participation of the CCD will be met. 

H.N.R. Perera 

Director General 

Coast Conservation Department 

15 th January 2010

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

The Special Area Management (SAM) planning process took place during the period from March 2009 

to November 2009. During the planning process, consultations were held with communities, Farmer 

Organizations and Fishers Associations in the area. Consultations were also conducted with officers of 

State agencies such as Coast Conservation Department (CCD), Department of Agriculture (DA), 

Forest Department (FD), Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC), Irrigation Department (ID), 

Department of Agriculture (DA) and other agencies. The SAM planning team would like to 

acknowledge the contribution of the communities and State agencies to the SAM planning process. 

Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries who attended District SAM Community 

Consultative Committee (DSAM CCC) meetings and also meetings at their offices provided invaluable 

assistance to the planning process by providing suggestions. 

The technical information provided by Deputy Director- Irrigation, Assistant Director-Agriculture, 

Kantalai and Muthur were very useful in the planning process. Assistant Director-Department of 

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Fishery Inspectors of Kinniya and Muthur provided 

valuable information for the planning process. 

Special note is made of the District Secretary of Trincomalee who provided guidance to the SAM 

planning process and facilitated the consultation process with Community Coordinating Committee 

(CCC). The leadership shown by the District Secretary contributed significantly to the SAM planning 

process. Appreciation is also extended to the contribution of members of the District SAM CCC. 

The contributions of the Director General and Director of CCD are very much appreciated. The 

planning guidance and direction provided by the CCD was essential to ensuring vertical integration of 

the SAM planning process with the CCD guidelines. 

Particular acknowledgement is made of the overall guidance provided by NECCDEP Project Director 

(PD) Mr. S.M. Croos and the detailed assistance provided by the Deputy Project Director (DPD), Mr. 

A. Rajaratnam. The DPD read drafts, provided valuable suggestions concerning content and helped 

organize the local assistance of the NECCDEP district level office in Trincomalee. 

The services of the other NECCDEP staff and in particular the Natural Resource Planner (NRP) of 

Trincomalee District are highly appreciated. The NRP has coordinated the field work, meetings and 

consultation with individuals in an effective manner. The NRP has also organized and facilitated the 

IP-NGO meeting at Trincomalee. 

The contribution of NECCDEP Coastal Resources Planning Group (CRPU) staff was essential to the 

successful development of this SAM Plan. The Team Leader Dr. Alec Dawson Shepherd provided 

overall guidance and advice to complete the task and our special appreciation is extended to him. The 

contributions of Deputy Team Leader Dr. S. Kandiah, Mr. Umashanthan, Mr. Vijayananthan 

Kanasundaram, Ms. Nilukshi Nadeeka, and all other staff members to the SAM planning process are 

also gratefully acknowledged. Our special thanks go to our able driver Mr. Sathyan who provided very 

effective transport facilities and sometimes also provided translations during the field programs. 

Finally our appreciation is extended to ANZDEC LIMITED and Resource Development Consultants 

who provided this valuable opportunity to do this important work. 

Dr. Sunil Liyanage – Senior Consultant – Natural Resources 

Management Planning. 

Mr. T. Mathiventhan– Planner – Coastal Resources 

Management.

Abbreviations 

AD 

AD 

ADB 

AD – DFAD 

ADP 

AHAM 

BC 

BOD 

BZ 

o C 

CBO 

CCC 

CCD 

CD 

CEA 

COD 

CRM 

CRMP 

CRPU 

CZ 

CZMP 

DA 

DCC 

DD-A 

DFAD 

DPD 

DPPD 

DPS 

DS 

DSAM CCC 

DSC 

DSD 

DSO 

DWLC 

EIA 

ENSO 

EP 

EP ICRMP 

EPL 

FA 

FD 

Agriculture Department 

Assistant Director 

Asian Development Bank 

Assistant Director Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development 

Assistant Director of Planning 

AHAM 

Before Christ 

Biological Oxygen Demand 

Buffer Zone 

Degrees Centigrade 

Community Based Organization 

Community Coordinating Committee 

Coast Conservation Department 

Cooperative Department 

Central Environmental Authority 

Chemical Oxygen Demand 

Coastal Resources Management 

Coastal Resource Management Plan 

Coastal Resources Planning Unit 

Core zone 

Coastal Zone Management Plan 

Department of Agriculture 

Divisional Coordinating Committee 

Deputy Director, Agriculture 

Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development 

Deputy Project Director 

District Project Planning Division 

District Planning Secretariat 

Divisional Secretary 

District Special Area Management Community Coordinating Committee 

Department of Statistics and Census 

Divisional Secretary Division 

District Statistic Office 

Department of Wildlife Conservation 

Environmental Impact Assessment 

El Nino Southern Oscillation 

Eastern Province 

Eastern Province Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan 

Environmental Protection License 

Fishers Association 

Forest Department

FF 

FGD 

FO 

GA 

GDP 

GND 

ha 

HFL 

HH 

ID 

IDP 

IE 

IEE 

IP 

IP NGO 

IUCN 

IWC 

Kg 

Km 

KV 

L 

LFA 

m 

MC 

MFAR 

Mg/l -1 

MHWL 

MLWL 

mm 

Mn 

MNB&EID 

MOH 

MP 

MSL 

NAQDA 

NARA 

NECCDEP 

NECDO 

NECORD 

NEIAP 

NERTRA 

NGO 

No 

NRP 

Fishers Federation 

Focus Group Discussion 

Forest Officer 

Government Agent 

Gross Domestic Product 

Grama Niladhari Division 

Hectare 

High Flood Level 

House Hold 

Irrigation Department 

Internal Displaced Place 

Irrigation Engineer 

Initial Environmental Examination 

Implementing Partner 

Implementing Partner NGO 

International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources 

International whaling Commission 

Kilogram 

Kilometers 

Kinniya Vision 

Liters 

Logical Framework (Log frame) Approach / Analysis 

Meters 

Municipal Council 

Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 

Milligrams per liter 

Mean High Water Line 

Mean Low Water Line 

Millimeters 

Million 

Ministry of Nation Building and Estates Infrastructure Development 

Ministry of Health 

Mangrove Park 

Mean Sea Level 

National Aquatic Development Authority 

National Aquatic Resources Agency 

North East Coastal Community Development Project 

North East Community Development Organization 

North East Community Restoration Development 

North East Irrigated Agriculture Project 

North East Rehabilitation Training and Research Association 

Non Governmental Organization 

Number 

Natural Resource Planner

% Percent 

PD 

Project Director 

PL 

Post Larvea 

PPI 

Public Private Investment 

PPTA 

Project preparatory Technical Assistance 

ppm 

Parts per million 

ppt 

Parts per thousand 

PRA 

Participatory Rural Appraisal 

PS 

Pradeshiya Sabha 

PSAMCC Provincial Level SAM Coordinating Committee 

Q 

Quarter 

RDA 

Road Development Authority 

RDS 

Rural Development Society 

Ref 

Reference in the bibliography 

RRP 

Report and Recommendations to the President (ADB) 

Rs 

Rupees 

SA 

State Agency 

SAM 

Special Area Management 

SD 

Survey Department 

SEDOT Socio Economic Development Organization of Trincomalee 

Sim Sri Lanka Sim Sri Lanka 

SLF 

Sewa Lanka Foundation 

SLS 

Sri Lanka Standards 

SLTDA Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority 

SMA 

Special Management Area (synonymous with SAM) 

SMART Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound 

Sq.km 

Square kilometer 

SRI 

Sri Lanka 

SSED 

Society for Socio Economic Development 

STDP-EP Strategic Tourism Development Plan – Eastern Province 

SWM 

Solid Waste Management 

SWOT 

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats 

TB 

Trincomalee Bay 

TDDA 

Trincomalee District Development Association 

TEC 

Technical Evaluation Committee 

TRO 

Tamil Rehabilitation Organization 

TSP 

Triple Super Phosphate 

UC 

Urban Council 

UDA 

Urban Development Authority 

UNOPS United Nations Office for Project Services 

URI 

University of Rhode Island 

USAID 

United States Aid 

VDP 

Village Development Plan

VSP 

WDF 

WRDS 

Y 

Village Social Profile 

Women Development Forum 

Women Rural Development Society 

Year

CONTENTS 

Page 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

i 

I. INTRODUCTION 1 

A. Conservation of natural resources in Sri Lanka 1 

B. Coastal Region 1 

C. Economic importance of coastal region 2 

D. Coastal Zone Management 4 

E. Special Area Management (SAM) Concept 5 

F. Trincomalee Bay 6 

G. North East Coastal Community Development Project (NECCDEP) 7 

II. SAM PLANNING PROCESS 10 

A. Scope of the planning process 10 

B. Standard SAM Planning process of CZMP of CCD 10 

III. 

PREPARATION OF INTERIM SMA PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION BY 

NECCDEP 13 

A. SMA process adopted in NECCDEP 13 

B. Scope of Interim SMA Plan 14 

C. Interim SMA 14 

D. Special Management Area Committee 16 

E. Consultation process 16 

F. Identification of environmental priority areas and interventions 18 

G. Implementation of interim SMA plan 19 

H. Work plan 19 

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE OF TRINCOMALEE BAY 20 

A. Introduction 20 

B. Physical environment 21 

C. Biological environment 25 

D. Socio-economic environment 33 

V. COMPREHENSIVE SAM PLANNING 43 

A. Background 43 

B. Scope of the SAM Planning 43 

C. Methodology 43 

D. Present status of issues/threats in management of SAM Area 50 

E. Draft SAM Plan 56 

F. DSAM CCC consultation 56 

G. Presentation of final draft to CCD 56 

H. SWOT analysis 57 

I. Planning process 58 

J. Comparison of this SAM planning methodology with the CCD guidelines. 58 

VI. COMPREHENSIVE SAM PLAN OF TRINCOMALEE BAY (TB SAM) 60 

A. Mission of SAM and Overall management Objectives 60 

B. Demarcation of the SAM area 60 

C. TB SAM Buffer Zone 63 

D. Sub-zoning of the TB SAM 64 

E. TB SAM core conservation zone sub-zones 65 

F. TB SAM buffer zone sub-zones 68

G. Institutional mechanism 72 

H. Proposed Key interventions 74 

I. Activity Plan 77 

J. Cost estimate for SAM Plan 80 

K. Lessons to be applied/Future Approach 80 

APPENDIXES: 

1. List Of Gn Divisions Included In Interim SMA (Ref.0969) 85 

2. Members Of SMA Committee Under Interim SMA Plan 87 

3. List Of Environmental Issues Identified In The Consultation Process 88 

4. Prioritized Environmental Issues In The Stakeholders Consultation Workshop 89 

5. Details Of Progress Of Implementation Of Interim SAMP Up To Third Quarter 2009 91 

6. List Of Flora And Fauna Observed In Field Studies 94 

7. Name List Of IP-NGOs In Consultation Process 96 

8. Name List Of Community Participants In Consultation Process 97 

9. List Of Individual Government Officers Consulted 98 

10. Name List Of Trincomalee DSAM CCC 99 

11. LFA of TB SAM 102

i 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

1. In recognition of their ecological, socio-cultural and economic significance, and 

because of the existing threats to resources, Trincomalee Bay and Thampalagamam Bay 

were identified in the 1997 Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) as areas requiring 

special management. 

2. The Sri Lanka Coastal Zone Management Plan, 2004 (Ref.0903) further developed the 

Special Area Management (SAM) concept. The concept of SAM is the collaborative, adaptive 

and flexible approach to resource management within a defined geographic area. 

3. The North East Coastal Community Development Project (NECCDEP) identified 

Trincomalee bay (TB) as an important coastal area and initiated the development of a SAM 

plan with the concurrence of the Coast Conservation Department (CCD). The North East 

Coastal Community Development Project (NECCDEP) developed an interim Special 

Management Area (SMA) Plan and implemented several activities in the adjoining areas of 

TB focusing on natural resource conservation and sustainable utilization by coastal 

communities. 

4. NECCDEP took the initiative to develop a comprehensive SAM Plan for TB in March 

2009. The interim SMA Plan developed by NECCDEP was used as the base document in the 

planning process and additional information was collected where necessary. The SAM 

terminology was adopted to comply with the CCD requirements specified in the 2004 CZMP. 

5. The key focus of the planning process was conservation of natural resources and 

sustainable utilization of those resources to maximize the benefits to stakeholders, 

particularly local community stakeholders. 

6. Negative issues related to the sustainable use of the TB and potential interventions to 

address these issues were identified through a consultation process with communities, line 

agencies, District SAM Community Coordinating Committee (DSAM CCC), Non- 

Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and resource user groups. Necessary field trips were 

also conducted for further data collection and verification purposes. 

7. TB is a prominent feature of the geography of Sri Lanka due to a large deep water 

bay, which functioned as a natural harbour for thousands of years before becoming a 

commercial harbour about 200 years ago. TB is a large basin estuarine ecosystem rather 

than a single water body and consists of the large central estuary of Koddiyar bay and 

associated smaller bays, Inner harbour bay, China bay, Thampalagamam bay, Shell bay and 

Dutch bay. 

8. A 1-2 km band extends from the shore in the southern and eastern sections of 

Trincomalee bay. The water in this band is generally shallow with 10-12 m depth. The 

seabed then descends sharply to depths of 400-800 m in the core area of the Bay. The Bay 

mouth towards the northern harbour area is about 55-68 m deep. 

9. Due to the depth, these areas are not suitable for the growth of coastal vegetation 

such as mangroves and associates. However, the western section of Thampalagamam bay 

is generally shallow (1-2 m in depth) and provides suitable habitat for mangrove vegetation 

and mudflats. Prominent mangrove vegetation occurs along the southern and south-western 

sections of Thampalagamam bay. 

10. The mission of the TB SAM Plan is the “Sustainable management of the TB SAM 

area so as to bring environmental, social and economic benefits to local communities whilst 

ensuring the conservation of natural resources”.

ii 

11. The over all objective of the TB SAM Plan is “TB SAM is co-managed with the active 

involvement of the main stakeholder communities so as to deliver sustainable livelihoods 

within the carrying capacity of SAM natural resources”. 

12. The conservation of natural resources of the TB through implementation of the TB 

SAM Plan is scheduled to take an initial 4 years. The following results are expected to be 

achieved by the end of this four year period: 

- Sustainable fishery management to bring the benefits to fisher communities 

and other stakeholders; 

- Ecologically /socially friendly livelihoods and Micro/ Small Enterprise 

developments in the TB SAM buffer zone to bring benefits to all stakeholders; 

- Ecologically friendly agricultural practices delivered in the buffer zone to bring 

benefits to farming communities and other stakeholders and to minimise 

negative impacts on the SAM; 

- Improved micro environment in TB SAM through proper solid waste 

management, natural habitat improvement and other interventions to bring 

benefits to local people; 

- Conservation of natural resources of the conservation core zone of TB SAM 

including the islands in the bay; 

- Conservation of natural habitats in the areas under security forces 

management in and around Trincomalee bay based on guidelines developed 

by DSAM CCC and security forces. 

- Conservation of natural resources in the buffer zone of TB SAM. 

13. The proposed TB SAM includes the coastal zone from Dutch Fort at Trincomalee City 

to the southern end of Kaddaiparichchan lagoon mouth including the whole of 

Kaddaiparichchan lagoon. A continuous coastal belt is proposed for the SAM multiple use 

conservation core zone that does not include any private properties. 

14. The activities proposed for the TB SAM core conservation zone are as follows: 

- Boundary demarcation, preparation of maps and erection of information 

boards; 

- Establishment of Mangrove Park at Mahaweli River estuary; 

- Habitat restoration programs between Kinniya ferry point to Muthur ferry point; 

- Habitat restoration program in Kaddaiparichchan lagoon; 

- Control of Illegal extraction of timber and fuel woods from coastal habitats; 

- Develop management guidelines and activity plan for the core conservation 

sub zone under security forces management with the participation of security 

forces and facilitate the implementation of the activity plan; 

- Manage the aquaculture projects and fisheries in the TB area on sustainable 

resource use guidelines developed by National Aquatic Development Agency

iii 

(NAQDA), National Aquatic Research Agency (NARA), Coast Conservation 

Department (CCD) and set guidelines of District Special Area Management 

Community Coordinating Committee (DSAM CCC); 

- Manage sustainable tourism in the TB area under the guidelines of Sri Lanka 

Tourism Development Authority, CCD and DSAM CCC; 

- Conservation of natural resources through effective law enforcement and 

participatory management; 

- Develop operational guidelines for shell mining and grinding industry; 

- Aquaculture based micro enterprises in Thampalagamam bay; 

- Sea erosion control; 

15. It is also propose to implement following activities in the designated buffer zone to 

mitigate transboundary impacts to the TB core zone: 

a. Promote organic farming in home gardens; 

b. Alternative livelihood development; 

c. Conduct awareness program for farmers to minimize use of agrochemicals 

and chemical fertilizers; 

d. Establish and manage community wood lots by Divisional Secretary with the 

assistance of the FD as alternative source of poles and fuel wood; 

e. Conduct awareness programs for school children on the TB SAM plan and the 

responsibilities of stakeholders; 

f. Implement solid waste management program in urban areas; 

g. Conduct alternative livelihood development programs; 

h. Develop management guidelines for micro saltern; 

16. The estimated cost for implementation of the initial four year SAM Plan is Rs. 57.0 

million. It is proposed that the CCD with the assistance of DSAM CCC and line agencies will 

implement the TB SAM Plan.

TRINCOMALEE BAY SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA Page | 1 

I. INTRODUCTION 

A. Conservation of natural resources in Sri Lanka 

1. Sri Lanka has a diverse and rich natural environment within its 65600 km 2 land area 

and also in its exclusive economic zone. This rich environment has been used harmoniously 

by people for many centuries. However, population growth and rapid development have 

upset this harmonious balance during the last few decades. State natural resources 

management agencies have taken timely action to identify important natural sites rich in 

biodiversity and environmentally sensitive areas and declared them as conservation / 

protected areas as a means of redressing the resulting imbalance. 

2. Forest Department (FD) has identified a number of natural forests as environmentally 

sensitive areas important for biodiversity conservation, watershed management, education, 

recreation and culture. Some of these forests have been declared as World heritage forests, 

Man and Biosphere reserves and Conservation forests. 

3. The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC) has also identified and protected 

important faunal habitats such as forests, wetlands and other ecosystems. Some of these 

protected areas have been declared as Ramsar sites under the Ramsar Convention on 

wetlands of international importance. 

4. It is well documented that the coastal zone of Sri Lanka contains diverse habitats with 

a high diversity of fauna and flora. The coral reefs of Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa and Bar Reef 

are particularly diverse. The increasing threats to coastal habitats with industrialization, 

urbanization and tourism related development, have been identified by the relevant state 

agencies, particularly the Coast Conservation Department (CCD) (Ref.0906) . 

5. CCD is mandated by the Coast Conservation Act to identify important coastal areas 

along the 1760 km long shoreline/coastal belt of Sri Lanka (including shoreline of bays and 

inlets but excluding lagoons), to determine their conservation status and needs and to 

provide management to address these needs in the form of a four yearly coastal zone 

management plan. 

6. A key element of management relates to community participation since community 

livelihoods and commercial interests need to be balanced to deliver sustainable use. 

B. Coastal Region 

7. Historically, infrastructure, urbanization and industrialization were concentrated in the 

coastal region because of ease of access to natural resources and markets. This coastal 

focus was re-enforced during the colonial times. The coastal belt occupies approximately 24 

percent of the country's land area, and accommodates about one-third of its population 

(Ref.1648). 

The coastal region has a rich variety of landscapes including headlands, bays, 

lagoons, peninsulas, sand bars, and islets and a wide range of habitats with high biodiversity 

including coastal wetlands (about 120,000 ha), lagoons and estuaries (about 42,000 ha), 

mangroves (10,000 ha), salt marshes, sea grass beds, coral reefs, and coastal sand dunes 

(Ref.1647). 

8. Forty percent of the national gross domestic product is derived from the activities 

performed in the coastal zone. Industry is a significant contributor to the national economy. 

Most of the industry in Sri Lanka is located in the coastal zone. The proximity of industry, that 

can create pollution, to coastal habitats that are sensitive to pollution and that sustain 

livelihoods, creates environmental risk. Pollution from inward human migration, increased


population and urbanization in the coastal zone adds to this risk. The infrastructure 

necessary to avoid, minimize or mitigate these risks, so as to avoid negative impacts, is 

expensive and available resources are limited. 

9. Coastal fisheries also make a significant contribution to the national economy. 

Coastal habitats and their valuable physical and biological resources have increasingly come 

under pressure as human activities have become more intense, and this has inevitably led to 

conflicts among resource users and threatened the livelihoods of all who depend on those 

resources. With these developments, there is the risk of exploiting coastal resources beyond 

sustainable limits (Ref. 1647, 1648) . 

10. The devastating tsunami of 26 th December 2004 created havoc particularly in the 

coastal regions of eastern and southern Sri Lanka. More than 35,000 inhabitants died whilst 

over 443,000 were displaced. The loss and damage to property was over 2 billion US $ (ADB 

feature on 8 December 2008). The destruction of infrastructure such as buildings and roads 

created a huge volume of building waste which was dumped along the coastline creating 

many secondary environmental issues. Large numbers of reconstruction projects were able 

to bring back and, indeed, upgrade, almost all the infrastructure facilities, thanks to donors 

and international communities. 

11. The impacts of the tsunami on natural habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, sea 

grass beds, and sand dunes were also locally significant. A number of restoration projects 

have been implemented to rehabilitate these natural systems. 

C. Economic importance of coastal region 

12. The coastal zone is a very important economic and environmental asset for the island 

nation of Sri Lanka. Five out of nine provinces of the country, the Western Province, the 

North-Western Province, the Southern Province, the Eastern Province and the Northern 

Province include the coastal zone. At present 59 % of the Sri Lankan population lives in 

coastal districts with maritime boundaries. Infrastructure facilities, employment opportunities, 

service facilities are required by this population and proper planning in the coastal region is 

the only way to meet these challenges. 

The 2007 study by Nayanananda (Ref.0907) of the economic significance of the coastal region of 

Sri Lanka, in the context of pre and post tsunami environmental changes, revealed valuable 

information on the economic importance of the coastal zone. The economic value of the 

coastal zone is immense because the coastal zone is rich in natural resources. The total 

national GDP value in 2006 was Rs. 980,720 million. Of this value, Rs. 426,998 million was 

contributed from the coastal provinces amounting to 44% of the total. In terms of contribution 

of coastal GDP by province, the Western Province contributed the highest which was about 

66% whilst the lowest contribution was about 4% from the Northern Province. The Eastern 

Province contribution was about 5.5%. 

13. Trade, tourism, manufacturing and transport, storage and communication, fisheries 

and agriculture are the important economic activities in the coastal zone. Tourism has 

emerged as the fourth largest foreign exchange earner in Sri Lanka and coastal tourism is 

the major tourism component. 

14. The information in Table I.1 below shows the contribution of the Eastern Province to 

national GDP and national coastal zone GDP. These data show the economic importance of 

the eastern coastal zone and highlight the need for proper management of resources to 

sustain socio-economic development.


Table I.1: Contribution of economic sectors in Eastern Province to National and 

coastal GDP (Sri Lanka rupees, in millions) 

Economic sector 

Eastern 

Provincial 

Contribution 

GDP 

Total 

Coastal 

GDP 

National 

GDP 

Contribution 

of coastal 

regions to 

National 

GDP % 

EP coastal 

contribution 

coastal GDP 

% 

EP coastal 

contributio 

n national 

GDP % 

1.Agriculture, 

Forestry, Fishing 

9194.2 36262.3 175853.8 20.6 25.4 5.2 

1.1 Agriculture 4635.8 13016.0 135964.1 9.6 35.6 3.4 

1.1.1. Tea 0.0 41.9 12315.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 

1.1.2. Rubber 0.0 81.9 3370.0 2.4 0.0 0.0 

1.1.3. Coconuts 51.4 1091.2 12212.9 8.9 4.7 0.4 

1.1.4. Paddy 2351.5 4085.0 25151.6 16.2 57.6 9.3 

1.1.1.5. Other 

2232.9 7715.9 82914.6 9.3 28.9 2.7 

agriculture 

1.2.Forestry and 

827.8 2341.2 17109.5 13.7 35.4 4.8 

Firewood 

1.3 Fishing 3730.6 20905.1 22780.1 91.8 17.8 16.4 

1.3.1.Coastal fishing 3682.4 20826.4 20829.1 100.0 17.7 17.7 

1.3.2.Inland fishing 48.2 78.7 1951.0 4.0 61.2 2.5 

2. Mining and 

473.6 4347.1 16944.9 25.7 10.9 2.8 

Quarrying 

3. Manufacture 2019.0 83548.9 159721.0 52.3 2.4 1.3 

4. Construction 882.6 17189.0 68332.3 25.2 5.1 1.3 

5. Elecricity , Gas & 

274.8 9937.4 14286.8 69.6 2.8 1.9 

Water 

6. Transport, 

1018.0 63840.9 269316.4 23.7 1.6 0.4 

Storage 

and 

Communication 

6.1. Road 848.8 46466.1 106994.0 43.4 1.8 0.8 

6.2. Rail 85.5 7516.8 140651.0 5.3 1.1 0.1 

6.3. Air 3.0 2771.3 2770.4 100.0 0.1 0.1 

6.4. Water 49.1 1552.3 1598.0 97.1 3.2 3.1 

6.5. Communication 31.5 5534.3 17303.0 32.0 0.6 0.2 

7. Trade & tourism 5538.2 127792.6 219040.3 58.3 4.3 2.5 

7.1. Trade 5449.1 122488.8 212410.6 57.7 4.4 2.6 

7.2. Tourism 89.1 5303.8 6629.7 80.0 1.7 1.3 

8. Banking, 

958.6 37148.8 73952.0 50.2 2.6 1.3 

Insurance 

and Real estate 

9. Ownership & 

723.4 15043.1 40709.3 37.0 4.8 1.8 

Dwelling 

10. Public services 1667.6 12432.3 42985.4 28.9 13.4 3.9 

10.1.Defence & 

1189.5 8872.6 31063.6 28.6 13.4 3.8 

Administration 

10.2. Health 38.1 880.1 1917.1 45.9 4.3 2.0 

10.3. Education 440.0 2679.6 10004.6 26.8 16.4 4.4 

11. Private services 557.8 19456.1 26169.1 74.3 2.9 2.1 

GDP 23307.7 426998.6 980720.3 43.5 5.5 2.4 

(Developed based on the information on National GDP of Central Bank of Sri Lanka)


D. Coastal Zone Management 

15. The Sri Lanka National Coastal Zone Management plan (CZMP) emphasizes the 

need for integrated Coastal Zone Management to conserve, develop, and use in a 

sustainable manner, the resources in the coastal region. The CZMP provides an assessment 

of the status of the coastal environment identifying the nature and magnitude of the problems 

and issues to be addressed in the coastal zone. An outline of the existing plan, policies and 

programmes, laws, institutional mechanisms, enforcement and present objectives, policies, 

strategies and proposed actions comprise the sections of the CZMP. 

16. Coastal 2000 1 was an important study in relation to the economic significance of the 

coastal region of the country. The study was conducted by CCD with the assistance of 

University of Rhode Island (URI) and with the support of United States Aid (USAID). The 

study was designed to respond to the coastal peoples’ need to sustain and improve their 

quality of life in tangible terms. Coastal 2000 comprised the following elements:- 

1. Collaborative coastal management simultaneously at the national, 

provincial, district and local levels to achieve effective and participatory 

resource management by governmental and non-governmental 

agencies, 

2. Monitoring of the condition and use of coastal environmental systems 

and the outcomes of selected development and resource management 

projects through collaboration of the Coast Conservation Department 

(CCD), National Aquatic Resources Development Agency (NARA), 

Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Irrigation Department (ID), 

Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (MFAR) and other 

agencies. 

3. A research programme of direct relevance to Coastal Resources 

Management (CRM) through NARA, national universities and other 

institutions which will provide a better understanding of ecological 

processes and social and cultural issues as well as provide information 

of critical importance to the formulation and implementation of coastal 

resources management plans. 

4. Strengthening of institutional and human capacity to manage coastal 

ecosystems. 

5. Updating and extending the scope of the master plan for coastal erosion 

management. 

6. Creating awareness, both by national and provincial government 

personnel and NGOs, of the strategies for coastal resources 

management and the issues they address. 

17. Generally the coastal zone represents an area of transition where the terrestrial and 

marine environment interacts to form a unique ecosystem. Hence the coastal zone covers 

landwards areas, inshore waters, inter-tidal areas, estuaries, lagoons and seaward areas. 

Since it is necessary to have an administrative and legal demarcation, the Coast 

Conservation Act provided the following definition of the coastal zone. The CCD is mandated 

to manage the environment of the coastal zone as illustrated in Figure I.1 below. 

1 

A Resources Management Strategy for Sri Lanka’s Coastal Region, conducted by a collaborative effort of the 

URI/USAID


Coastal zone is the area lying within a 300 m landward of the mean high water line 

(MHWL) and a limit of 2 km seaward of the mean low water line (MLWL); in the case of 

rivers, streams, lagoon or any other body of water connected to sea either permanently 

or periodically, the landward boundary extends to a limit of 2 km measured 

perpendicular to the straight baseline drawn between the natural entrance points 

thereof and includes waters of such rivers, streams, lagoon or any other body of water 

so connected to the sea (CCD, 2004). 

18. The human interventions in landward areas, seaward areas, the inter-tidal zone and 

coastal water bodies require coastal zone management. Natural occurrences such as coastal 

erosion, flooding, and sedimentation also create impacts in the coastal zone. Coastal zone 

management requires both vertical and horizontal integration. The vertical integration is 

between various government levels from national, provincial to local levels. The horizontal 

integration is between various sector activities and coastal communities. 

E. Special Area Management (SAM) Concept 

19. The 2008 review of coastal zone laws and implementation experience in Sri Lanka 

(Ref. 0945). 

provides a useful background to coastal zone management in Sri Lanka 

20. Sri Lanka established a Coast Conservation Department (CCD) within the Ministry of 

Fisheries in 1978. Coastal zone management in Sri Lanka was formalized by the Coast 

Conservation Act of 09th September 1981 (Ref.0913) as amended on 17th December 

1988 (Ref.0914) and on 28th July 1992 (Ref.0944). The Act required the preparation of a Coastal 

Zone Management Plan (CZMP) as defined and subsequent CZMP revision for consideration 

at four yearly intervals.


21. The first Sri Lanka CZMP Plan was produced in 1990 some 9 years after the 1981 Act 

came into force. It included the concept of Special Area Management (SAM). 

22. The second Sri Lanka CZMP Plan was approved on 10th September 1997 and 

included SAM plans for Rekawa and Hikkaduwa (Ref.0945). The Plan identified 21 more sites as 

important coastal sites based on a set of criteria which included: (a) severity of resource 

management issues, (b) biodiversity, (c) viability of SAM concept at the site and (d) economic 

significance. The Plan also addressed issues of permits, prohibited activities, setback, 

exemptions and variations, monitoring of compliance, Environmental Impact Assessment 

(EIA) and Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE). 

23. The third Sri Lanka CZMP was completed before the tsunami on 26th December 

2004. The CZMP was revised following the tsunami and was published in the Gazette on the 

24th January 2006 and became operational from that date (Ref.0903). 

24. SAM sites are categorised at 2 levels. SAM level-1 sites have larger geographical 

areas with multiple resource use conflicts and SAM level-2 sites have a smaller geographical 

area with fewer resource user conflicts. In this categorization process, Trincomalee Bay was 

identified as a potential SAM Level-1 site. 

25. Special Area Management (SAM) is an innovative approach where local communities 

play a significant role in planning and management. The concept of SAM is the collaborative, 

adaptive and flexible approach to resource management within a defined geographic area. 

The SAM concept, introduced to Sri Lanka in 1980, is now an integral component of national 

coastal zone management policy. 

SAM Planning is a locally-based, geographically-specific planning process that, in theory, is a 

highly participatory practice that allows for the comprehensive management of natural resources 

with the active involvement of the local community as the main stakeholder group. It involves comanagement 

of resources where local community groups are considered the custodians of the 

resources being managed under the SAM process through which sustainable livelihood practices 

allow for sustainable natural resources use and management within the designated area. 

(CZMP, 2004, Gazette, 2006) 

F. Trincomalee Bay 

26. Trincomalee bay is a prominent landscape in the geography of Sri Lanka due to an 

extensive deep water bay, which functioned as natural harbour for thousands of years before 

becoming a commercial harbour about 200 years back. Trincomalee bay is a large basin 

estuarine ecosystem rather than a single water body and consists of the large central estuary 

of Koddiyar bay that is contiguous with smaller bays including Inner harbour bay with China 

bay and Thampalagamam bay, Shell bay, and Dutch bay. 

27. A 1-2 km stretch from the shoreline towards sea in the southern and eastern sections 

of the bay is generally shallow with 10-12 m depth and then sharply deepens to a depth of 

400-800 m in the core area of the bay. The bay mouth towards the northern harbour area is 

about 55-68 m deep. Due to the depth, these areas are not suitable for the growth of coastal 

vegetation such as mangroves and associates. However the western section of 

Thampalagamam bay is generally shallow (1-2 m in depth) and provide suitable habitats for 

mangrove vegetation and mudflats. Prominent mangrove vegetation could be identified along 

the southern and south-western sections of Thampalagamam bay.


28. The impact of the 2004 Tsunami on the Trincomalee bay ecosystem is described in 

the box below. 

Impact of the 2004 tsunami on Trincomalee Bay ecosystem 

The Tsunami on 26 th December 2004, affected the whole eastern coastal zone and some parts 

of the coastal belt of Trincomalee District such as Kinniya and Muthur were severely affected. 

The strong currents brought large amounts of sands and debris into the bay disturbing the bay 

ecosystem. A study carried out by O.K. Nayanananda (2007) (Ref.0907) revealed that tsunami 

waves hit the land surface in varying proportions. Details of the inundations and wave lengths 

are given below. 

G.N. 

Division / Village 

Max. distance 

of inundation (m) 

Approximate wave 

length (m) 

Kinniya 500 2.5 

Mancholachenai 1000 2 

Dimuthugama 200 1.5 

Koddiyar Bay 100 2.5 

Mineral sands 150 1.5 

Orr’s Hill 750 3 750 3 

Samudragama 300 1.5 

Muthur 300 8 

Kayankerni 2.5 

Mankerni 750 10 

Uppuveli 800 2.5 

Sampatheevu 500 

Kuchchaveli 2000 >3 

Nilaveli 1000 >5 1000 >5 

Kumpurupiddy 500 

Jayanagar 1500 4 1500 4 

G. North East Coastal Community Development Project (NECCDEP) 

29. NECCDEP (Ref.0978) is a Government of Sri Lanka project implemented by Ministry of 

Nation Building and Estates Infrastructure Development (MNB&EID). The NECCDEP is 

funded by a loan from the ADB to the amount of US $ 20 m whilst The Netherlands 

Government contribution is US $ 1.5 m. The Government of Sri Lanka contribution is US $


5.6 m. The beneficiary contribution is US $ 1.3 m. The total project cost is US $ 28.4 m (RRP 

SRI 31287). 

30. NECCDEP is scheduled to run from 2004 to 2010. NECCDEP aims to enhance the 

livelihoods of conflict affected coastal communities by providing community infrastructure 

facilities and livelihood opportunities based on the sustainable utilization of natural resources 

in the coastal zone. 

31. The Goal of the NECCDEP is: “Poverty reduced and basic needs met in coastal 

communities in the Eastern Province”. 

32. The Purpose of the NECCDEP is: “Sustainable livelihood improvement and sound 

management of natural resources in the Eastern Province”. 

33. NECCDEP has five components designed to deliver this purpose and goal: 

34. Component 1: Sustainable livelihood improvements; 

35. Component 2: Resources management in 3 special management areas; 

36. Component 3: Coastal resources planning; 

37. Component 4: Fisheries development; 

38. Component 5: Project implementation support; 

39. Under the component 2, NECCDEP is required to develop SMA Plans for 3 identified 

sites, Trincomalee bay, Batticaloa lagoon and Southern Ampara biodiversity zone (Figure 

I.2). These are environmental sensitive areas with high conservation, social and economic 

value particularly in respect of tourism and fisheries. However, these areas are deteriorating 

due to unmanaged and unsustainable use. 

40. It is expected that, once these SMA (SAM) 2 Plans are developed, NECCDEP will take 

proper action to implement the Plans with the concurrence of CCD which is mandated to 

ensure effective management of the environment within the coastal zone. It is also expected 

that legal status will be accorded to each SAM area by gazette under the Coast Conservation 

Act. 

2 

The term SMA has been modified to Special Area Management to reflect the terminology used in the Sri Lanka 

Coastal Zone Management Plan, 2004.


(Ref. 0978) 

Figure I.2 SMA sites selected by NECCDEP


II. 

SAM PLANNING PROCESS 

A. Scope of the planning process 

41. The process was initiated using the earlier terminology of Special Management Area 

(SMA) Planning resulting in the production of in interim SMA Plan. The terminology has 

subsequently been modified, in consultation with CCD, to reflect the terminology used in the 

2004 CZMP of Special Area Management (SAM). 

42. The scope of the process is to develop the SAM Plan in line with the CZMP 2004 

guidelines given in the CCD gazette notification of 2006. The SAM planning process will 

identifies issues which hamper the conservation of natural resources, sustainable utilization 

of natural resources and integrated development such as tourism. 

43. Through a participatory process of communities and other stakeholders, the SAM 

Plan proposes remedial action to overcome the said issues. It should also provide a medium 

term (4 year) work plan to ensure the conservation of bay system, enhance the socioeconomic 

development of coastal communities through sustainable utilization and also 

manage development using principles of vertical and horizontal integration. The SAM Plan 

also proposes an implementation mechanism and organizational structure to monitor the 

implementation process. An approximate cost estimate is also proposed including 

recommendations for facilitating the generation of funds to support implementation. 

B. Standard SAM Planning process of CZMP of CCD 

44. Based on the planning process in pilot areas, Rekawa and Hikkaduwa, CCD has 

developed SAM planning guidelines to develop SAM Plans for other sites. These guidelines 

have been gazetted in Government Special Gazette Notification 2006. These guidelines are 

briefly described below. 

1. Selection of a site 

45. SAM sites identified by CZMP, 2004 can be selected for management by an 

implementing agency that can initiate SAM planning. A site specific plan should be prepared 

by the implementing agency for the selected site with active community participation enabled 

by professional facilitator/manager. 

2. Preparation of plan 

46. To ensure the preparation of standard SAM Plan for all SAM sites, the CCD has 

proposed the following process: 

a. Identification of issues through community consultation 

47. The Facilitator / Manager of the SAM site is responsible for identification and 

prioritizing of site specific issues through stakeholder consultation using an appropriate tool 

such as Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Logical framework approach or Strengths, 

Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. It should be noted that the 

identification of the magnitude of issues is not possible at this stage). 

b. Establishment of a Community Coordinating Committee 

48. A community Coordinating Committee (CCC) has to be established at the site to 

function as the SAM planning and implementation body. The CCC should comprise:


49. Representatives of all resource user groups of the area; 

50. Resource guardians (e.g. NGO, CBO); Resource managers (e.g. Government, semigovernment 

and local government authorities); 

51. The facilitator / Manager has to ensure that all resource groups and their 

representatives are included in the CCC. 

c. Prioritization of identified issues and preparation of environmental 

profile or situation/Site report 

52. The implementing agency will, depending on the magnitude of the issues to be 

addressed and the urgency of implementing the Plan, prepare the environmental profile or 

situation / site report. This will be done with help of facilitator and CCC. 

53. Prioritization of issues identified is a basic requirement for the preparation of an 

environmental profile or situation/site report. In addition data gaps have to be filled through 

analysis of secondary data and collection of primary data. 

54. The data collection can be carried out by the facilitator / manager in collaboration with 

the CCC, using data collectors mobilised for the purpose. 

d. Preparation of draft SAM Plan 

55. The implementing agency should prepare the SAM Plan based on an environmental 

profile or situation/site report through a transparent and flexible process with the co-operation 

of stakeholders. The SAM Plan should: 

1. Clearly identify the objectives of management and policies to be adopted with 

action plans; 

2. Clearly defined the rights and obligations of stakeholders in the utilization of 

resources at the site; 

3. Clearly define and specify legal authority and regulations pertaining to the 

SAM site following its declaration; 

4. Identify and include indicators to monitoring plan implementation; 

5. Identify and include indicators to monitor changes desired in the Plan; 

6. Have provision for public awareness and education programmes and 

communication among stakeholders; 

7. Clarify and define the role to be played by the communities in managing the 

resources; 

8. Explain short, medium and long term interventions enabling the implementing 

agency to take up the short term interventions as a priority which can run 

parallel to long term planning. 

56. The draft SAM Plan should be scrutinised by the CCC and any shortcomings 

corrected before finalization.


3. Declaration of Special Area Management Site 

57. The final SAM Plan should be submitted to the Coast Conservation Advisory 

Committee for approval. It is envisaged that the revised Coast Conservation Act will have 

provision to declare the sites specified in the CZMP as Special Area Management sites 

clearly defining their boundaries. This will confer legal status to the site and regulations 

specified in the SAM Plan. 

4. Implementation of selected activities simultaneously with planning 

process 

58. Small scale selected activities that can bring about tangible benefits to the local 

people should commence in parallel with planning to provide impetus for participation in the 

SAM process. For example, an action plan prepared to improve management of a small 

lagoon fishery in a SAM site will show results within a relatively short period and demonstrate 

local benefits through SAM. 

5. Monitoring and evaluating of plan implementation 

59. Monitoring and evaluating the impacts of the SAM Plan during its implementation 

should be carried out using specified indicators identified during SAM Plan preparation.


III. 

PREPARATION OF INTERIM SMA PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION BY NECCDEP 

A. SMA process adopted in NECCDEP 

60. The comprehensive SMA planning process (currently the SAM planning process) can 

take several years. The CCC needs to be formed, made operational, strengthened and 

integrated into the wider stakeholder community. At least 1-2 years are also needed to 

complete the data collection process and to complete necessary studies such as 

participatory rural appraisal (PRA), development of resource profiles, water quality studies 

and other related studies. The comprehensive SAM Plan then needs to be developed in a 

consultative way that is gender sensitive and includes isolated and vulnerable stakeholders. 

61. In view of the timeframe and the delay in mobilizing the international consultants due 

to the poor security situation prevailing at the time, NECCDEP has adopted a parallel two 

track process involving the development of a fast-track interim SMA Plan and a slower more 

formal comprehensive SAM planning process. The development of resource profiles, water 

quality studies, tourism development studies follows the slower more formal comprehensive 

SAM planning process 

62. The fast track approach recognizes the precautionary principle “Noting also that 

where there is a threat of significant reduction or loss of biological diversity, lack of full 

scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to avoid or 

minimize such a threat” (Ref. 0121) . Waiting for several years to conserve the environment and 

bring benefits to local communities may aggravate the situation by letting the environment 

deteriorate still further and losing the support of stakeholders due to lack of action. 

63. The NECCDEP “fast track” interim SMA planning approach focused on identifying and 

addressing priority issues through a work plan implemented during 2005-2006. The 

comprehensive slower SAM planning process continued in parallel. The combined process is 

briefly listed below:- 

1. Review existing study and research reports; 

2. Start new studies to fill the gaps in information flow; 

3. Undertake a resource inventory and prepare the environmental profile; 

4. Identify core environmental issues; 

5. Undertake stakeholder workshops; 

6. Undertake field visits; 

7. Develop work plan 2005-2006; 

8. Form the SMA Committee (SMA C); 

9. SMA Committee approval of the work plan; 

10. Implementation of work plan through IP-NGO and IPs; 

11. Monitoring and evaluation; 

12. Formation of the District SAM Community Coordinating Committee 

(DSAM CCC);


13. Preparation of comprehensive SAM Plan. 

B. Scope of Interim SMA Plan 

64. The scope of the interim SMA Plan was to identify important environmental issues 

which needed early interventions and that were not dependent on long term studies. 

NECCDEP adopted the following criteria in support of the interim “fast track” SMA Planning 

approach: 

1. Promote effective management of valuable natural resources to ensure 

sustainable viability; 

2. Rehabilitate damaged natural areas and protects sensitive eco-systems; 

3. Stimulate economic development in the coastal communities by 

promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities; 

4. Increase awareness and inform the public about key environmental 

issues; 

5. Foster participation of community members to develop sense of 

stewardship and promote sustainability of the resource management 

system; 

6. Provide equitable access to resources and livelihood opportunities 

among marginalized groups and, 

7. Establish institutional structures that can have harmonizing effect, and 

help to reduce conflict amongst divided groups. 

65. NECCDEP developed the interim SMA Plan to address the existing issues keeping 

consistency with other operational plans. The work plan to guide the execution of sub-project 

activities was identified under the overall SMA process and implementation of the work plan 

also stimulated the local agencies, NGOs and communities. This approach built support for 

the longer-term comprehensive SAM Plan amongst local agencies and communities. 

66. Since the interim SMA Plan already identified and implemented priority activities, the 

workload of the longer term SAM Plan is lessened because it does not need to address these 

urgent priorities so allowing the focus to be on longer-term issues. This process of “fast track” 

issues engagement and “quick wins” also built a stronger stakeholder constituency for 

supporting the delivery of the more difficult and time consuming comprehensive SAM 

planning process. 

C. Interim SMA 

67. NECCDEP selected all Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions which touch the coast or bay 

between Pigeon Island in the north to Fowl point in the south as the interim SMA. The list of 

GN divisions is given in Appendix 1. The area covered by these GN divisions is about 60km 2 

out of 2630.8 km 2 (about 2.2%). A map of the interim SMA is given in Figure III.1 below. The 

total number of GN divisions lying in the interim SMA is 69 and these GN divisions belong to 

5 Divisional Secretary Divisions. The details are given in Table III.1 below.


Figure III.1: Trincomalee Bay Interim SMA with GN boundaries


Table III.1: 

Distribution of GN divisions within the interim SMA area 

No. 


Division 

Total number of 

GN Divisions 

Number of GN divisions 

under interim SAM plan 

1 Kuchchaveli 24 3 

2 Town & Gravets 42 22 

3 Kinniya 31 23 

4 Muthur 42 19 

5 Thampalagamam 12 2 

Total 151 69 

(Source: Interim SAM Plan of NECCDEP) 

D. Special Management Area Committee 

68. As per the RRP, NECCDEP formulated a Special Area Management Committee to 

act as the regulatory body for the SMA and undertake the integrated planning and 

subsequent management of the SMA at district level. This committee was established by the 

NECCDEP District Project Office under the chairmanship of the Government Agent/ District 

Secretary, in 2004. The Committee consisted of representatives of relevant district 

departments and statutory boards, local government bodies, IP-NGOs, private sector 

organizations and civil society organizations. Every member of the Committee was given a 

letter of appointment specifying responsibilities. The Committee provided overall guidelines 

and approval of work plans and budgets. The list of individuals forming the SMA Committee 

is given in Appendix 2. 

69. However this SMA Committee does not meet the criteria for CCC specified in the 

CCD SAM guidelines particularly with respect to the level of community participation. The 

Interim SMA Committee was dominated by government agencies. The Committee required 

restructuring in the comprehensive SAM planning process to include more community 

members, according to the CCD terminology of Community Coordinating Committee (CCC), 

although it continues to be chaired by the District Secretary. 

E. Consultation process 

70. NECCDEP consultations in support of the interim SMA included the District level SMA 

Coordinating Committee. NECCDEP also consulted with the IP-NGOs selected to develop 

resource profiles for coastal Divisional Secretary Divisions of the District. Indigenous 

knowledge and experience of stakeholders and beneficiaries were also obtained through the 

consultation process. 

71. The planning team reviewed studies conducted by different agencies in the recent 

past. These included the 6 PPTA (ADB/EuroConsult et. al.,) studies undertaken in support of 

the NECCDEP RRP on the Trincomalee bay ecosystem during 2002-2004. 

72. GTZ/IFSP also conducted 5 environmental studies in the interim SMA during the 

period 2001 to 2004. These studies were related to solid waste disposal issues, ground water 

of agro wells and characteristics of coastal sand aquifers. There were a few national studies 

carried out after the tsunami in December 2004 which covered the Trincomalee interim SMA. 

These studies also suggested several interventions in the tsunami affected interim SMA.


Recommendations of ADB/Euro Consultant Studies (2002-2004) 

a. Support to aquaculture and mariculture development (e.g. oyster culture, crab fattening, 

sea weed culture) 

b. Establish fuel wood plantations 

c. Promote eco-tourism development 

d. Develop small scale infrastructure 

e. Develop small scale sanitation facilities 

f. Develop sanitary solid waste disposal dumps 

g. Implement or promote anti-coastal erosion measures 

Recommendations of GTZ/IFSP Environmental Studies 2001-2004 

a. Change the attitude and behaviour of all sectors of general public contributing to the 

generation of solid waste in the SAM area by providing specific awareness programmes 

with follow up activities; 

b. Improve the efficiency of solid waste collection mechanism of local authorities especially 

Trincomalee UC, Kinniya and Muthur Pradeshiya Sabahs by providing awareness and 

training and required facilities; 

c. Introduce the application of integrated solid waste management strategies; 

d. Recognise and facilitate the local recycling of glass, metals and paper to enhance the 

efficiency of collection network; 

e. Promote the involvement of private entrepreneurs on plastic / polythene recycling locally; 

f. Impose guidelines and control on extracting the ground water from the agro-wells in 

sensitive areas of Kuchchaveli DS divisions where shallow fresh water lens available 

between the estuary and sea; 

g. Raise awareness amongst the farmers regarding the harmful effects of using excessive 

agrochemicals for cultivation and persuade them to change harmful practices. 

Recommendations of Post Tsunami National studies which covered Trincomalee 

interim SMA 

a. Promote the segregation of the building debris from other waste and reusing for useful 

purposes; 

b. Establish temporary disposal sites for building debris; 

c. Promote the re-planting of coastal vegetation and stabilizing beach; 

d. Prevent the extinction of mangrove and lagoon ecosystems; 

e. Impose control on water extraction from wells and rehabilitating the affected wells and 

cultivable lands;


73. After reviewing these studies, NECCDEP identified 19 special studies to provide 

additional information. However, the recommendations from these studies were not available 

to support the interim SMA process. Indeed a number of these studies are still ongoing and 

several have only just been approved to start (November 2009). 

74. NECCDEP, therefore, decided to develop the “fast track” interim SMA Plan based on 

the findings and recommendations of the studies conducted by other agencies/projects rather 

than wait for the results of the special studies. 

75. NECCDEP identified 20 environmental issues to be addressed by the interim SMA 

Plan based on the review of previous studies and a stakeholders workshop held in 

September 2005. The list of these environmental issues is given in Appendix 3. 

76. The workshop participants were then asked to select 8 of the 20 issues as core 

issues and were asked to suggested remedial actions to address these issues. The selected 

8 core issues are given below in priority order. 

1. Solid waste collection and disposal including human waste; 

2. Degradation of mangrove and coastal vegetation; 

3. Destructive Fishing and Collection of Marine Ornamental life; 

4. Uncontrolled mining of gravel, clay, sand and shell; 

5. Septic tank Pollution and under ground water quality and quantity changes; 

6. Destruction of sea-grass beds and coral reef; 

7. Coastal erosion; 

8. Unplanned tourism and urbanization. 

77. The proposed remedial actions and interventions to address these 8 core issues are 

given in Appendix 4. 

F. Identification of environmental priority areas and interventions 

78. NECCDEP appointed a team of officers headed by Officer in Charge of Regional 

Office of Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to carry out intensive field studies to select 

hotspots. The other members of the study team included relevant District Forest Officers, 

Divisional Environmental Officers, respective Land Officers, representatives of local NGO’s 

and CBO’s. The team conducted 45 field visits to 69 GN divisions. Previous study reports 

were reviewed by the team including the NECCDEP prepared Village Development Plans 

(VDP) and Village Social Profiles (VSP). After reviewing the information, the team selected a 

list of hotspots and prepared a detailed report, “Identification of environmental priority areas 

for Special Management” 

79. The study team looked at the inter-relationships between environmental issues and 

priority hot spot areas and consolidated then into 4 core-environmental issues. These were: 

(i) solid waste collection and disposal; (ii) mangrove habitat loss; (iii) coastal erosion, and; (iv) 

localized pollution. These four core environmental issues were then subject to problem tree 

analysis or cause-effect analysis which identifies (common) root causes resulting in issues 

(or problems). This is the start of the logical framework analyses which provides the vertical 

logic for interventions that resolve the root causes and turn negative problem statements into 

positive outcome statements.


80. The team identified 24 interventions to implement in hotspots. A local implementing 

partner was also selected for each intervention by the team. NECCDEP obtained the SMA 

Coordinating Committee approval to implement these interventions. 

G. Implementation of interim SMA plan 

81. Environmental interventions took place at two scales. Small scale community level 

sub-projects were implemented through IP-NGOs and large scale projects were implemented 

through the SMA Committee. The criteria adopted for selection of the interventions are given 

in Table III.2 below. 

Table III.2: Environmental interventions suggested in the consultation process 

Community environmental interventions 

Sub-project activities should be facilitated by 

available NECCDEP IP-NGO at the time and 

implemented by the active CBO of the area 

Total estimated cost shall be less than Rs. 

300,000 

Implementation period shall be less than 6 

months 

Should be in NECCDEP GN divisions 

Divisional Coordination Committee approval is 

necessary 

SMA Committee environmental 

interventions 

Implementing partner should be most relevant 

to the sub-project activity 

Total estimated cost shall be more than Rs. 

300,000 

Appropriate implementation period 

Should be in SMA GN divisions 

SMA Committee approval is necessary 

82. NECCDEP selected 8 IP-NGOs based on selected criteria who implemented the 

community level sub-projects. Criteria were relevant experience and durability (likelihood that 

the IP-NGO would continue to exist and so could provide ongoing support after the end of the 

NECCDEP. The progress in implementation of the interim SMA is presented below. 

H. Work plan 

83. A work plan was developed by NECCDEP for 2005-2009 and implemented through 

IP-NGO and IPs. NECCDEP identified 6 sub sectors and implemented 24 activities in 

selected GN divisions. The detailed work plan and progress are given in Appendix 5 (Ref.1620) . 

84. The following chapters describe the process used to develop the SAM Plan.


IV. 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE OF TRINCOMALEE BAY 

A. Introduction 

85. Developing an environmental profile of an area to be considered for SAM planning is 

an essential part of the SAM planning process. The profile should support the consultation 

process and be strengthened by the consultation process. The profile should become more 

comprehensive and focused as the SAM planning proceeds 

86. Trincomalee bay is a large bay ecosystem rather than a single water body and consist 

of large core water body of Koddiyar bay (Cod bay) that is contiguous with smaller bays, 

Inner harbour bay with China bay, Thampalagamam bay, Shell bay and Dutch bay as 

illustrated in Figure IV.1. The depth of the bay varies from shallow water to very deep water 

within the bay system. 

Figure IV.1: Aerial view of Trincomalee bay (source: Google earth, 2009) 

Inner harbour 

bay 

Thampalagamam bay 

Koddiyar bay 

87. A 1-2 km stretch from the shore seawards at the southern and eastern sections of the 

bay is generally shallow with 10-12 m depth. The sea bed then deepens sharply to depths of 

400-800 m in the core area of the bay. The bay mouth towards the northern harbour area is 

about 55-68 m deep. Due to the depth, these areas are not suitable for the growth of coastal 

vegetation such as mangrove and associates. However, the western section of 

Thampalagamam bay is generally shallow (1-2 m in depth) and provides suitable habitat


for mangrove vegetation and mudflats. Depths greater than 500 m penetrate well into the 

bay, creating one of the finest deepwater harbours in the world. 

88. Trincomalee bay consists of some smooth trawlable bottom. The shallow areas have 

potential for mariculture. 

89. In recognition of their ecological, socio-cultural and economic significance, and 

because of the existing threats to resources, Trincomalee bay and Thampalagamam bay 

were identified in the 1997 Coastal Zone management Plan as areas requiring special 

management. In addition, the entire area of Trincomalee is gazetted (26 November 1991) as 

an ‘Urban Development Area’ by the Urban Development Authority (UDA). A 'Trincomalee 

Metro Urban Area Development Plan' was produced in 2006 (Ref.1204) . The UDA plan 3 , 

proposes numerous management measures. These measures were also subject to a 

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) (Ref.1685) produced in 2008 that suggested various 

modifications. 

B. Physical environment 

1. Topography 

90. The diverse terrain of outcroppings, small hills and islands associated with 

Trincomalee bay is unique in Sri Lanka. Trincomalee harbour is the largest natural harbour 

and the deepest harbour in Sri Lanka and is encircled by hills at the eastern and western 

ends of the bay. The northern hills start at Koneswaran temple/ Dutch Fort and extend along 

the coast to the harbour mouth. Another range of hills starts from China bay and extends to 

Kinniya bay mouth. The southern range of hills starts from Sampoor and extends to Foul 

Point where the light house is located. 

91. The topography in the area between these hilly areas, from Kinniya to Sampoor, is 

generally flat. This area is divided to 5 sections by Upparu estuary, Mahaweli river estuary, 

Ralkuli estuary and Kaddaiparichchan lagoon. 

92. Trincomalee bay consist of many outcroppings and smaller hills such as Swami rock, 

Chapel Hill (105 m), Diamond Hill (79 m), Greater Sober Island (70 m), Clappenburg Hill (100 

m). In addition there are some cliff backed beaches at Clappenburg Beach, Golden Beach 

and Marble Beach. There is limited accessibility to these areas due to the security situation. 

The adjoining Trincomalee and Nilaveli beaches have attracted many tourist, both local and 

foreigners for many years. 

93. The popular Koneswaran temple and Dutch Fort are located in the northern hill range. 

Sampoor Light house is located in the southern hilly area of the bay. The Cod Bay, which is 

part of Trincomalee bay, provides anchorage facilities for a hundred or more fishing vessels, 

large multiple day boats and smaller day boats. Trincomalee beach and Nilaveli beach have 

become tourist attractions with the improved security situation in the area at present and 

tourists visit these places in increasing numbers at the weekends. 

2. Land uses 

94. Land use types in the Trincomalee bay and surrounding terrestrial areas are 

illustrated below in Figure IV.2. 

3 Consultants Services for the Preparation of an Integrated Urban Development Plan for the Trincomalee District. 

March 2001


Figure IV.2: Land use map of Trincomalee bay and adjoining terrestrial areas 

2000) 

(UDA,


95. The prominent land use areas in the bay area are described below. 

a. Main Koddiyar bay; 

b. Sober island and other smaller islands in the bay; 

c. Upparu estuary; 

d. Mahaweli river and estuary; 

e. Ralkuli estuary; 

f. Coastal vegetation around the bays; 

g. Developed urban areas such as Trincomalee, Kinniya, Muthur; 

h. Paddy lands irrigate under Kantalai irrigation scheme west of Kinniya; 

i. Paddy lands irrigate under Allai-Kanatali irrigation scheme west of Muthur; 

j. Kaddaiparichchan lagoon and; 

k. Villages around Muthur and Kaddaiparichchan lagoon. 

Figure IV.3: Kinniya bridge, prominent land mark in the TB SAM 

(The longest bridge in the country) 

96. The railway track from Trincomalee to Colombo lies to the north-western side of the 

Trincomalee bay whilst the Trincomalee-Ambepussa (Colombo) A-6 main road runs parallel 

to much of the rail track. The A-15 road (Trincomalee–Muthur–Batticaloa) runs close to the 

bay from Trincomalee to Muthur. Construction of the 396m Kinniya Bridge on the A-15 road,


together with the proposed construction of bridges at existing ferry crossings, will open up 

rapid access to the coastal area south of Trincomalee and enhance opportunities for 

development of this area. 

3. Climate 

97. The entire eastern coast is located within the dry zone of Sri Lanka, which has a hot 

and humid tropical climate. The mean annual temperature is 28.5 o C, although typically this 

ranges from 18 o C on cooler nights during the rainy season, to 39 o C during the day in the dry 

months. Eastern Province receives rainfall of between 1000 to 2000 mm per annum, 

primarily, about 60%, from the northeast monsoon during October to February. 

98. Trincomalee District has a longer dry spell than the three months dry spell found in 

the other two Districts of the Eastern Province. Average annual rainfall during the period 

1995-2000 was 1,469 mm most of which fell in the north east monsoon. This suggests a 

decline in annual rainfall from earlier years, since the 1951 to 1980 average was 1,615 mm. 

99. Sri Lanka’s east coast is frequently hit by storms and cyclones, especially during the 

northeast monsoon, and these can cause considerable damage to property and threaten 

lives. Trincomalee bay is also frequently hit by minor storms in the rainy season. Winds are 

generally moderate, ranging from 7-15 km per hour with the evening winds being stronger. 

100. According to the agro-climatic zone of Sri Lanka, the area covered in the Trincomalee 

bay SAM area belongs to the DL 1 , DL 2 and DL 4 agro-climatic zone. Accordingly, DSDs of 

Town & Gravets, Kuchchaveli, Thampalagamam and half of Kinniya Division fall within the 

DL 1, which is dry zone low country-1. Half of Kinniya DS division and part of the Muthur 

Division fall within the DL 2, which is dry zone low country-2. Sampoor section of Muthur DS 

Division belongs to the DL 4, which is dry zone low country-4, which is equivalent to an arid 

zone. The rainfall, major soil types and land use features vary according to these agroclimatic 

zones. 

4. Geology & soils 

101. The geological formations to the north and northwest of Trincomalee bay consist of 

charnockites and quartzites, along with more recent alluvium. The hilly areas around the 

harbour mainly consist of rocky areas with charnockites and quartzites. Bands and lenses of 

base charnockite of variable thickness are found in the Inner Harbour area and form the 

Elephant Ostenburg, Clappenburg, Engineer and Cod ridges, China and Orr’s Hill, along with 

the southern ends of Great Sober Island and most of Small Sober Island. Dolerite and 

pyroxenite dykes are present in outcrops at Had Cove, Sober Island, Deadman’s Cove and 

near the road at China Bay airport. Most of the acid charnockite is found between Elephant 

and Ostenburg ridges, Diamond Hill, Nicholson’s Bay, Malay Cove, Deadman’s Cove and 

Sweat Bay. Garnet-biotite gneiss bands are found at Snug Cove, Clappenburg bay, off Cod 

ridge and north of Engineer ridge. The areas south, southwest and southeast of Trincomalee 

bay are characterized by recent alluvium, while Norway Point is also characterized by the 

presence of garnet-biotic gneiss. 

102. Soils are mostly sandy regosols and recent beach and dune sands, with areas of 

riverine alluvial soils. Further in the interior there are reddish-brown earths and their 

derivatives. Reddish-brown earths occur to the west and southwest of the bay, whilst sandy 

regosols and alluvial soils are characteristic around the rest of the bay. Low humic gley soils 

dominate the paddy lands in the adjoining areas.


5. Hydrology 

103. Trincomalee bay is fed by three river basins, Mahaweli river, Kantalai and 

Palampottaru rivers. Mahaweli is the largest river basin in the country and has a 10,327 km 2 

catchment areas and an annual volume of runoff of 26,804 x 10 6 m 3 . This river basin brings 

about 11,016 x 10 6 m 3 of annual discharge to Trincomalee bay. However, the annual volume 

of discharge varies due to diversions and storage in the reservoirs of the upstream Mahaweli 

Development scheme. Large amounts of drainage water are also added to the bay through 

the Kantalai Irrigation scheme and Allai-Kantalai scheme. 

104. Trincomalee bay is rich in nutrients and supports diverse coastal ecosystems such as 

mangroves, sea grasses and other coastal vegetation. The southern part of the bay between 

Kinniya and Sampoor is flat and often swampy due to various coastal water bodies, lagoons, 

estuaries sustained by water flows from Palampottaru, and drainage from Kantalai basin and 

Mahaweli River. 

105. There are many inland surface water bodies (minor tanks) in Muthur and Kinniya DS 

divisions, which hold freshwater during the rainy season, and maintain the groundwater table 

in the area. There are estuaries such as Upparu, Mahaweli river and Ralkuli, which are 

brackish water bodies where the salinity level varies from 5 to 30 parts per million (ppm) 

depending on freshwater input. Kaddaiparchchan lagoon has a smaller watershed and so 

gets a lesser amount of drainage. 

106. The sea current generally moves in a northerly direction, resulting in longshore drift of 

the sand northwards. Tidal range around the Trincomalee Bay is the smallest in Sri Lanka. 

Tidal range varies from 0.7m at spring tides to 0.05m at neap tides. Thampalagamam bay, in 

the southern section of Trincomalee bay, is shallow and has diverse ecosystems such as 

mangroves, sea grasses and mud flats. 

107. Terrestrial areas adjacent to Trincomalee bay contain surface water and ground water 

which are extracted and used for both domestic purposes and agricultural activities. To the 

north of the bay, towards Nilaveli, large open pits are sunk in sandy ground to obtain 

groundwater for the irrigation of onion fields. Saline water intrusion has been reported in 

many parts of the SAM planning area, possibly as a result of excessive draw-down from 

overlying freshwater lenses or aquifers. 

C. Biological environment 

108. Trincomalee SAM planning area consists of numerous smaller lagoons (technically 

estuaries) with brackish water and these lagoon areas are enriched with true and associated 

mangrove species. The bays and estuaries are protected by offshore reef bars and rocky 

outcropping at the bay mouth. Terrestrial habitats include dry deciduous forest, secondary 

scrub forest, degraded open natural forest in hilly areas and forest plantations in the northwest 

parts of the bay. Major ecological habitats of the Trincomalee bay SAMP area are: 

a. Bays such as Inner harbour, Koddiyar bay, Thampalagamam bay; 

b. Estuaries such as Upparu, Mahaweli river estuary, Ralkuli, Kaddaiparichchan; 

c. Terrestrial natural dry deciduous forest in the hilly range (especially to the 

north of the bay); 

d. Secondary scrub forests; 

e. Coastal vegetations such as mangroves (especially at Thampalagamam Bay), 

and salt marshes;


f. Corals in the marine area of the bay; 

g. Sea grass beds; 

h. Beaches with low dunes (especially to the north of the bay). 

109. Major ecological habitats are interrelated and equally important in terms of 

determining richness of the biodiversity and supporting fisheries industries in the SAM 

planning area. Among these the carbon productivity of seagrass beds is the highest 

compared to other ecosystems. 

110. There is no specific quantitative data on habitats in the SAM planning area but Table 

IV.2 below gives the “Distribution of Ecological habitats of Trincomalee District” which 

includes the habitats of Trincomalee bay SAM. According to the data given in the table, 

Trincomalee District is covered by 31.1% of forest and 43.5% of vegetation which is far 

exceeding the Sri Lankan national average. 

Table IV.2 : Distributions of Ecological Habitats in Trincomalee District 

Forest 

Habitat % of Total Land Area Area (ha) 

Tall, well developed dry land forest 23.7 64,530 

Open Natural Forest 6.3 16,310 

Forest Plantations 0.3 817 

Other Forest Vegetation 

Scrubland 12.2 33,230 

Mangroves 0.8 2,043 

Grassland 0.1 216 

Coastal Habitats 

Marshland 1.6 4,230 

Beaches and low dunes 0.3 671 

Lagoons and Bays 6.7 18,317 

Salt marshes 0.5 1,401 

Inland Waters 

Inland waters 7.24 19,800 

Source: ISMAP-NECCDEP (Ref.969) 

111. There are four legally protected areas under the Department of Wildlife Conservation 

(DWLC) located in Trincomalee bay and adjacent areas. These are Greater and Little Sober 

Islands, Naval Head works Sanctuary and Puramalai (Pigeon) Island National Park at 

Nilaveli. The Naval Head works Sanctuary is located west of the Thampalagamam bay and is 

an important catchment area for Palampattar River which drains to Thampalagamam bay. 

112. All these protected areas are primarily terrestrial, though the marine waters around 

Puramalai (Pigeon Island) are protected (DID1624) .


113. Under the existing DWLC framework, protection is given to wildlife in the sanctuaries, 

but human activities are permitted to some extent. However only visitation and research are 

allowed in National Parks. There is no permanent presence of DWLC staff at any of these 

four locations, which are also only patrolled occasionally. The limited number of Wildlife 

Officers in the District meant that consultations with and collection of specific information by 

these Officers was not possible. 

114. The forest reserves of Chundankulam, Mahaweli Ganga and Somawathiya Chattiya 

blocks are partly located in the SAM. 

1. Coastal wetlands: Estuaries and Lagoons 

115. Coastal wetlands of SAM area include the Upparu estuary, Mahaweli river estuary, 

Ralkuli estuary and Kaddaiparichchan lagoon. These wetlands are sustained by watershed 

drainage containing high concentrations of nutrients. The wetland habitats support nursery 

and feeding grounds for fish and prawns and also sustain local fisheries. 

116. There are several hundred fishers fishing these wetlands. However, fisher densities 

are less in these wetlands than in other coastal wetlands in the Eastern Province possibly 

because of the high security restrictions. 

117. The biodiversity of these coastal wetlands is subject to increasing negative impact 

from domestic sewage, other untreated effluents, disposal of solid waste and oil waste from 

boats and ships. These ecosystems are also affected by indiscriminate harvesting of 

commercially important aquatic species and clearing of coastal vegetation, particularly 

mangrove. 

118. The salinity regimes in these coastal wetlands have also been affected by changes in 

drainage patterns of the Mahaweli river due to the construction of large reservoirs under the 

Mahaweli development project. The reduction of fresh water flows have changed the water 

quality of the estuaries and have also encouraged the growth of invasive plant species such 

as Najas marina and Salvinia molesta, which are highly evident in Trincomalee bay. 

119. Another negative impact on the coastal wetlands in the SAM planning area is 

reclamation in the Kinniya area along the Thampalagamam bay. Many of the smaller canals 

have been blocked either by road construction or by reclamation. This reduces tidal water 

exchange and water quality. All these adverse impacts hamper the sustainable use of the 

ecosystem goods and services provided by these coastal wetlands by fisheries, tourism, 

scientific research and education. 

2. Coastal wetlands: Bays 

120. Trincomalee bay SAM is a large estuarine ecosystem rather than a single water body. 

The depth varies from shallow to medium to very deep water so providing a range of 

habitats. Areas of the bay that are rocky, close to deeper water and lacking sediment input 

do not have mangrove and associated vegetation. 

121. However, the western and southern sections of Thampalagamam bay are generally 

shallow (1-2 m in depth) and a lot of sediment has been brought in with drainage water from 

the Kantalai irrigation scheme and Palampottaru river. These sediments provide suitable 

conditions for mudflat and mangrove to develop. Relatively extensive mangrove is 

consequently found along the southern and south-western sections of Thampalagamam bay. 

122. Thampalagamam bay also has the largest dead sea-shell deposits in the country and 

provides significant potential for economic development to the local communities. Studies


carried out by NARA revealed that heavy rain water run off in the rainy season carries the 

shells into Thampalagamam bay. 

123. In summary Trincomalee bay provides a diverse range of habitats reflecting the 

deltaic influences on a rocky geomorphology and varied bathymetry. Some coral areas are 

found. Mangroves and seagrass are well represented. Mineral sand beaches, cliffs and 

forested rocky island outcrops are also represented. 

3. Mangrove ecosystem 

124. Mangroves are limited to the northern and western sections of Thampalagamam bay 

associated with the estuaries of Upparu, Mahaweli River, Ralkuli and Kaddaiparichchan 

lagoon as illustrated in Figure IV.3. Field studies also revealed that extensive mangrove 

habitats have developed in the Mahaweli estuary and extend about 2-3 km along the river as 

illustrated in Figure IV.4. The species diversity and density is much higher in these areas and 

needs to be managed accordingly. According to the FD records in 2000, total extent of 

mangroves in Trincomalee District was 1491 which is about 5.9% of the land cover of the 

District . About 2,000 hectares of mangroves are thought to still occur in Trincomalee 

District (Ref.1172) and of this probably as many three-quarters are likely to occur in the 

Trincomalee bay SAM planning area. 

125. The shallow areas of the northern and western sections of the main Thampalagamam 

bay have larger mangrove vegetation patched dominated by Rhizophora apiculata. The list of 

flora and fauna observed in the field studies is given in Appendix 6. Other common species 

are Excoecaria agallocha, Lumnitzera racemosa and Bruguiera sp. Different studies have 

identified 10-12 mangrove species in the bay area of Trincomalee bay SAM and the common 

mangrove species are Avicennia officinalis, Excoecaria agallocha, Acanthus ilicifolius, 

Acrostichum aureum, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Heritiera littoralis, Lumnitzera racemosa and 

Sonneratia caseolaris. 

Figure IV.3: Luxurious mangrove belt in Thampalagamam


126. The dominant and common mangrove associates recorded in the previous studies 

and also found in this study are Clerodendron inerme, Thespesia populnea, Calophyllum 

inopyllum, Cerbera manghas, Derris trifoliata, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Morinda tinctoria, Pandanus 

odoratissimus, Pongamia pinnata and Randia spp. 

127. These mangrove vegetation patches are significant for local biodiversity in that they 

form an important habitat for birds, reptiles and mollusks. The main human intervention is 

the cutting of mangroves for fuel wood and the level of use and adverse impact is very high 

in the Kinniya section of Thampalagamam bay. The studies revealed that some mangrove 

land has been converted to other land uses in Kinniya Divisional Secretary Division. 

128. The qualitative information on mangrove in the Interim SMA is given in Table IV.3 

below. This information is based on field level observation rather than detail assessments. 

4. Salt marshes 

129. Salt marshes are not common in the SAM planning area except few patches in north 

western sections close to Kinniya. Most of salt marshes have converted to salt fields by 

villagers in this area and micro salterns are common livelihood practice in the area. The 

remaining salt marshes are scattered within these saltern and only Suaeda species are 

observed. The expansion of micro saltern industry has damaged the salt marshes and at 

least 5 ha of land have converted saltern during last few years. 

5. Sea grass beds 

130. Assessment of sea grass bed habitats is limited to a few observations in the estuary 

ferry crossing area. Detail studies were not carried out. Sea grass beds are rooted, seed 

bearing, marine plants, that form dense growths in shallow sheltered waters along the coast 

and also in estuaries and lagoons. 

131. Sea grass beds are observed in the ferry crossing in Thampalagamam, Upparu and 

Mahaweli river estuary and shallow sea close to Muthur. Like coral reefs, sea grass beds are 

highly productive systems and efficient sediment and nutrient traps. This ecological habitat 

provides shelter for many aquatic fauna species, especially fish species. The invertebrates 

species in sea grass beds provide important part of the diet of several species of sea turtle. 

Seagrass beds also provide the main habitat and food source for the endangered dugong 

(Dugong dugon). NARA studies have found that dugong are frequently visiting sea grass 

beds in Trincomalee bay, particularly close to Sampoor section of the bay (Personal 

communication with Mr. Arjan Rajasooriya - NARA). 

6. Beaches 

132. Narrow 5-8m wide beaches occur along the Kinniya-Muthur coastal belt. The beaches 

between Koneswaran temple and Kinniya area are very narrow except the beach park area 

in the Trincomalee city. The A-15 road lies along the beach from Kinniya to Mahaweli estuary 

and is open to public access. Fishermen are active in this beach section and beach seining is 

a common practice in the area. The beach section between Mahaweli River estuary and 

Muthur is closed and A-15 road has diverted to inland. 

133. There are no records of turtle nesting on the beaches around Trincomalee bay. 

Considering the heavy disturbance of the area turtle nesting is unlikely but should be 

excluded based on studies.


Table IV.3: Distribution and Status of Mangroves in the Trincomalee Bay SMA 

Water Body 

Thampalagamam 

bay 

DS divisions 

Thampalagamam 

SMA GN 

divisions 

Thampalagamam 

Palampottaru 

Uppuweli lagoon Town & Gravets Varothayanagar, 

Sambaltivu 

Nature 

Large 

patches 

Small 

patches 

and 

Clustered 

Mattikali lagoon Town & Gravets Orr’s Hill Fully 

Destroyed 

Sinna Karachchi 

lagoon 

Kuchchaveli Valaiyoottu Small 

patches & 

Clustered 

Ullaikali lagoon Muthur Nalloor Small 

patches & 

Clustered 

Kollannaru 

lagoon 

Nadutheevu 

lagoon 

Muthur Muthur Centre Dominated 

by 

Acanthus 

spp. 

Muthur Nadutheevu Small 

patches & 

Clustered 

Ralkuli lagoon Muthur Thaqwanagar, 

Thaganagar 

Manchcholaichenai 

lagoon 

Kuttikarachchi 

lagoon 

Periyatrumunai 

Lagoon 

Kinniya 

Small 

patches & 

Clustered 

Small 

stripes 

Kinniya Kuttikarachchi Small 

stripes 

Kinniya Periyatrumunai Small 

stripes 

Status and Need 

Under destruction. 

Prevention is 

necessary. 

Partially destroyed. 

Prevention & 

replanting is 

necessary. 

Highly encroached 


Prevention & 

replanting is 

necessary. 

Partially destroyed, 

Prevention & 

replanting is 

necessary. 

Fully destroyed. 

Replanting is 

necessary. 


Prevention & 

replanting is 

necessary. 


Prevention & 

replanting is 

necessary. 


Prevention & 

replanting is 

necessary. 


Prevention & 

replanting is 

necessary. 


Prevention & 

replanting is 

necessary.


134. Field observations show that sea erosion was severe in the area alongside the A-15 

road. This shows that sea currents bigger and destructive in the monsoon, north east 

.(Ref. 0991) 

monsoon from October to January 

7. Coral reef 

135. Coral reef is extensive in the TB SAM PLAN area and extends from Nilaveli to Foul 

Point near Sampur and generally takes the form of fringing and shallow bottom reef. Studies, 

by NARA, indicate that well-developed coral reefs are found around Pigeon Island where the 

resulting rubble forms much of the beach as illustrated in Figure IV.4, at Foul Point and along 

Coral Point, with a total length of 2-3 km, 6 km and 2 km, respectively. Patchy coral reefs are 

also recorded at a distance of about 15-20 km from the shore, at an average depth of 20 m. 

Corals can also be seen in association with widespread offshore sandstone reefs. 

Figure IV.4: Coral rubble along the shore of Pigeon Island 

136. Coral reefs from Nilaveli to Foul Point provide a habitat to a wide variety of reef fauna. 

Most of these reefs consist of Acropora/ Pocillopora verrucosa assemblages, although some 

are characterized by the local dominance of Echinopora lamellose. These reefs are also 

important habitats for reef fish and many associated species of algae, sea grass, sponges, 

soft corals, marine worms, crinoids and crustaceans. Barrier coral reefs, consisting of ridges 

of coral lying some distance from the shore, parallel with it and forming a broad ‘reef region’, 

are not found in Sri Lanka. 

137. Research conducted by A. Rajasuriya (NARA) prior to the tsunami found that the 

coral reef in Dutch Bay was in relatively good condition with sections of healthy branching 

Acropora spp, foliose Montipora and Echinopora lamellosa. This reef was previously 

monitored using Reef Check methodology and had a cover of live hard coral of about 52% 

and 20% coral rubble. The reef sustained extensive damage due to the tsunami and the reef 

was subsequently assessed as having 38.30% live hard coral, while coral rubble covered 

40.23% of the substrate. A large section of the reef that contained foliose Montipora spp was 

completely destroyed by the tsunami. Rajasuriya further stated that the ‘El Nino’ Southern 

Oscillation (ENSO) event that affected most part of Sri Lanka’s coral reef in 1998 due to 

bleaching caused by high water temperature, only had limited impact in the Trincomalee bay


of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) and other invasive species can compounded the 

damage to the coral reefs. 

138. NARA has identified many issues which threaten the sustainability of reef ecosystems 

in Trincomalee bay. Reefs are threatened by dynamite fishing, collection of corals for the 

aquarium trade, breaking of corals to obtain giant tubeworms and sea feathers for the 

aquarium trade, spear fishing, boat anchors, use of illegal fishing gears and tools, boat 

anchorage, pollution, accidental treading and breaking by tourists, and collecting as 

souvenirs. There are seven or eight aquarium trade companies in Trincomalee alone, and a 

further four or five companies operate out of China bay. These employ 150-200 aqualung 

divers plus additional 50-60 snorkelers.(Personal communication with Arjan Rajasuriya - 

NARA) 

8. Forests and Forest Plantations 

139. Hilly areas in the north western section of the Trincomalee bay are covered with 

natural forest dominated by semi-deciduous monsoon forests. Degraded secondary scrub 

forests are found at lower elevations in these hilly ranges. Due to the rocky outcrops in the 

hilly areas, natural forests are less diverse and sparse. The natural forests are dominated by 

species such as Chloroxylon swietenia (satin wood), Drypetes sepiaria, and Manilkara 

hexandra while other species such as Bauhinia racemosa, Sterculia spp and Zizyphus spp., 

are less prevalent. 

140. There are no forest plantations in the SAM planning area. There is no information 

about the extent of the forests and forest plantations in the SAM planning area. However, 

Trincomalee District has high forest cover and recent study by Urban Development Authority 

shows that forest cover of the district is 49% (130,000 hectares). 

9. Wild fauna 

141. The hilly terrain and extensive network of wetlands covering over 50,000 ha that 

extend inland from Trincomalee harbour / Koddiyar bay between Kinniya and Muthur create a 

diverse mosaic of habitat for wild fauna. Unfortunately no studies have been carried out in 

the hilly areas around the bay because these areas are under the control of the security 

forces where the Navy, Air force and Army have bases. Due to the relatively large area and 

diversity of habitat types, faunal diversity could also be very high. Rare fauna such as 

Elephant (Maximum maximum), Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris, C. Porosus) Leopard 

(Panthera pardus) have been reported in the SAM planning area in the past. 

142. The Great Sober Island and Little Sober Island in the inner harbour were declared as 

sanctuaries in 1963 partly to protect an elephant route where elephant swam from Snug cove 

to the islands. These movements were still reported to occur in 2001. This phenomenon 

would be of huge interest to tourists and for tourism marketing purposes. It is, therefore, 

important that the elephant corridors between the delta area and Snug cove are kept clear of 

any development and barriers removed as soon as the security situation warrants (Ref.0950). 

143. Avifauna diversity is comparatively high due to habitat diversity such as hilly forests, 

scrub forests, mangroves, mud flats and coastal water bodies. Different studies have 

identified 65 avifaunal species in and around Trincomalee bay. The common bird species are 

terns, gulls, pond herons and egrets. Large resident water birds have been recorded in 

wetlands around the bay and the bay attracts large numbers of migratory birds in the winter 

months.


144. The bay is important for at least five species of larger whales along with dolphins and 

porpoises. There are about 16 marine mammals and large blue whales and sperm whales 

have been recorded close to the outer perimeter of the bay. 

145. Discussions with officers from NARA indicate that whales can frequently be observed 

in Trincomalee bay and the southern coastal zone of Sri Lanka throughout the year. Hence 

Trincomalee bay has huge potential for whale based tourism which is not yet properly 

developed. Dugongs are also reported from the outer bay area where sea grass beds are 

available. In some seasons, different shark species can also be observed. 

D. Socio-economic environment 

1. Population 

146. The most populated areas of the SAM planning area are located in the Trincomalee 

and Kinniya urban areas. The total population around the bay, which includes Trincomalee 

Town & Gravets, Kinniya and Muthur DSD, is more than 200,000. This has almost doubled 

since 1971 as illustrated in Table IV.4 below, with an average annual growth of 2.5-3.1%. 

Table IV.4: Population trend at Trincomalee Bay 

Division 1971 1981 1991 2000 2001 2002 2003* 2005* 2007** 

Town & 

Gravets 

58,013 71,609 84,400 94,979 93,748 102,487 106,704 111,922 89,046 

Kinniya 39,093 31,142 36,748 62,819 55,628 66,859 69,413 75,507 61,558 

Muthur 29,299 39,992 47,191 55,974 52,656 60,060 61,931 63,690 47,132 

Total 126,405 142,743 168,339 213,772 202,032 229,406 238,048 251,119 197,736 

Source: Urban Development Authority (2000), year 1971 

Note: District Population figures were confirmed by Censes Department 1981, 2001 & 2007 

* District Statistical Hand Books 2003 & 2005 of District Planning Secretariat, Trincomalee. 

**Special enumeration by Dept. of Census & Statistics in 2007(34 GN divisions not done) 

147. Ethnic and religious diversity in the district is high. Based on 1999 data, the 

population was 38.9% Muslim, 31.9% Tamil and 28.9% Sinhalese. 

148. There are an estimated 3,290 female-headed households in the SAM planning area, 

who are an especially vulnerable group. Some of the communities with the highest numbers 

of female-headed households are within the communities ranked as most vulnerable overall 

(especially a number of communities in Town & Gravets and Kinniya DSDs). The improved 

security situation has resulted in the return of people who left Trincomalee during last 10 

years. Population density and ethnic ratio is rapidly changing as a consequence. 

2. Economic status 

149. The local economy in Trincomalee District is largely based on agriculture and 

fisheries, with agriculture providing more than 40% of all employment. There is only limited 

activity in other sectors such as manufacturing or services. There is also a high degree of 

unemployment and under-employment. The resulting poverty can put extra pressure on 

natural resources through increased subsistence use. However, the tourism industry, which 

was damaged by the poor security situation over the last 2-3 decades, is recovering rapidly 

with the return of peace and looks set to become an important economic driver in the SAM 

planning area, particularly in the Trincomalee urban zone.


150. According to the NECCDEP Interim SMA Plan for Trincomalee bay, most of the SMA 

GN Divisions show poverty (Interim SMA Plan specifies that “Conventionally poverty is 

viewed as the lack of access to adequate quantities of goods and services to satisfy an 

individual’s material and social needs”). According to the assessment all SMA GN Division 

poverty profiles are well below 45, which was the threshold chosen for ADB intervention. 

151. Improving the economic situation of families in the SAMP area is a challenging task 

because poverty creates increasing dependency on natural resources. However, high 

poverty was not observed in the field studies and the situation might well have improved over 

the last 2-3 years with the gradual improvement in the security situation in the area. 

a. Fishing and fishing related activities 

152. Fishing is the second most important economic activity after agriculture, and the 

production in the District in the year 2000 was 14,500 tons. It has not recovered fully 

following the Tsunami and due to the conflicting situation in the recent past. Restrictions on 

the fishery industry have been reduced with the improved security situation and the industry 

appears to be recovering rapidly over the last 3-4 months. The ability to transport the fish 

catches directly to Colombo market has increased the buying prices of fishes and the income 

of fishers has increased as a consequence. 

153. About 21,000 fisher families live in the District and the majority of them are in the 

SAMP area. There are more than 39,000 active fishermen in the District (www.ep.gov.lk). 

There has been an increasing of number of fishers during the last few years. Figure IV.5 

shows an increase in fisher families’ from 2001-2008. However most of the fishers supporting 

these families are engage in deep sea fishing with larger boats and there is no direct threats 

to the fishery resources in the TB SAM planning area from this increase. 

Figure IV. 5. Trend in rising fishing families in Trincomalee District 2001-2008 

(Source: DFAD data base. DSC 2009) 

154. Many larger pelagic and demersal finfish species are found in the bay, but many are 

over-exploited, especially the larger ‘game’ fish sought by spear fishermen such as trevally, 

seer, marlin, barracuda and queen fish. Migratory fishes such as yellow fin and skipjack tuna


are found in the area. More than 300 large boats anchor in Cod bay fisheries harbor. Many 

come from the southern part of Sri Lanka. 

155. The field studies revealed that Gracilaria seaweed collection and export has been 

taking place since 1970s in the Kinniya area but has reduced to a very low level during the 

last decade due to the poor security situation. Current production is small and is around 68 

tons/year. It should be possible to develop the industry to its former level. Dried un-cleaned 

(brown colour)) seaweed is sold for Rs. 15/kg and cleaned (white colour) seaweed is sold for 

Rs. 50/kg. Locally in Sri Lanka, seaweed is processed into powdered jelly used for making 

desserts. 

156. The collection and processing of sea cucumber was reported from Kinniya during the 

field studies and also diving for mussels can be observed at Trincomalee bay and off rocks in 

mid-channel near the ferry crossing to Kinniya. Clams and oysters are also extracted from 

this water on a seasonal basis. 

157. Dynamite fishing is the main destructive fishing method practiced in the SAM planning 

area particularly at Bar reef and Dutch bay where the blasting is indiscriminate and kills all 

fish and also coral. The management authority, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic 

Resources has failed to stop this illegal fishing. 

b. Agriculture 

158. The main agricultural activity in Trincomalee District is paddy cultivation, with 32,261 

hectares under cultivation in the 1989/99 season. This has declined by almost 30% since the 

early 1980s, when the total area was about 45,000 hectares, or 16.7% of the land area in the 

District. Most of this decline is attributed to displacement because of the conflict. 

159. Paddy cultivation is also the key agriculture practice in the SAM planning area 

including adjoining areas of Kinniya which come under the Kantalai irrigation scheme and 

adjoining areas of Muthur which come under the Allai irrigation scheme. However, these 

paddy lands are 1-2 km away from the bay boundaries. 

160. Other important crops are coconut, groundnut, Palmyra, onion and other vegetables. 

Home gardening is less important but some farmers have developed home gardens in the 

west and south of Kinniya. 

c. Aquaculture - Shrimp Farms 

161. Trincomalee bay has high potential for expanding commercial shrimp farm culture, 

edible windowpane oyster (Lacuna placenta) and seaweed culture (Gracilaria & Eucheuma 

spp). Post-larvae (PL 5 ) of shrimp could also be introduced into the lagoons to increase the 

shrimp catches. 

162. There are currently only small scale shrimp farm ponds in the SAMP area. They are, 

primarily, in the Kakkamunai area of Kinniya, where shrimp farming of black tiger shrimp and 

white shrimp is done in a non-intensive manner. National Aquatic Development Authority 

(NAQDA) and NARA have conducted a few studies to identify the potential site for shrimp 

farming and shrimp hatcheries in Trincomalee District. Figure IV.6 and Figure IV. 7 illustrate 

possible areas around the bay (Ref.1025) . 

163. The experience from shrimp farming in the north western coastal area of Sri Lanka is 

that shrimp farming can do a lot of environmental damage through habitat destruction from 

the construction of the ponds and pollution from the release of untreated waste from 

operations. NAQDA has developed management guidelines for shrimp farming to make it


more environmental friendly. CEA has also implementing its law enforcement process with 

NAQDA to minimize the waste generation and disposal process. 

Figure IV.6: Suitable shrimp farm areas, part of the Trincomalee bay, identified by 

NARA and NAQDA – 1


Figure IV.7: Suitable shrimp farm areas, part of the Trincomalee bay, identified by 

NARA and NAQDA – 2


164. Crab fattening is also an important mariculture (aquaculture) practice in Kinniya which 

has developed relatively recently. It is carried out in lagoons, in cages, which are fully 

submerged resting on the bottom at 4-5 ft depth. Typically, wild caught mud crabs (Scylla 

serrata), which have just molted, are held in the cages for about one month, and fed heavily 

on raw fish (fish offal, sardines, and skate). The muscle tissue inside the shell increases 

rapidly in mass and fills out the new shell. The crabs are then sold to buyers who transport 

them to Colombo for export. 

165. A private company has started a fish culture (sea bass) project in Thampalagamam 

bay recently and there has been a mixed response from fishers recorded in the field studies. 

The profit margin of the sea bass culture is not attractive for fishers when compare to the 

cost of labour and the cost of the cage. On the other hand, the buying price is decided by the 

company which is lower than the market price in Kinniya. The fishermen cannot develop their 

own cage culture because they don’t have a mechanism to get the fingerlings. Discussion 

with NAQDA revealed that it is planning to develop hatcheries but this will take another 2-3 

years. Hence there is limited potential for fish culture due to market issues. 

166. Thampalagamam bay used to be important for windowpane oysters (Placuna 

placenta), and in the 1950s a total of more than 4 million oysters were harvested. However, 

the industry was totally destroyed in 1957-1958 due to heavy floods, possibly exacerbated by 

overexploitation. Pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera), green mussel (Perna viridis), and 

horse mussel are commonly found in Clappenburg point and Inner Harbour area. Efforts are 

necessary to revive the oyster industry, and studies are being carried out on raft culture for 

mussels. 

d. Tourism sector 

167. Tourism is an important economic activity and has a long history in Trincomalee. 

Organized tourism started almost 30 years back with the establishment of tourist hotels and 

group tours by Colombo based tourism companies. The historical Koneswaran temple, hot 

water wells in Kanniya and ancient Buddhist temples are well known tourist destinations. 

Nilaveli beach is an attraction for foreign and domestic tourists. Puramalai (Pigeon) Island is 

declared as a National Park by DWLC and is also an important asset for tourism. 

Opportunities for whale and dolphin watching also exist and have potential for tourism (Ref. 

0950) . 

168. Trincomalee has long been called the Whale Watching Centre of Sri Lanka and in the 

1980s a whale watching industry started to emerge, but was cut short by the conflict 

situation. The Indian Ocean is an International Whaling Commission (IWC) Sanctuary and it 

is thought that the populations of whale species are increasing. 26 species of the worlds 83 

species of Whales, Dolphin and Porpoise have been recorded in Sri Lankan waters including 

the iconic Blue, Humpback and Sperm Whales. Although the waters around Trincomalee 

have been disturbed by security operations, fishermen still report numbers of whales and 

dolphins close to the land. Cessation of military activities is likely to increase further the 

numbers seen. Whale and dolphin watching from Trincomalee can be undertaken both from 

land based viewpoints and boats, making it available to a wide range of visitors at an 

attractive cost. 

169. In 2005, the Ministry of Tourism announced a project to develop Trincomalee as a 

‘Whale Capital”. The Project, as proposed, included an integrated oceanography centre using 

Public Private Investment (PPI) and development of land held by the Sri Lanka Tourism 

Development Authority (SLTDA) for tourism / leisure activities at Deadman’s Cove, Sweat 

Bay, and Marble Bay. The Project still needs to be implemented.


170. Impacts associated with whale and dolphin watching can be direct impacts on the 

whales and dolphins themselves. It is therefore imperative that the development of Whale 

Watching should meet international standards both to preserve the welfare of the animals 

watched and the safety of the watchers. International guidelines have been established for 

the industry and these need to be fully implemented. 

171. The Secretary of the Tourism Minister 4 has indicated that, by 2012, the SLTDA hopes 

to transform Trincomalee into a major tourist hub. SLTDA plans to set up restaurants and 

restrooms along the stretch of highway between Habarana and Trincomalee. Some 500 

acres of State land are to be allocated to the SLTDA at Kuchchaveli, north of the popular 

Nilaveli beach. SLTDA has received 75 bids for the 65 available lots to construct fully fledged 

hotels in the area. These hotels are to be constructed with around 1,500 to 2,000 rooms and 

other facilities. 

172. A Conceptual Zoning Plan is currently being prepared for the area by the SLTDA with 

the assistance of the Urban Development Authority (UDA). The resorts will be developed 

according to the SLTDA guidelines. Blue Chip Company Aitken Spence owns some 105 

acres at Nilaveli. Currently the only hotels of any standard in the region are the Nilaveli 

Beach Hotel, Blue Oceanic at Uppuweli and the Welcombe Hotel 5 near the inner harbour. 

173. Hotel sources indicated very recently a very high rate of room occupancy with 10,000 

– 20,000 visitors visiting Trincomalee annually at the weekends, particularly on long 

weekends. Large visitor numbers will provide substantial economic benefits to the local 

economy through the employment needed to provide them with goods and services. 

e. Seashell mining and grinding 

174. The mining of dead seashells for grinding and use as a calcium carbonate 

supplement in poultry feed started almost a decade ago. The seashell mining started as a 

subsistence livelihood and more recently developed as a micro enterprise. Initially there were 

less than 5 grinding mills but the industry has flourished due to higher demand during the last 

5 years. Ground material is marketed at three different grades for poultry farmers as an 

additive to provide calcium mineral to formulate the poultry feed. The industry supplies 

supplement to poultry feed manufacturers in different parts of the country and there are some 

other limited uses as well. 

175. Seashell deposits are available at Kaukauna village of Kinniya DS division close to 

the mouth of Thampalagamam bay. There are more than 120 seashell collectors currently 

involved in this industry. Around 50 boats are engaged in seashell mining and 36 seashell 

grinding mills are operating in the vicinity of the mining area. 

176. National Aquatic Research Agency (NARA) conducted a rapid assessment of the 

status of seashell mining, in October 2007. Discussions with NARA officers revealed that 

about 1200-1600 bags of seashells are collected daily and about 28,000 bags monthly. The 

approximate weight of a bag is about 50 kg. NARA studies revealed that dead seashells are 

available in 3 locations in the bay and large heaps of dead seashells can be observed in 

these three locations. 

177. Seashell mining and grinding creates secondary environmental impacts such as air 

pollution due to grinding and cutting of mangroves for temporary sheds for grinding mills. 

4 George Michael, Secretary of Tourism Minister 

5 Ruwan Weerakoon, Bottom Line Newspaper 30 th September 2009. Nb


178. Some fishermen, who were earlier opponents of seashell mining, have now joined the 

seashell mining as an alternative livelihood. Due to this trend, the number of fishermen in the 

area has reduced in the recent past. Studies also revealed that shrimp are breeding in the 

mangrove habitats and cutting of mangroves directly affects the breeding of shrimps. 

179. Based on the findings of these studies, NARA provided guidelines for seashell mining 

in 2007. These are listed below. However, there have been no annual assessments after the 

first study. It is necessary to have a management process and an annual assessment before 

taking a decision on whether it is necessary to issue permits for transport. 

a. Transport permits issued should be limited to 20,000 ground seashell powder 

bags per month as a mean of controlling the environmental impacts; 

b. Establishment of new grinding mills should not be allowed in the area; 

c. Control further expansion of seashell mining industry to control the damage to 

mangrove habitat; 

d. Develop a management process for relevant authorities (Divisional Secretary 

and Fishery Department) with the consultation of seashell powder producers 

association; 

e. It is necessary to do annual assessments to provide information to make 

management decisions. 

180. None of these guidelines have been implemented to date and there is illegal as well 

as legal seashell grinding taking place in the area. None of the relevant authorities are taking 

action to manage the seashell mining and grinding activities. Hence it is necessary for the TB 

SAM Plan to identify appropriate action through the DSAM CCC. 

f. Salt manufacturing 

181. Salt production in mini salterns is becoming a popular livelihood activity in the western 

section of Kinniya and more than 30 families manage mini-salterns. Most of the salt marshes 

have been converted to saltern. Some salterns are operating illegally on state lands and 

others are located in private and leased lands. In the field studies, it was noticed that these 

salterns operate without proper guidelines and monitoring. Hence the quality of the product is 

low and the processing and packaging centres also have low hygienic conditions. Hence, it is 

necessary to manage the saltern under proper guidelines to ensure a high quality product. 

The TB SAM Plan needs to identify appropriate action for implementation through the coordination 

of the DSAM CCC. 

g. Cod bay fishery harbour 

182. Cod bay fishery harbour is the key fishery facility in the whole of the Eastern Province. 

It provides anchorage facilities to many hundreds of multi-day boats and smaller boats. There 

are many services providers to the fishery harbour and this contributes to the economy of the 

Trincomalee bay area. Multiple day boat operators from distant locations such as Negombo, 

Chillaw and Southern Province use Cod bay as am anchorage point for their boats. More 

than 2000 fishers are directly employed in these boats and are using Trincomalee as an 

employment point. More than 15 lorries transport fish catch to Colombo and other parts of the 

country. The Cod bay fishery harbour facility contributes to the local economy in a significant 

manner. Figure IV.8 illustrates some of the multi-day boats in Cod bay.


Figure IV.8: Cod bay multi-day fishing boats in Cod bay (Trincomalee bay) 

h. Port facilities and industries 

183. A number of important industries are situated around China bay within Trincomalee 

bay. Many of these are linked with the port facilities. Apart from the Prima Flour mill, Mitsui 

Cement Factory and Cement Mixing Plant in Cod Bay, there are six garment factories in 

areas adjoining the TB SAM Plan area. A new Industrial Park is also situated close to the 

SAM Plan area and infrastructure development activities are in progress. 

184. Since the Industrial Park is in the Palampattar river watershed and the river 

discharges to Thampalagamam bay, it is important to ensure that the Industrial Park 

develops in a way that minimizes pollution. The TB SAM Plan should address this concern 

and the DSAM CCC should act in a timely way to minimise any risk of pollution. 

3. Educational status 

185. Compared to rural communities of Trincomalee District, the urban communities living 

around Trincomalee bay have better educational facilities. Trincomalee city has several large 

and good schools whilst several Muslim schools are available in Kinniya city. Trincomalee 

city has Tamil, Sinhala and Muslim schools and these are categorized as National and 

Provincial level. There are a few private schools located in Trincomalee city. Tamil, Muslim 

and Sinhala schools are also available in Muthur city. 

4. Health & Sanitation 

186. The base hospital in Trincomalee city provides health services to local communities. 

District hospitals are available in adjoining urban areas such as Kinniya, Muthur, Kantalai 

whilst rural hospitals are available in smaller centres. Good health facilities are, therefore, 

available for local communities.


5. Transportation 

187. Infrastructure in the coastal areas of Trincomalee District, and within the SAM 

planning area has been severely affected by the conflict. Most roads are in a dilapidated 

state, especially the A-15 road from Kinniya to Verugal, and the coastal roads from Nilaveli 

northwards. Roadways in Muthur and Kinniya have been washed out due to coastal erosion, 

and have been realigned on several occasions. These roads were particularly badly effected 

by the 2004 Tsunami. The poor condition of the roads has hindered movement of people, 

transport of goods, and access to services and so has had a major negative impact on the 

everyday lives of much of the population living in the SAM planning area. 

188. However, Government has introduced major infrastructure development projects 

under the Eastern Province Reawakening Program. These include the recently completed 

construction of Kinniya bridge, the longest bridge in Sri Lanka at about 396m. The China 

bay–Kinniya road is being developed whilst Kinniya-Muthur road is also under construction. 

Government is also taking action to construct bridges in Upparu estuary, Mahaweli Ganga 

estuary and Ralkuli estuary which will replace the existing ferry services. 

189. Development of the A-15 road will improve access to Kinniya and Muthur and the 

associated parts of the SAM planning area. There will be several environmental issues in the 

construction phase which will affect the SAM planning area. The DSAM CCC under the TB 

SAM Plan needs to ensure that the development minimizes adverse impacts on the SAM 

planning area by coordinating with the Road Development Authority (RDA). 

190. Government is also constructing the remaining section of the A-15 road from Muthur 

to Batticaloa. Once completed there will be a fast road link between Trincomalee and 

Batticaloa reducing travel time by several hours compared the present route via Habarana 

Junction. All these developments will bring more vehicle transport to the A-15 road and more 

opportunities for socio-economic development between Kinniya and Muthur. Invariably these 

developments will put pressure on the TB SAM and DSAM CCC need to implement the 

SAMP in response to these developments. 

6. Cultural and Religious Environment 

191. The history and associated culture of the Eastern Province go back several thousand 

years. Hinduism and Buddhism have been enriched by the arrival of Muslims in the 9th 

century, Portuguese in the 16th Century, Dutch in the 17th Century and the British from the 

19th century together with their associated cultures and religions. 

192. All religious and ethnic groups can be found living in the SAM planning area. Because 

of this wide cultural diversity, each ethnic group has its own performing arts, handicrafts, 

festivals, cuisine, religious and ancient sites. The majority of these local arts, crafts and 

customs are virtually unknown to all but the immediate locality. 

193. Trincomalee city is also rich in history, culture and religious diversity with 

representation from all the major socio-cultural groups in the country. Koneswaran kovil 

(“Thadchana Kailash”), in Trincomalee city, is a major Hindu Temple in Sri Lanka. The 

temple is visited particularly by Indian pilgrims. Many other Hindu temples are located 

throughout the city. Seruvila Buddhist temple at Muthur and Tiriyai Buddhist temple at 

Trincomalee are very important pilgrimage sites for Sri Lankan Buddhists and for more than 

75% of the total population. Improvement of the A-15 road should increase the number of 

Buddhist pilgrims travelling from Tiriyai to Trincomalee to Seruwila via Kinniya and Muthur. 

All these development will have different impacts on the TB SAM.


A. Background 

V. COMPREHENSIVE SAM PLANNING 

194. The requirement for SMA planning in TB is specified in the original NECCDEP 

document (Ref. 0978) . The subsequent “fast track” approach to SMA planning resulted in the 

production of an interim SMA management plan in 2006 (Ref.0969) . The activities proposed in 

this interim management plan were implemented over the last two years and progress is 

discussed in Chapter III. 

195. The need for a more comprehensive SAM Plan is also discussed and justified above. 

The primary justification is that the SAMP should comply with the SAMP guidelines specified 

in the Sri Lanka National Coastal Zone Management Plan, 2006 (Ref.0903) as presented above. 

The key requirement is for stakeholder community participation in the process. 

196. This chapter describes the process followed to develop a comprehensive SAM Plan 

following on from the interim SMA plan with the assistance of the Coastal Resources 

Planning Unit (CRPU) of NECCDEP, the CCD and other relevant stakeholders. 

B. Scope of the SAM Planning 

197. Under Component 2 of the NECCDEP (Ref. 0978) , CRPU took the initiative to develop a 

more comprehensive SAM plan for TB starting in March 2009. CRPU appointed two 

consultants for the planning process. The interim SMA plan developed by NECCDEP was 

used as the base document in the planning process and additional information was collected 

where necessary. Since the planning process had limited time, about 3 months, it mainly 

used existing data with supplementary information obtained when essential. 

198. The key focus of the planning process was to create a SAM Plan that will, when 

implemented, deliver conservation of natural resources and sustainable utilization of these 

resources so as to maximize benefits to stakeholders, particularly local community 

stakeholders. This requires that a comprehensive consultation process is followed with all 

key stakeholders so as to best identify key issues and identify possible management 

solutions that will form the SAM Plan. 

C. Methodology 

1. CCD Guidelines 

199. The CCD guidelines given for SAM planning clearly indicate the importance of 

community participation during planning and implementation. Based on the CCD guidelines 

the following are considered to be the key requirements: 

1. A geographically specified management area; 

2. Active community participation in the planning process; 

3. Enhancement of natural resources management; 

4. Sustainable utilization of natural resources by communities; 

5. Active community participation in the natural resources management 

process; 

6. Adaptive process able to respond to evolving issues;


7. Conduct studies to fill critical information gaps necessary to develop and 

deliver solutions to environmental problems; 

8. Develop the SAM planning framework and implementation mechanisms 

to support delivery of the above requirements; 

9. Initiate a 3-5 year initial planning cycle to address issues, minimise 

negative impacts and enhance positive impacts to achieve the goals 

and objectives of the SAM Plan. 

10. Monitor and assess SAM delivery. 

2. Elements of the process 

200. The above guidelines were followed in the planning process. The key elements are 

briefly described below. 

a. Consultation process carried out by the DSAM CCC 

201. Lack of community participation in the District SMA Committee was an issue at the 

beginning of the planning process. Hence strengthening of community participation from the 

DSD level in the DSAM CCC was initiated as the first step in the comprehensive SAM Plan. 

However, due to lack of time and also the late formation of a CCD compliant Community 

Coordinating Committee, it has not been possible to follow the full CCD SAM planning 

process. Nevertheless, communities including villagers, NGOs and community leaders have 

been involved to the maximum extent possible and it is expected that the SAM will be subject 

to participatory review by District level CCC before consideration by the CCD. 

b. Review of studies carried out by other agencies 

202. Not all the special studies carried out with the assistance of NECCDEP had been 

completed at time of comprehensive SAM planning. Such information as was available from 

these special studies at the time of writing of this SAM Plan was used. The studies from 

other agencies were also reviewed and incorporated as necessary. 

c. Review of NECCDEP IP-NGO resource inventories 

203. The resource inventory and preparation of site specific resource profiles were also not 

completed at the time of preparation of this comprehensive SAMP. Draft reports were 

reviewed and discussions conducted with resource persons and IP-NGOs that conducted the 

studies to obtain such information as was available at the time (Ref. 1334, 1350-1355) . 

3. Consultation with IP-NGO 

204. A one day workshop was held at the Fishers Resting centre at Trincomalee with the 

IP-NGO who conducted the resource profile studies for Trincomalee bay. The list of IP-NGO 

and the names of the participants is given in Appendix 7. These IP-NGO staff were engaged 

in coastal resources profiling in the TB SAM planning area for more than 5 months and so 

developed a good knowledge and understanding of the issues threatening the sustainable 

management of the area. These officers also assisted in the field studies. The findings of the 

workshop with respect to dependency and threats are listed in Table V.1 below and possible 

solutions in Table V.2 below.


Table V.1: Dependency and threats of Trincomalee SAM area – Findings of IP NGOs 

Source Types of dependency Ranking Key issues/threats 

Sea 

• Fishing 

• Special fishing (sea 

cucumber, colour fish, 

bivalves) 

• Sand mining 

• Landing sites 

• Residential 

• Sea weeds 

• Garbage dumping 

1 

5 

3 

2 

4 

5 

3 

• Dynamite fishing 

• Illegal fishing nets 

• Loss of seaweeds 

• Migrating fishermen (more 

technology than local 

fishermen, conflicts) 

• Intrusion of sea 

• Loss of wind barrier – effect by 

tsunami, cyclone in future 

• Habitat destruction, habitat 

exploitation 

Mangroves 

• Fishing 

• Firewood 

• Fencing 

• Construction 

1 

2 

3 

3 

• Habitat destruction 

• Loss of biodiversity 

• Water pollution 

Forest 

• Firewood 

• Construction and furniture 

• Cattle rearing 

• Chena cultivation 

• Garbage dumping 

1 

2 

4 

3 

3 

• Environmental Pollution 

• Increasing temperature (Green 

house effect) and less rainfall 

• Loss of habitat 

• Loss of species (Palu, Veera, 

Nelli, Ebony) 

• Increasing bare land 

• Loss of grazing land 

Agriculture 

• Home garden/ life fencing 

• Paddy cultivation 

• Onion cultivation 

3 

1 

2 

• Chemical pollution 

• Loss of soil fertility 

Tourism 

• Small industries and hotels 

• Boat services 

1 

1 

• Cultural abuse 

• Sexual abuse, child abuse 

• Chances of Sexual transmitted 

diseases 

Bay 

• Fishing 

• Landing sites 

• Industries (Cement, Prima, 

IOC reservation) 

1 

1 

1 

• Over fishing 

• Illegal fishing nets 

• Pollution (sea, air) 

Aquaculture • Fish (fishing society) • Pollution 

Prawn and 

crab farming 

• Protein food 

• Pollution 

continued……


Source Types of dependency Ranking Key issues/threats 

Coral • Lime industry (about 45 

families) 

• Handicraft 

1 

2 

• Coral destruction- dynamite 

Encroachment • Trade, resident, hotels • Sewage disposal 

• Cultural issues 

• Fishing problem to access 

Table V.2: Suggestions to overcome the key threats - Interventions of IP NGOs 

Main 

activity 

Fishing 

Threats 

• Illegal fishing 

equipments 

• Illegal fishing 

activities 

Suggestions to mitigate threats 

• Awareness to fishermen 

• Monitoring through fishermen society and fisheries 

department 

• Subsidies, benefits and license should be stopped to 

those involved in illegal fishing. 

• Stop to use illegal equipments 

• Limited over fishing activities 

• Alternative fishing activities – aquaculture, prawn 

farming, etc. 

• Periodic monitoring quality of out-boat engines 

• Alternative livelihood activities – tourism, cottage 

industries, etc. 

Sand mining 

(Sea) 

Mangrove 

destruction 

• Destruction of sea 

shore vegetation 

• Soil erosion 


of flora and fauna 

• Disturbing natural 

biogeochemical 

cycles 

• Flood 

• Increasing 

temperature 

• Loss of natural 

barriers 

• Strictly following set-back zones 

• Re-plantation/ Plantation 

• Awareness program to stakeholders 

• Monitoring power to local society 

• Providing permit to sand mining 

• Indicating mining site by the government 

• Retaining walls along the eroded shores 

• Plantation/ Restoration 

• Awareness programme to different stakeholders 

• Plantation / re-plantation 

• Alternative fuel woods 

• Alternative livelihood activities 

• Plantation of firewood crops 

• Selecting older trees as fire wood and replanting the 

same species 

• Mangrove-aquaculture farming 

continued……


Main 

activity 

Agriculture 

Encroachment 

Coral mining 

Garbage 

dumping 

Threats 

• Loss of soil fertility 

• Salinity changes of 

water table 


• Shrinkage of 

wetland or coastal 

region 


• Floods 

• Loss of species 

• Pollution 

Suggestions to mitigate threats 

• Using organic fertilizers 

• Compost manufacturing and re-use 

• Crop rotation 

• Using recommended levels of fertilizers and 

chemicals 

• Introducing water supply systems – drip irrigation, 

etc. 

• Reducing number of irrigating times to the crop 

• Land provisions to those not having lands 

• Excessive lands should be shared among land-less 

people 

• Imposing strict rules against encroachment 

• Using dead corals rather than live corals. 

• Awareness 

• Implementing laws and acts 

• Introducing new approaches and alternative ways to 

next generation 

• Compost manufacturing 

• Reuse / Recycle / Reduce 

• Burying degradable waste 

• Producing sub-products from the wastes 

4. Field studies 

205. After the reviews and discussions with resource persons and IP-NGO, field studies 

were used to collect additional information and also to fill information gaps. The field studies 

were carried out to identify the different ecosystems, sub-ecosystems and habitats. The 

results of special studies were also considered. 

5. Consultation with Communities 

206. During the field studies, individual and smaller group discussions were held at the 

villages and sites. The site specific issues discussed in detail with communities and 

suggested solutions have also been considered in the SAM Plan. Table V.3 shows major 

issues and main suggestions during the consultation process. The list of individuals and 

associations that participated in the discussions is given in Appendix 8. 

207. After developing the draft plan, it was presented to communities to get their further 

views and suggestions. This presentational process also ensured that the community 

participated in the revision and finalization of the SAM Plan. 

6. Consultation with Government Agencies 

208. Discussions were held with relevant state agencies which are implementing programs 

in the SAM area and adjoining buffer zones. Discussions were held with law enforcement 

agencies such as Forest Department, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Coast 

Conservation Department and Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 

Development. Separate discussions were held with Divisional Secretaries whose


administrative areas cover the SAM. Table V.3 shows major environmental and social issues 

and main suggested solutions identified during the consultation process. The list of the 

agencies and individuals with whom discussions were held is given in Appendix 9. 

Table V.3: Major issues identified during consultancies with different stakeholders in 

TB SAM (Issues may be cross cutting) 

No. Issues Social issues Suggested solution* 

1 Environmental issues 

1.1 Discharges from aquaculture and 

agriculture farms 

Community, 

IP-NGOs, 

DSAMCCC, 

SA 

1.2 Disposal of human effluents Community, 

IP-NGOs, A 

1.3 Forest destruction: Loss of 

medicinal benefits, soil erosion, 

habitat destruction 

IP-NGOs, 

DSAMCCC, 

SA 

1.4 Improper solid waste disposal Community, 

IP-NGOs, 

DSAMCCC, 

SA 

1.5 Industrial air and water pollution Community, 

IP-NGOs, 

1.6 Mangrove destruction Community, 

IP-NGOs, 

DSAMCCC, 

SA 

1.7 Over exploitation of fishery 

resources 

IP-NGOs, 

DSAMCCC, 

SA 

1.8 Sand mining IP-NGOs, 

DSAMCCC, 

SA 

1.9 Shell mining and grinding IP-NGOs, 

DSAMCCC, 

SA 

1.10 Soil erosion IP-NGOs, 

DSAMCCC, 

SA 

1.11 Water pollution Community, 

IP-NGOs, 

DSAMCCC, 

SA 

Awareness, EIA 

approach, proper 

disposal approach 

Awareness 

Awareness, alternative 

livelihood activities, 

habitat restoration 

Proper SWM 

approaches 

Awareness, alternative 

disposal techniques, 

EIA approach 

Awareness, scientific 

habitat restoration 

Awareness, Ban illegal 

fishing activities, law 

enforcement 

Awareness, law 

enforcement 


enforcement, alternative 

livelihood approach 

Awareness, habitat 

resoration 

Awareness, proper 

SWM, organic farming


2 Social issues 

2.1 Drinking water problems Community, 

IP-NGOs, 

2.2 Encroachment of wetland IP-NGOs, 

DSAMCCC, 

SA 

2.3 Illegal fishing methods and tools IP-NGOs, 

DSAMCCC, 

SA 

Awareness, sustainable 

use, alternative methods 

Awareness, 

implementing laws 


enforcement 

2.4 Improper saltern operation IP-NGOs, Proper scientific 

approach 

2.5 Migrating fishermen (more 

technology than local fishermen, 

conflicts) 

Community, 

IP-NGOs, 

2.6 Salt water intrusion: paddy lands Community, 

IP-NGOs, 

2.7 Tourism: Cultural abuse, Sexual 

abuse, child abuse, Chances of 

Sexual transmitted diseases 

Community, 

IP-NGOs, 

2.8 Unplanned tourism and urbanization Community, 

IP-NGOs, 

Introducing technology 

among local fishermen 

Saltwater intrusion 

prevention bunds, 

alternative farming 

Awareness 

Awareness, scientific 

approach 

Note: 

SA-State Agencies, IP-NGOS-Implementing Partner NGOs, DSAM CCC-District Special Area 

Management Community Coordinating Committee. 

* Detail suggestions are explained in the chapter 5. 

7. Consultation process with DSAM CCC 

209. The DSAM CCC aims to comply with the CCD that there be a Community 

Coordinating Committee to develop and implement the SAM Plan. The consultation process 

for the comprehensive SAMP process started with a review of the structure of the DSAM 

CCC. The review revealed a lack of community participation and gender balance. Efforts 

were made to resolve the situation by involving more community members. 

210. The first Trincomalee DSAM CCC meeting was held at District Secretary Office and 

the list of participants is given in Appendix 10. After the consultation process, it was agreed 

that the draft SAM Plan should be translated into Sinhala and Tamil and circulated among 

members of DSAM CCC before the next DSAM CCC. 

211. After giving more than 2 weeks to review the translated SAMP, the second DSAM 

CCC meeting was held on 24 th November 2009. However, the meeting did not progress to 

discussion of, or agreement to, the TB SAM Plan due to procedural problems.


8. Presentation of draft SAM Plan to CCD 

212. Since CCD is the final authority for approving the SAM Plan it needs to be submitted 

to the CCD for views and suggestions. Once the CCD suggestions and views have been 

incorporated it can then be submitted to the higher authority by NECCDEP for formal 

processing and approval. 

D. Present status of issues/threats in management of SAM Area 

213. Several environmental issues were identified through the consultation process, the 

review of studies, including special studies, and field studies. Most of these issues were 

identified in earlier studies and in the interim SAM planning process. Important issues to be 

addressed by the comprehensive SAM Plan are briefly described below. 

1. Weak law enforcement process 

214. Illegal activities such as destruction of forests and mangroves, encroachment, sand 

and gravel mining, and illegal fisheries are secondary issues resulting from weak law 

enforcement. The consultation process and field visits revealed the absence of relevant 

officers, low levels of field monitoring and lack of community based linkages. Under these 

circumstances individuals can violate the rules and regulations without censure resulting in 

overexploitation to the longer term detriment of the community as a whole. 

228. Strengthening the law enforcement process is the solution for most of the issues 

raised during the consultation process. 

2. Lack of proper boundary demarcation for natural habitats, reservation 

and estuaries 

215. This is a significant issue because the lack of proper boundaries provides 

opportunities for people to break the law on the basis that they are not aware of/have not 

been informed about, the boundaries. Field studies suggest that this is the cause of 

encroachment of mangrove in Kinniya. The state agencies also face difficulties in prosecuting 

boundary related cases in the courts when proper boundaries are not marked. As a result, 

state officers are reluctant to take action against culprits. Hence it is necessary to undertake 

a proper boundary survey and demarcation with clear boundary markers. Such a process 

generally discourages individuals from entering demarcated areas because they know that 

they are breaking the law. 

216. It was very clear, from the field visits, that demarcating the boundary for the SAM area 

is difficult because of the existing land uses. 

3. Lack of coordinating mechanism 

217. Many state agencies and NGOs are operating as individual entities to implement 

different activities, or even the same activities. This can be both confusing and counterproductive. 

Collaboration and information exchange is the solution. Hence the need for the 

DSAM CCC. In addition whilst most of the agencies are implanting activities to achieve a 

common goal uncoordinated interventions are not sufficient to address some issues. The 

sharing and combining of resources can lead to more efficient delivery. 

218. Security forces, particularly the Navy, maintain several checkpoints around the bay 

area and those officers could minimise the illegal cutting of mangroves and encroachments if 

there are proper coordination mechanisms. Hence it is necessary to include representatives 

from security forces in the DSAM CCC.


4. Lack of community participation as well as assistance for the management 

219. During the consultation process, it was revealed that lack of community participation 

and assistance for conservation are key constraints to effective management. It is not 

possible for state agencies to implement activities successfully in isolation without community 

participation. If the community does not feel that it is a partner in the process then it may not 

cooperate. The general complaint from communities is that they are unaware of the 

programs that are being implemented. It is, therefore, necessary to build proper awareness 

amongst the communities and involve them in planning, implementation and monitoring. 

Such participation will also help with enforcement since the communities will view illegal 

activities as contrary to their interests. 

220. The draft SAM Plan was presented to the communities before finalization and the 

finalised plan will also be presented to them for their information and to indicate their 

responsibilities in implementation and monitoring. This process will ensure proper community 

participation. 

5. Illegal fishery activities or destructive fishery practices and problems 

221. Fishing is an important livelihood activity for communities living around bay. Four 

types of fishery activities are taking place. They are: Beach seining, near-shore fishing, out 

board fishing at sea and fishing in the estuaries and bays within the Trincomalee bay. The 

number of fishermen has increased in the recent past, particularly after the tsunami. This 

number has further increased with relaxation of security measures which formerly hampered 

the fishing time, distance and even the type of boat that could be used. 

222. Sustainable fishing is a very important component of any wetland management plan 

and it is a win-win situation for management authorities and fishing communities if it can be 

delivered. However use of destructive fishing practices, often as a response to reducing 

catch per unit effort, further reduce sustainability. Dynamite fishing is banned but was 

recorded even in areas with tight security by the SAM planning team. NARA studies reveal 

that dynamite fishing creates lot of damage to fish populations, coral reefs and other fish 

habitat. The Department of Fisheries has so far failed to control the situation and needs to 

address it as early as possible. 

223. Proper law enforcement, regulating fishing by gear type, number of gears including 

beach seines, and the duration of fishing are potential interventions to help deliver 

sustainable fisheries in Trincomalee bay SAM. The role of the Department of Fisheries is 

critical in these respects and needs to be strengthened. 

224. Discussions with Assistant Director (AD-DFAD) and Fisheries Inspectors revealed 

that a lack of officers is a key issue in delivering effective law enforcement. During the period 

when the security forces restricted offshore fishing activities DFAD adopted a soft approach 

to law enforcement process for the lagoon fishery to allow fishers to maintain a livelihood. 

However, this meant that use of illegal fishing gear became more common. With the removal 

of all fishing restrictions by the security forces DFAD is planning to implement more stringent 

rules and regulation to reduce the use of illegal fishing gears and dynamite fishing. DFAD 

also indicated that NAQDA is planning to introduce the fish cage culture and prawn farming 

with the assistance of NARA. These agencies have identified potential areas which are given 

in chapter IV. 

225. Lessons learned from prawn farming in Puttlam District show that unmanaged prawn 

farming damages coastal water bodies and habitats. It is, therefore, necessary to adopt 

proper Environment Impact Assessment procedures before issuing licenses for prawn 

farming. The Central Environment Authority and Coast Conservation Department, as


appropriate, should play a key role in the process and the community should be included in 

the decision making process. DFAD has also suggested that the introduction of seaweed 

farming is important as a potential new income source for the fishing communities. 

226. The lack of an ice plant at Muthur is a key issue which prevents the storage of fish 

and requires that the daily catch is sold to traders at low prices before they spoil. 

227. Fishers associations are in operation in Kinniya, Muthur, China bay and Town DS 

divisions but leadership and management skills are very weak. Fishers associations in 

Kinniya and Muthur have formed two unions to enhance the management process but 

leadership and management skills of office bearers still need to be strengthened. 

6. Poor institutional mechanism 

228. The present institutional mechanism for management of the SAM Plan area is the 

District SAM CCC headed by the District Secretary and is supported by NECCDEP. The 

Natural Resources Planner of NECCDEP acts as the convener of the DSAM CCC. There are 

two significant constraints to effective operations of the DSAM CCC. The first is the lack of 

community participation and representation as required by the CCD. The second is the lack 

of representation by key state agencies. Some state agencies are represented by junior 

officers who cannot provide active participation in the decision making process. Hence it is 

necessary to build up more effective DSAM CCC by including local heads of relevant state 

agencies, all relevant Divisional Secretaries and community representatives from all DS 

Divisions. 

229. The lack of coordination amongst state agencies is a major constraint to the effective 

protection of natural resources. If state agencies coordinate and work as a team, then they 

can reduce the negative impact of limited human, financial and other resources. Divisional 

Secretary- Thampalagamam, Officers of DFAD and Forest Department raised this as an 

important issue. Hence the Trincomalee DSAM CCC should play a coordinating and 

monitoring role in delivery of the SAM Plan. 

7. Destruction of natural habitats – forests, mangroves 

230. This destruction largely reflects weak law enforcement processes and encroachment 

because of lack of a clear demarcation of set back boundaries. In addition the communities 

are unaware that they have a vested interest in preventing encroachment. Bringing 

communities into the management process should ensure community understanding of the 

adverse consequence of the destruction of natural habitats and consequent active 

participation in the management process. The result of such participation should be to make 

illegal activities socially unacceptable. 

231. In the field visits, it was note noted that security officers do not have the resources to 

control the illegal cutting of mangroves / forests and the transport of poles and fuel wood. It 

should be possible to control such activities by raising awareness concerning these issues, 

providing alternatives and getting key stakeholders to realise that it is in their interests to 

prevent such illegal activities and to use the alternatives. Figure V.1 illustrates two causes for 

mangrove loss in Kinniya.


Figure V.1: Destroyed mangroves for the purpose of construction of erosion 

prevention wall (left) and shrimp farm activities (right) in Kinniya 

232. The causes for mangrove and coastal vegetation destruction identified in the Interim 

SMA Plan were: 

a. Cutting of mangroves for fire wood, brush pile fishery and clearing for security 

reasons; 

b. Uncontrolled cattle grazing; 

c. Dumping of solid waste which disturbs natural regeneration and succession; 

d. Encroachment and Sand mining. 

233. Out of these 4 issues, clearance for security reasons may reduce with the improved 

security situation but cutting for fuel wood and for brush pile fishery will continue. Hence it is 

necessary to consider the latter issues in the planning process. Field studies suggest that 

cattle grazing is not a significant issue at present. The issue of sold waste dumping was 

discussed with relevant agencies and should be addressed in the SAM Plan. The boundary 

marking process together with improved enforcement and community participation should 

help reduce encroachment and sand mining. 

234. The negative impacts of these human interventions are clearly visible with a reduction 

in fish catch in most parts of the lagoon. The SAM Plan suggests a range of interventions to 

reduce the destruction of mangrove and coastal vegetation. These interventions include: 

a. Awareness building; 

b. Proper solid waste management process; 

c. Replanting mangroves and coastal vegetation; 

d. Sustainable utilization of mangroves, coastal vegetation and other resources; 

e. Enhance law enforcement and monitoring;


8. Sand mining and gravel mining 

235. Poor law enforcement and lack of institutional coordination have paved the way for 

illegal mining activities. Hence DSAM CCC should identify alternative sites for sand and 

gravel mining and advise respective agencies to issue permits accordingly. All other illegal 

mining activities should be stopped once the procedure is streamlined. The issue of gravel 

mining is related to road construction and is largely a temporary issue. 

236. Sand mining has been reported from the shoreline, inland and in seasonal water 

streams in the SAMP area. Large scale river sand mining also takes place in Katkadkullam 

area while sea sand mining has reported from Sambaltivu and Kappathurai areas. Interior 

sand mining has taken place in Athimoddai, Welgamvihara and Periya Kulam of Town and 

Gravets DS divisions. Sand mining is also reported from Jinna Nagar of Kinniya DSD and 

Poonchcholai of Muthur DSD. Sand removal in forests under the Forest Department is 

regularised but not in other areas. Hence DSAM CCC should look into alternative sand 

sources whilst controlling the sand mining in beach areas along the bay. 

237. The Interim SMA Plan has identified gravel mining in Varodhaya Nagar, Palaiyuttu, 

Mihindupura and Selva Nagar of Town & Gravets DSD. Gravel is widely used for rural road 

construction and land filling. Gravel mining in highland areas close to the China bay to 

Kinniya road needs to be stopped because mining removes vegetation cover and increases 

soil erosion with the eroded soil carried to Thampalagamam bay. The Interim SMA Plan has 

identified the following negative impacts in areas where gravel mining is taking place. 

a. Removal of vegetation on hillocks which reduces scenic beauty; 

b. Heavy soil erosion resulting in silt deposition on coral reef and sea grass 

beds; 

c. Emission of dust which may cause respiratory problems and loss of 

scenic beauty. 

9. Improper solid waste disposal 

238. Improper disposal of solid waste is a problem for Trincomalee Urban Council (UC), 

Kinniya and Muthur Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) of the SAMP area as is the case for many other 

local government agencies in the country. Both Trincomalee UC and Kinniya PS are facing 

difficulties in finding suitable solid waste disposal sites because of the lack of suitable lands. 

The UC waste disposal site at Kinniya does not follow sanitary land fill techniques and has a 

negative environmental impact. 

239. Discussions with stakeholders revealed that solid waste is being used to fill mangrove 

and other low lying areas adjoining the bay. It is necessary to stop this practice because such 

dumping destroys coastal habitat and pollutes the water of the bay. 

240. The Interim SMA Plan identified improper solid waste collection and disposal as a key 

issue and suggested remedial action. It is necessary to have a holistic approach to the solid 

waste management issue and a key component of this approach includes the 3R process 

(Reduce, Re-use and Recycle). Composting, systematic disposal of hazardous waste, 

sanitary land filling, specified processing systems for waste, support for effective waste 

management from the general public and agencies, a responsible authority to implement the 

system and proper monitoring and coordinating mechanisms are all elements of this 

approach. The Interim SMA Plan has suggested most of these elements to develop 

environment friendly solid waste management systems.


10. Pollution of environment from agro chemicals, solid waste disposal and 

sewage 

241. Coastal water bodies are currently polluted through excessive use of agro chemicals 

by farmers, siltation due to agricultural and non agricultural soil erosion and leaching of 

polluting chemicals from solid waste dumping. Once solid waste management is streamlined, 

as explained above, the significant remaining contributors to pollution are the agriculture 

sector and urban sewage. 

242. The Department of Agriculture is implementing an intensive home garden 

development program in the SAM planning area based on organic farming. This program 

should reduce the soil erosion from poor agricultural practices and also minimise the 

excessive use of agro chemicals. Discussions with Assistant Director-Kantalai revealed that 

Department of Agriculture is implementing an awareness program to apply fertilizer in the 

right quantity at the right time. Application of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) fertilizer as top 

dressing for paddy instead of basal application is an issue and department is taking proper 

action on this. 

11. Salt water intrusion to paddy fields 

243. This is an issue in paddy cultivation around the north western section of 

Thampalagamam bay but only to a limited extent. NECCDEP has constructed salt water 

intrusion prevention bunds in this area. However, salt water intrusion is not recorded as an 

issue from other parts of the buffer zone. There may be few inundations in the Ralkuli estuary 

but this is a temporary issue. 

12. Coastal or Sea erosion 

244. Coastal erosion is becoming an important issue for management of shorelines and 

lagoon ecosystems. Coastal erosion is severe in Kadatkaraichchenai, Salli and Kinniya 

areas. Field visits revealed that sea erosion is a severe issue along A-15 road from Kinniya 

to Mahaweli River estuary. A-15 road has realigned at least 5 times during the past due to 

sea erosion. Figure V.2 shows the severe sea erosion between Kinniya and Upparu estuary. 

As a precaution, sections of the A-15 road have been shifted to inland areas under the A-15 

road rehabilitation program. It is essential to look into this issue. Discussions with RDA 

revealed that they are aware of the issue and take precautionary actions in the road 

construction process. The tsunami damaged the natural and man-made barriers and there 

are no interventions to control the erosion at present. 

Figure V.2: Severely eroded A-15 road in Kinniya


13. Destruction of sea grass bed and coral ecosystem 

245. Drainage canals and small streams carry a large amount of domestic and some 

industrial solid waste and deposit it on seagrass beds and even on coral reef in the SAM 

planning area. Pollution of these stream and canal waters also pollutes the bay water. 

246. Coral mining for the lime industry has increased over the last few years due to 

increased demand from the construction industry around the bay. 

247. All these impacts can act cumulatively to reduce the health of the lagoon and its 

capacity to deliver ecosystem goods and services in support of sustainable development. 

The TB SAM Plan proposes the establishment of sand filtering systems in all man made 

small drainage canals to trap the sediment and pollutants. This should help reduce the 

discharge to and negative impact on the lagoon ecosystem. 

14. Unplanned tourism and urbanization 

248. Whilst there is general master planning it is not very site specific and local 

government agencies still do not have proper development plans and zoning processes 

reflecting this mater planning framework. 

249. New tourist hotels and guest houses continue to be built without respect to the proper 

guidelines and existing tourist hotels and guest houses gradually encroach on the coast and 

restrict public access by establishing vegetation and buildings. Some hotels discharge waste 

water directly to the bay without treatment. 

250. The frequency of illegal urban construction and encroachment is increasing in the 

SAMP area. These developments may not have proper drainage and solid waste disposal 

systems and the waste adds cumulatively to that already being disposed of in the lagoonal 

ecosystem. The Municipal Council (MC) should take proper action along with relevant 

agencies to minimise pollution resulting from new construction and upgrade existing 

construction so that it is less polluting. 

E. Draft SAM Plan 

251. After initial field studies, the draft SAM Plan was developed and presented to DSAM 

CCC for comments and suggestions. Based on the recommendations of DSAM CCC the 

draft SAM planning consultation document comprising Chapter VI was translated into Sinhala 

and Tamil and was circulated among the members of DSAM CCC and other related agencies 

and individuals. The report is formatted based on ADB guidelines (Ref.1132) 

F. DSAM CCC consultation 

252. After the circulation of the draft plan, more than 2 weeks was given for review 

purposes and a second DSAM CCC meeting was held on November 2009. All the relevant 

and justifiable comments and suggestions were incorporated in the SAM Plan 

G. Presentation of final draft to CCD 

253. Since the CCD is the legal authority of SAM process, the final draft plan was 

presented to CCD for their suggestions and comments. 

254. Following the above processes, this final TB SAM Plan will be submitted to 

NECCDEP for formal consideration.


H. SWOT analysis 

255. SWOT analysis was undertaken using information from user groups, NGOs/CBOs 

and state sector agencies, other secondary information and data collected from field studies. 

1. Strengths 

256. Large areas of the bay extending from Thampalagamam to Muthur provide areas of 

water that can be used for the social and economic benefit of communities; 

257. High ecosystem / Habitat diversity; 

258. Presence of large extent of mangrove vegetation particularly in Thampalagamam bay 

and Kaddaiparichchan lagoon; 

259. High level of fauna and flora diversity particularly avifauna and aquatic fauna; 

260. Diverse, large fish population in the estuary; 

261. Frequent sightings of whales and dolphin which provide high potential for tourism; 

262. Scenic and cultural areas for tourism; 

2. Weaknesses 

263. No weaknesses reported or observed. 

3. Opportunities 

264. Conservation of aquatic fauna and flora; 

265. Management of the bay ecosystem through the amelioration of adverse 

environmental activities in the SAM Plan buffer zone; 

266. Management of the ground water recharge process and maintenance of the ground 

water level in the buffer zone; 

267. High potential for eco-tourism development; 

268. Recreation facilities for local communities; 

269. Fishing is the most important dependency of local communities on bay resources; 

270. There are opportunities for controlled aquaculture development but these should be 

managed under environmental friendly management guidelines developed by CEA and 

NAQDA; 

271. Opportunities for agriculture development in the buffer zone using water from the 

upstream areas of Mahaweli river estuary; 

272. Possibility of expanding mini saltern projects in the buffer zone; 

273. Higher potential for whale and dolphin based tourism activities; 

274. Potential of ecotourism development in Upparu and Mahaweli river estuaries;


275. Lands are available for hotel development in an eco-friendly manner 

4. Threats 

276. Illegal fishing activities may adversely effect the fish populations; 

277. Loss of biodiversity due to destruction of natural habitats – forests, mangroves; 

278. Pollution of water due to improper solid waste disposal by local authorities; 

279. Pollution of estuarine water from the excessive use of agro chemicals and untreated 

sewage. 

I. Planning process 

280. CCD guidelines suggested the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) as a suitable tool 

for SAMplanning and implementation. The LFA approach has been adopted accordingly. 

LFA is an analytical process and one of tools used to support project planning and 

management. It provides set of interlocking concepts which are used as part of an 

iterative process to aid structured and systematic analysis of a project or programme 

idea. It allows information to be analyzed and organized in a structured way, so that 

important questions can be asked, weaknesses identified and decision makers can make 

informed decisions based on their improved understanding of the project rationale, its 

intended objectives and the means by which objectives will be achieved. 

281. The logical framework matrix (log frame) is used to provide a roadmap for delivering a 

significant objective or purpose by undertaking a number of activities. The log frame consists 

of a matrix with four columns and a number of rows. The project is delivered from bottom to 

top using a vertical logic containing a hierarchy of objectives specified in the first column. The 

second column provides indicators to be used to determine whether the project is being 

implemented successfully. The third column provides the means of verification for these 

indicators. The fourth column provides key risks and assumptions to delivery of the project. It 

should be noted that critical risks and assumptions that cannot be accommodated within the 

project design as specified in the first column become killer risks and assumptions that make 

the project non-viable. 

282. The logical framework for this SAM Plan is given in Appendix 11. Considering the 

users of this document a user friendly simple activity plan is also developed based on the full 

logical framework. This simplified version is given below in Chapter VI. A key element of both 

versions is the use of management zones designed to separate incompatible uses and 

combine compatible ones. 

J. Comparison of this SAM planning methodology with the CCD guidelines. 

283. A comparison of the methodology used for this SAM Plan with that recommended by 

the CCD is given in Table V.4 below.


Table V.4: Comparison of planning process with CCD SAM planning process 

No CCD requirement SAM Plan compliance 

i. Site identification and 

agreement on SAM site 

ii. 

Preparing site plan 

a. Identification of issues 

through community 

participation(use 

appropriate tools such 

as PRA, SWOT, LFA) 

b. Establishment of 

Community Coordinating 

Committee (CCC) which 

consist of Resource 

users, Resource 

Guardians and Resource 

Managers 

c. Prioritization of identified 

issues and preparation 

of environmental profile 

using secondary and 

primary data 

d. Preparation of draft SAM 

Plan should prepare plan 

through transparent and 

flexible process with the 

participation of 

stakeholders 

- CZMP 1997 identified Trincomalee Bay as potential SAM 

site; 

- Trincomalee bay, Nilaveli beach, Pigeon island, Periya 

Karachchi and Sinna Karachchi estuaries and Clappenburg 

bay have been identified as Level-1 sites in CCD special 

gazette notification on CZMP in 2006. 

- Applied community consultation and used Participatory 

Rural Appraisal) PRA tools such as Focus Group Discussion 

(FGD), transect walk, small group discussion; 

- Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) 

analysis; 

- Log frame Analysis (LFA). 

- Divisional Coordinating Committee formed by NECCDEP 

used for community consultation process; 

- Trincomalee District SAM CCC (DSAM CCC) formed by 

NECCDEP used as higher level consultation process; 

- Resource users and Resource Guardians representation at 

DSAM-CCC enhance by appointing more community and 

CBO / NGO members from SAM area to DSAM-CCC; 

- DSAM-CCC comprises Resource users, Resource 

Guardians and Resource Managers. 

- Reviewed and adopted the NECCDEP interim plan which 

identified and prioritized the issues in an appropriate 

manner; 

- Environmental profile was developed through a review of 

secondary data from study reports and primary data from 

NECCDEP special studies and IP-NGO DSD level coastal 

resource profiles. 

- Planning process involved relevant stakeholders ; 

- Consultation processes involved relevant stakeholders 

- Draft plan presented to DSAM-CCC for comments and 

suggestions; 

- Final draft to be approved by CCD. 

iii Declaration of SAM site NECCDEP will submit finalised TB SAM Plan to CCD to 

declare TB SAM as a SAM site. 

iv. 

Implementation of selected 

activities simultaneously 

with SAM planning process 

v. Monitoring and evaluation 

of SAM plan 

implementation (Should be 

carried out using identified 

indicators in the planning 

process) 

NECCDEP implemented the interim plan during the period 

2006-2009. Implementation of this comprehensive SAM Plan 

is contingent on approval and resourcing. 

- Appropriate implementation, monitoring and evaluation and 

institutional mechanisms are included in the plan; 

- Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound 

(SMART) indicators are included in the logical framework. 

- SAM offices will do the monitoring at the village level whilst 

the DSAM-CCC will do the overall monitoring and evaluation 

of the implementation process.


VI. 

COMPREHENSIVE SAM PLAN OF TRINCOMALEE BAY (TB SAM) 

A. Mission of SAM and Overall management Objectives 

Mission- Sustainable management of the TB SAM area so 

as to bring environmental, social and economic benefits to 

local communities whilst ensuring the conservation of 

natural resources 

Overall Objective – TB SAM is co-managed with the 

active involvement of the main stakeholder communities so 

as to deliver sustainable livelihoods within the carrying 

capacity of SAM natural resources. 

1. Expected results from implementation of the four year TB SAM plan 

284. Conservation of natural resources of the Trincomalee Bay (TB) SAM by District 

Special Area Management Community Coordinating Committee (DSAM CCC) and line 

agencies to achieve long term conservation goals; 

285. Sustainable fishery management to bring the benefits to fisher communities and other 

stakeholders; 

286. Ecologically /socially friendly livelihoods and Micro/ Small Enterprise developments 

in the TB SAM buffer zone to brings benefits to all stakeholders; 

287. Ecologically friendly agricultural practices delivered in the buffer zone to bring benefits 

to farming communities and other stakeholders and to minimise negative impacts on the 

SAM; 

288. Improved micro environment in TB SAM through proper solid waste management, 

natural habitat improvement and other interventions to bring benefits to local people; 

289. Conservation of natural habitats in the areas under security forces management in 

and around Trincomalee bay based on guidelines developed by DSAM CCC and security 

forces. 

290. Conservation of natural resources in the buffer zone of TB SAM. 

B. Demarcation of the SAM area 

1. Trincomalee Bay SMA proposed in 2005 

291. The NECCDEP Interim Special Management Area (SMA) Plan in 2005 proposed the 

Trincomalee Bay SMA based on Grama Niladhari Division (GN) areas touching the Bay from 

Nilaveli and Pigeon Island in the north to Sampur in the south. GN Divisions’ boundaries 

formed the western boundary whilst the coast line formed the eastern boundary. The term 

SMA has been revised to Special Area Management (SAM) to reflect the terminology of the 

CCD as reflected in the Sri Lanka Coastal Zone Management Plan of 2004 (Ref. 0903) . 

2. TB SAM core conservation zone 

292. The areas north of Kinniya ferry point to Koneswaran temple, the Trincomalee inner 

harbour, Cod Bay area and islands in the bay are in a high security zone. However, these 

areas are very important for the conservation of the TB SAM and also for eco-tourism


development. Since the security situation is improving it is proposed that these areas are 

included under the SAM process in the future. 

293. Due to the difficulties in conducting field studies, in these areas, specific activities are 

not proposed in this TB SAM Plan. However, those areas are included as discrete sub zones 

and general activities are proposed in this TB SAM Plan. 

294. It is proposed that the northern area of the Trincomalee Bay SMA proposed in 2005, 

from Koneswaran Temple to Nilaveli is excluded from the revised TB SAM. This is because 

these areas are “outside” the Trincomalee bay and comprise a relatively simple narrow sandy 

beach strip that does not need to be managed within a SAM Plan. 

295. The Department of Wildlife Conservation has declared Puramalai (Pigeon Island) as a 

National Park and manages the area, so this area is also excluded from TB SAM. Areas 

south of Muthur also come under Sampoor high security zone and so are excluded from the 

TB SAM. 

296. The proposed TB SAM includes the coastal zone from Dutch Fort at Trincomalee City 

to the southern end of Kaddaiparichchan lagoon mouth including the whole of 

Kaddaiparichchan lagoon. 

297. It is recommended that this core zone be equivalent to a category VI protected area 

according to the guidelines produced by the International Union for the Conservation of 

Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). This core zone could, eventually, be re-designated 

category IV when there is capacity to introduce substantive management (Ref.0884) . 

298. Western boundary: The landward (western) boundary of the TB SAM is the coastal 

vegetation zone and coastline up to extreme high tide line around Thampalagamam bay from 

the north end of Kinniya bridge to the south end of Kinniya bridge, beach zone from south 

end of Kinniya bridge along the A-15 road up to Upparu estuary excluding the developed 

areas, about 0.5 km inland of Upparu estuary, beach zone east of A-15 road from Upparu to 

Mahaweli Ganga, about 0.5 km inland of the Mahaweli river estuary, beach zone east of A-15 

from Mahaweli river mouth to Ralkuli estuary, Ralkuli to Muthur beach zone and 

Kaddaiparichchan lagoon. 

299. Eastern boundary: The eastern boundary comprises the line connecting the north 

end of Kinniya Bridge to the seawards lagoon mouth of Kaddaiparichchan lagoon. The TB- 

SAM conservation area includes natural coastal vegetation, beaches, and the sea area in 

Trincomalee bay. 

300. A continuous coastal belt is proposed for the SAM multiple use conservation core 

zone that does not include any private properties. Figure VI.1 below illustrates the TB SAM 

core and buffer zones. 

301. It is suggested that Survey Department survey the boundary and establish the 

boundary demarcation marks so that the boundary is clearly visible to adjacent communities. 

It is also suggested that boundary demarcation should be achieved at the detailed level 

through participation and consensus so as to resolve issues of encroachments, illegal 

construction and illegal cultivation. The DSAM CCC will advise the relevant authorities for 

action concerning any encroachments, illegal construction and illegal cultivation to the 

relevant authorities for action. 

302. Proper demarcation of the TB SAM will enhance law enforcement and management 

which will help deliver sustainable results.


Figure VI.1: Proposed TB SAM Core conservation Zone and buffer zone


303. An adjoining land area along the western boundary is included in the TB SAM buffer 

zone for implementation of selected management interventions to minimize the negative 

impacts on the core zone through human activities. However, the CCD can redefine the area 

depending on management requirements. 

304. CCD should develop close relationships with Department Fishery and Aquatic 

Resources Development (DFAD), Agriculture Department (AD) and Divisional Secretaries 

because fisheries, agriculture and micro/small enterprises and livelihoods are the most 

important economic sectors of the TB SAM and buffer zone. 

305. The activities proposed for the TB SAM core conservation zone are focused on 

conservation of natural resources whilst ensuring the sustainable utilization of those 

resources for fishery and other coastal resource related economic activities. The main 

proposed activities for the TB SAM core conservation zone are as follows: 

306. Boundary demarcation, preparation of maps and erection of information boards; 

307. Establishment of Mangrove Park at Mahaweli estuary; 

308. Habitat restoration programs between Kinniya ferry point to Muthur ferry point; 

309. Habitat restoration program in Kaddaiparichchan lagoon; 

310. Develop management guidelines and activity plan for the core conservation sub zone 

under security forces management with the participation of security forces and facilitate the 

implementation of the activity plan; 

311. Manage the aquaculture projects and fisheries in Trincomalee bay area on 

sustainable resource use guidelines developed by National Aquatic Development Agency 

(NAQDA), National Aquatic Research Agency (NARA), Coast Conservation Department 

(CCD) and set guidelines of District Special Area Management Community Coordinating 

Committee (DSAM CCC); 

312. Manage sustainable tourism in Trincomalee bay area under the guidelines of Tourism 

Authority, CCD and DSAM CCC; 

313. Conservation of natural resources through effective law enforcement and participatory 

management. 

C. TB SAM Buffer Zone 

314. The proposed buffer zone of the TB SAM comprises two major sub-zones. These are 

the marine buffer zone at the eastern boundary and terrestrial buffer zone at the northern, 

western and southern boundary as illustrated in Figure VI.2 below. The buffer zone is 

designated for selected management interventions to minimise the negative impacts on the 

TB SAM core zone described above. 

315. Proposed interventions for the buffer zone include: the regularisation of seashell 

mining industry with set guidelines; regularisation of micro level saltern with set guidelines; 

control of solid waste disposal in urban areas particularly in Trincomalee Municipal Council, 

Kinniya and Muthur Urban Councils; control of the excessive use of agro chemicals and soil 

erosion. Such interventions will reduce the pollution of Trincomalee bay and the siltation of 

the mangrove habitats in the bay.


316. Northern boundary: The northern boundary of the buffer zone is the railway track 

from the Trincomalee City end to Thampalagamam road crossing at Thampalagamam 

Kinniya road. 

317. Western boundary: The western boundary is the Thampalagamam –Kinniya road 

from Thampalagamam rail crossing to Kachchkoduthivu junction of Thampalagamam - 

Kinniya road, areas around the Kinniya urban area, Puwarsakulam village area south of 

Kinniya urban area, adjoining areas of Upparu estuary boundaries as shown in the Figure 

VI.2, eastward section of A-15 road from Upparu estuary to Periyapallam junction of Muthur- 

Batticaloa (A-15 road) road. Since the buffer zone is not a fixed area, the zone can be redefined, 

as and when necessary, to fulfill the overall goal of the TB SAM. Key activities 

proposed for the buffer zone include: 

318. Promotion of environment friendly practices in saltern and shell grinding mills; 

319. Awareness building to minimize excessive use of agro chemicals and chemical 

fertilizers in paddy fields; 

320. Implement appropriate water management and soil conservation program for paddy 

farming in the buffer zone areas; 

321. Suitable solid and non-solid waste management program in the urban areas such as 

Trincomalee Urban Council, Kinniya Urban Council and Pradeshiya Sabha administrative 

areas; 

322. Establishment and management of community wood lots, avenue planting, protected 

wood lots, green belts along streams banks in the buffer zone; 

323. Promotion of organic farming in home gardens in the buffer zone; 

324. Promotion of alternative mechanisms for extraction of poles and fuel woods from 

natural habitats. 

D. Sub-zoning of the TB SAM 

325. Core zone: The TB SAM core conservation zone comprises diverse micro 

ecosystems. Conservation issues and challenges vary from Thampalagamam bay area to 

Kaddaiparichchan lagoon. Issues and interventions are varied in these ecosystems and 

demarcation by sub-zones is necessary to facilitate implementation of TB SAM. The TB Core 

conservation zone sub-zones are illustrated in Figure VI.2. 

326. Buffer zone: The land use patterns and livelihood activities also vary in the buffer 

zone villages and urban areas. Hence it is also proposed to divide the buffer zone into subzones 

to enhance the implementation of SAM plan activities. The TB buffer zone sub-zones 

are illustrated in Figure VI.3.


E. TB SAM core conservation zone sub-zones 

1. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 1. Thampalagamam bay coastal zone 

327. Protection and law enforcement; 

328. Habitat enrichment program particularly with mangrove species; 

329. Erection of notice board with TB SAM plan with additional information; 

330. Regularise boat landing and fishery activities with the assistance of DFAD; 

331. Establish and manage sand filters at all drainage canal outlets to Trincomalee bay; 

332. Establish green belts along stream banks which connect to Trincomalee bay. 

2. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 2. Thampalagamam bay aquatic zone 

333. Regularise the fishing activities by DFAD with assistance of CCD; 

334. Regularise the aquaculture projects by DFAD with assistance of NAQDA and CCD; 

335. Regularise the extraction of dead shells by CCD with the assistances of NARA and 

Divisional Secretary; 

336. Develop aquaculture projects such as sea bass cultivation, crab fattening etc; 

337. Protection and law enforcement. 

3. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 3. Coastal belt from Kinniya to Upparu 



340. Regularise the fishery activities and boat landing with the assistances of DFAD; 

341. Implement coastal erosion prevention program; 

342. Establish and manage coastal vegetation strip along the A-15 road. 

4. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 4. Upparu estuary Zone 


344. Habitat enrichment programs; 


346. Regularise fishery activities and boat landings with the assistances of DFAD.


Figure VI.2: Proposed TB SAM core zone sub-zones


5. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 5. Upparu to Mahaweli gang coastal zone 


348. Regularise fishery and boat landing with the assistances of DFAD; 

349. Sea erosion control program; 

350. Establish and manage green belt between coastline and the A-15 road; 

351. Erection of Information board by the side of the A-15 road with necessary information. 

6. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 6. Mahaweli Ganga Estuary zone 

352. Regularise fishery activities; 

353. Habitat enrichment program; 

354. Establish and manage Mangrove Park; 

355. Erect information board; 

356. Develop information centre with restaurant, toilet facilities; 


7. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 7. Mahaweli Ganga-(I)Ralkuli Coastal zone 


359. Establish and manage green belt between the coastline and the A-15 road; 

360. Erection of information board by the side of the A-15 road with necessary information. 

8. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 7. (I)Ralkuli Estuary zone 

361. Regularise fishery activities with the assistances of DFAD; 



364. Erection of name board with SAM Plan and necessary information. 

9. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 9. Muthur coastal zone 


366. Coastal planting program along the coastal belt; 

367. Regularise boat landing and other fishery activities.


10. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 10. Kaddaiparichchan lagoon 

368. Regularise fishery activities with the assistance of DFAD; 


370. Erection of name board with SAM Plan and necessary information; 


11. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 11. Koddiyar bay marine zone 

372. Promote Whale and Dolphin based tourism through selected tour operators; 

373. Regularise fishery activities with the assistances of DFAD and Navy; 


375. Regularise boat landings. 

12. TB SAM Core Zone: Sub-zone 12. Terrestrial areas and islands of TB managed 

by the security forces 

376. Develop activity plan and management guidelines for conservation of natural 

habitats and to promote ecotourism; 

377. Facilitate the implementation of activity plan. 

F. TB SAM buffer zone sub-zones 

378. Figure VI.3 below illustrates the location of the 11 TB SAM buffer zone sub-zones. 

1. TB SAM Buffer Zone: Sub-zone 1. Trincomalee urban zone. 

379. Municipal Council should implement a comprehensive solid waste management 

system to ensure that solid waste and other waste does not enter the Trincomalee bay area; 

380. Municipal Council should establish a sand filtering system in every main drainage 

canal outlet to Trincomalee bay; 

381. Conduct awareness programs in all schools to build awareness among school 

children of the TB SAM plan, the implementation process and the responsibilities of school 

children and parents; 

382. Conduct at least two field programs/ city cleaning programs with school children on 

environmentally important dates in the year; 

383. Conduct awareness programs for citizens, officers of state and private sector 

agencies and traders on the TB SAM plan and their responsibilities; 

384. Manage the existing beach park and beach in an appropriate manner to attract 

visitors;


Figure VI.3: Proposed TB SAM buffer zone sub-zones.


385. Erect at least 5 large information boards (Harbour road, Beach Park, Bus stand, 

Railway Stand etc) with the details of the TB SAM plan and expectations; 

386. Implement a program to clean and beautify the Dutch Fort and Koneswaran temple so 

as to enhance tourism. 

2. TB SAM Buffer Zone: Sub-zone 2. Inner harbour aquatic zone 

387. Conduct a cleaning program with the assistance of the Navy; 

388. Erect a large information board at Cod bay, Inner harbour and jetty area with 

information on the TB SAM plan and the responsibilities of citizens, fishers etc.; 

389. Regularise the fishing activities by DFAD; 

390. Regularise the boat anchorage by DFAD. 

3. TB SAM Buffer Zone: Sub-zone 3. Outer harbour hilly area zone under Navy 

391. Liaison with the Navy to get assistance with implementation of the TB SAM plan; 

392. Conduct awareness program for Navy staff on the TB SAM plan and responsibilities 

of the Navy for managing the sub-zone. 

4. TB SAM Buffer Zone: Sub-zone 4. Airport sub-zone under Air force 

393. Liaison with the Air Force to get assistance with implementation of the TB SAM plan; 

394. Conduct awareness program for Air Force staff on the TB SAM plan and 

responsibilities of the Air Force for managing the buffer sub-zone. 

5. TB SAM Buffer Zone: Sub-zone 5. Mixed developed zone between Airport and 

Kinniya bridge 

395. Conduct an awareness program for school children on the TB SAM plan and the 

responsibilities of villagers in the buffer zone; 

396. Conduct awareness program on domestic level solid waste management. 

6. TB SAM Buffer Zone: Sub-zone 6. Agricultural mixed development zone around 

Thampalagamam 

397. Conduct awareness programs for school children on the TB SAM plan and the 


398. Regularise the shell grinding mill activities by developing and implementing guidelines 

by Divisional Secretary – Kinniya with the assistances of Central Environmental Authority 

(CEA) and NARA; 

399. Regularise the activities of small saltern operations by developing and implementing 

guidelines by Divisional Secretary-Kinniya with the assistances of CEA; 

400. Establish and manage sand filtering system in each larger drainage area to purify 

waste water and trap solid waste;


401. Establish and manage community wood lots by Divisional Secretary with the 

assistances of Forest Department (FD) as alternative source for poles and fuel wood; 

402. Conduct alternative livelihoods development programs; 

403. Establish and manage green belts along streams discharging into Trincomalee bay at 

least 1 km from the discharge point. 

7. TB SAM Buffer Zone: Sub-zone 7. Kinniya urban area 

404. Conduct awareness programs for school children on the TB SAM plan and the 


405. Regularise the shell grinding mill activities by developing and implementing guidelines 

by Divisional Secretary – Kinniya with the assistances of Central Environmental Authority 

(CEA); 

406. Regularise the activities of small scale saltern operations by developing and 

implementing guidelines by Divisional Secretary-Kinniya with the assistances of CEA; 

407. Establish and manage sand filtering system in each larger drainage area to purify 

waste water and trap solid waste; 


assistances of Forest Department (FD) as alternative source for poles and fuel wood; 



410. The Municipal Council should implement a comprehensive solid waste management 

system to ensure that solid waste and other waste does not enter Trincomalee bay. 

8. TB SAM Buffer Zone: Sub-zone 8. Poowarsankulam agricultural mixed 

development zone 

411. Promote organic farming in home gardens; 

412. Conduct awareness program for farmers to minimize the use of agrochemicals and 

chemical fertilizers; 

413. Establish and manage community wood lots by Divisional Secretary with assistance 

of the FD as alternative source of poles and fuel wood; 

414. Conduct an awareness program for school children on the TB SAM Plan and the 




9. TB SAM Buffer Zone: Sub-zone 9. (I)Ralkuli agriculture zone 

416. Promote organic farming in home gardens;


417. Conduct awareness program for farmers to minimize use of agrochemicals and 



assistance of the FD as alternative source of poles and fuel wood. 

10. TB SAM Buffer Zone: Sub-zone 10. Muthur urban zone 

419. Conduct awareness programs for school children on the TB SAM Plan and the 


420. Establish and manage sand filtering systems in each larger drainage area to purify 

waste water and trap solid waste; 


assistances of the FD as alternative source for poles and fuel wood; 

422. Municipal Council should implement a comprehensive solid waste management 

system to ensure that solid waste and other waste does not enter the Trincomalee bay area. 

11. TB SAM Buffer Zone: Sub-zone 11. Kaddaiparichchan south zone 

423. Promote organic farming in home gardens; 

424. Conduct awareness program for farmers to minimize use of agrochemicals and 



assistance of the FD as alternative source of poles and fuel wood; 

426. Conduct awareness programs for school children on the TB SAM Plan and the 


427. Conduct alternative livelihood development programs. 

G. Institutional mechanism 

1. Coordinating Committees 

428. The new TB SAM planning process started with an increase in community 

participation in DSAM CCC by community members from buffer zone villages. Co-ordination 

between the line agencies and local communities was provided by the DSAM CCC. It is 

suggested that the CCD could act as convener / Secretary of the DSAM CCC. 

429. The organisational structure for this co-ordination is presented in Figure VI.4 below.


Figure VI.4: Proposed organogram of the institutional structure for TB SAM 

Management 

CCD 

District 

Community 

Coordinating 

Committee 

(DSAM-CCC) 

- Chaired by District Secretary 

- Representatives from relevant line agencies 

- Representatives from local government agencies 

- Representatives from communities / NGOs 

- Representatives from Navy 

- Representatives from Air force 

- Representatives from Army 

- Representatives from tourism sector 

- More community members than state officers 

- Gender balance should be maintained properly 

- Develop policy & strategies on SAM management 

- Approval of budgets & activity plans 

- Approval of all financial matters 

- Coordination with line agencies 

- Coordinate with Divisional Secretary Offices 

- Develop management guidelines and activity plan for 

the core conservation areas under security forces 

- Facilitate the implementation of activity plan in the 

core conservation sub zone under security forces 

- Monthly/quarterly progress review 

- Manage SAM Office and Mangrove Park 

SAM Office 

- CCD Office 

- Fishery Federation Office 

- Fishery Department office 

- Mangrove Park 

2. TB SAM Office 

430. A TB SAM office should be established at Kinniya to be managed by the CCD. The 

office should provide office facilities for DFAD and Fishers Federation (FF) operating within 

the TB SAM. The communities should be able to directly access the TB SAM office for 

information, services and co-management processes. The TB SAM Office should give a “one 

stop shop” for services to key stakeholders and also facilitate the management of the TB 

SAM. 

3. Mangrove Park 

431. A mangrove Park should be established in Mahaweli Ganga estuary with eco-tourism 

facilities such as boat trips on the river and raised board walkways through the mangrove 

vegetation. With the opening up Kinniya Bridge and the rehabilitation of the A-15 road many 

hundreds of tourists will visit the Kinniya area and travel to Seruvila and Lankapatuna 

Buddhist temple in the near future. The Mangrove Park could be managed by the CCD office 

at Kinniya and it should also be possible to outsource some services such as boat trips,


restaurant facilities and other amenities. The CCD could manage a small information centre 

and charge a management fee from visitors. The income generated from visitors’ fee could 

be deposited in a revolving fund managed by the DSAM CCC. 

4. Role of Fishers Federation 

432. The consultation process with fishers revealed that they are facing difficulties such as 

lack of institutional assistance, weak leadership from the fishers association and high interest 

rates on micro loans from money lenders. The fishers suggested reorganizing the Fishers 

Association (FA) and forming stronger Fishers Federation (FF). There are two FF in Muthur 

and Kinniya at present and these FF need strengthening to provide better services to fishers. 

433. It is proposed that leadership development and business planning training be 

provided to build capacity to manage the operations. It is also suggested that the FF be given 

assistance in developing and managing a microfinance program for the fisher. 

434. DSAM CC, DFAD and CCD could facilitate the formation and strengthening of FF. FF 

should be provided with a small office at the TB SAM office and coordinate / facilitate the 

activities of fishery sector from this office. The microfinance program should generate 

adequate income for the FF to cover its operational expenses. 

H. Proposed Key interventions 

1. Establish and manage Mangrove Park 

435. The estuary at the mouth of the Mahaweli river includes dense mangrove vegetation 

and a diverse associated flora and fauna. The Mangrove Park (MP) should deliver 

environmental education and awareness building for visitors while conserving the sensitive 

habitats. 

436. Field studies revealed that the Upparu area would provide ideal location for boat trips, 

bird watching and mangrove walkways. The area has direct access through A-15 roads 

either from Trincomalee or Batticaloa. With the increase of visitors to Trincomalee and 

Seruvila, visitors to the MP will increase in the future. The adjoining beach also provides 

additional recreation facilities for the visitors. Since electricity and water facilities are 

available close to MP, those facilities could be obtained for the MP. Information boards on 

MP and TB SAM with awareness messages should be erected in the MP. CCD could 

manage MP with the assistances of SAM office and DSAM CCC. 

2. Develop operational guidelines for shell mining and grinding industry 

437. Dead shell mining is not an environmental issue according to the information provided 

by NARA and adequate dead shell deposits are available in Thampalagamam bay. However 

shell grinding mills operate without proper guidelines and air pollution due to shell grinding 

dust is commonly visible. There are about 15 grinding mills without proper infrastructure 

facilities. The dust pollutes the air and shell dust also deposits on trees and houses to reduce 

environmental quality for the nearby inhabitants. 

438. For the reasons given above it is necessary to manage the shell mining and grinding 

industry. It is proposed to form a sub committee, under DSAM CCC, to develop operational 

guidelines for shell mining and grinding. This sub committee should include Divisional 

Secretaries of Kinniya and Thampalagamam, representatives from NARA and CEA, 

representatives from DFAD, FD and members of shell grinding mill owners and shell miners. 

A CCD officer could act as convener of the committee and report to DSAM CCC.


439. Once the management guidelines have been developed, DSAM CCC should take 

appropriate action to implement the management guidelines. It is also suggested that DSAM 

CCC should ask for quarterly reports from Divisional Secretaries regarding issues of permits 

and actions taken. 

3. Develop management guidelines for micro saltern 

440. Micro saltern is another important micro enterprise in the buffer zone areas of TB 

SAM at Kinniya. Field studies revealed that there are more than 20 micro salterns and the 

production process is very basic and lacking health and environmental protection standards. 

The intrusion of salt water to inland areas could increase the soil salinity. Low quality salt 

also makes the industry vulnerable. Hence it is better to develop management guidelines for 

the micro saltern industry to ensure the sustainability of the industry and further develop and 

ensure the sustainable livelihoods of the more than hundred families who are dependent on 

this industry. 

441. It is proposed that DSAM CCC will appoint a suitable committee to develop 

management guidelines and ensure the correct application of these guidelines. Divisional 

Secretary should act on the DSAM CCC approved guidelines and should regularise the 

saltern operations. 

4. Control of Illegal extraction of timber and fuel woods from coastal 

habitats 

442. Field studies revealed that a large area of mangrove in Thampalagamam bay has 

been cut by people from Kinniya and transported to Kinniya. These illegal extractions are for 

commercial purposes and are a highly significant environmental issue. This illegal activity 

therefore needs to be addressed. 

443. Line agencies such as FD, CCD, Divisional Secretaries, Police, Security Forces, 

particularly Navy, should all be involved in the management process. DSAM CCC should act 

as facilitator and co-ordinator of management initiatives and monitor the effectiveness of the 

management. 

444. Cutting of mangroves was also observed in other mangrove habitats but the level of 

extraction is low. However it is necessary to stop the extraction of mangroves completely 

through proper law enforcement. 

5. Habitat enrichment program 

445. Field studies revealed that coastal habitats have degraded during the last few 

decades due to civil unrest. Most state agencies that are responsible for natural resources 

management could not operate in an appropriate manner during this period. The result of this 

lack of management was the illegal felling of trees, filling of coastal wetlands and 

encroachment. 

446. With the improving security situation, relevant agencies could act more effectively to 

stop illegal activities. Field studies revealed that habitat enrichment/restoration programmes 

are necessary for the mangrove habitats in Thampalagamam bay. It is also necessary to 

conduct habitat enrichment program in Kaddaiparichchan lagoon. Hence it is proposed that 

the priority should be to undertake a basic survey to identify suitable sites and implement 

habitat enrichment/restoration programmes. DSAM CCC could implement this program with 

local communities and FD could provide technical assistance.


6. Establishment of community woodlots 

447. Fuelwood scarcity is not an acute issue in the TB SAM except in urban areas of 

Trincomalee, Kinniya and Muthur. However extraction of mangroves for poles and fuel wood 

for commercial purposes is becoming an issue. Hence it is proposed that community 

woodlots are established by local communities and Divisional Secretary, with assistance of 

FD and DSAM CCC, in suitable locations in the SAM buffer zone. Management of these 

woodlots should be the responsibility of Grama Niladhari and Divisional Secretary (DS). It is 

also suggested that DS could allow needy local people to extract fuel wood and poles from 

these plantations subject to DSAM CCC agreement and the payment of a small royalty or inkind 

contribution. 

7. Alternative livelihoods development 

448. The field studies revealed that fishery and agriculture sectors in the TB SAM provide 

very few new employment opportunities. It was also evident that the shell mining and 

grinding industry and micro saltern industry cannot be expanded further due to environmental 

issues. The TB SAM Plan proposes the control these 2 industries. 

449. New sustainable alternative livelihood opportunities need to be introduced, preferably 

based on value added to the present products and services, and targeted at youth 

employment. It is suggested that these opportunities build on the NECCDEP sustainable 

livelihoods initiatives. Introduction of alternative sustainable livelihoods should reduce the 

direct pressure on employment in the shell and saltern industries and indirect pressure on 

natural resources in the TB SAM. 

8. Aquaculture based micro enterprises in Thampalagamam bay 

450. Micro aquaculture projects such as sea bass culture and crab fattening are practiced 

at present with the assistance of DFAD, NAQDA and one private company. Discussions with 

fishers revealed that these micro level aquaculture projects are profitable for fishers. 

However there are difficulties in getting fingerlings and feeds. Discussions with NAQDA 

revealed that NAQDA is going to establish hatcheries in the Eastern Province within a few 

years and plans to promote aquaculture projects from 2010. 

451. DFAD should develop aquaculture in the Thampalagamam bay area with the 

assistances of NAQDA, Fishers Federations, CCD and DSAM CCC. Once DSAM CCC, CCD 

and other relevant agencies approve any aquaculture development plan, DFAD could 

implement it with the assistance of NAQDA. 

9. Sea erosion control 

452. Sea erosion was, and continues to be, a severe issue in the Kinniya area. The field 

studies revealed that A-15 road has shifted inland 4-5 times during last few decades due to 

sea erosion. Hence it is necessary to implement sea erosion control program in coastal zone 

from Kinniya to Muthur. 

10. Management of core conservation areas under security forces 

management 

453. The Dutch Fort and hilly areas around the Trincomalee bay provide an attractive 

landscape that is not found elsewhere in Eastern Province. The Greater and lesser Sober 

Islands and other smaller islands in the bay are also important natural habitats and have very 

high ecotourism potential. Due to security reasons, it was not possible for the SAM team to 

conduct field studies in support of the TB SAM planning process in these areas.


454. However, with the improving security situation in the area, security forces may allow 

controlled ecotourism activities in these areas such as surfing, boat trips, and picnics and 

nature walks on the islands. It may also be possible to organize tours for dolphin and dugong 

watching. 

455. It is, therefore, proposed that DSAM CCC and CCD should develop a dialogue with 

the security forces so as to develop management guidelines and an activity plan for 

conservation and sustainable use of these areas. Ideally representatives from the security 

forces should be included in the DSAM CCC to participate in and facilitate the 

implementation of the TB SAM Plan. 

I. Activity Plan 

456. The comprehensive Logical Framework Matrix for the TB SAM is given in Appendix 

11. The logical framework provides details of the proposed interventions. A simplified activity 

plan is given in Table VI.1 below. 

Activity 

Table VI.1: Activity Plan for Trincomalee Bay SAM Plan 

Time 

frame 

Budget 

est. 

Rs.M 

Zones 

Implementation 

Responsib 

- ilities 

Agency/ 

remarks 

1. Conservation of natural resources in TB SAM by SAM CCC and line agencies to 

achieve long term conservation 

1.1. Survey & demarcation 

of SAM boundary based on 

proposed SAM plan. 

1.2. Declaration of TB- 

SAM as SAM site by CCD. 

Q-2/Y-1 8.000 Core 

zone (CZ) 

CCD/Project/ 

Survey 

Department / 

DSAM CCC 

Q-2/Y-1 - CZ CCD/DSAM 

CCC 

Already 

discussed with 

DS and CCD / 

NECCDEP. 

CCD. 

1.3. Establish & manage 

TB SAM office at Kinniya l 

which will house CCD, 

DFAD and Fishers 

Federation. 

Q-2/ Y-1 0.500 CZ CCD and 

DSAM CCC 

DS should 

provide building 

facilities until the 

CCD is able to 

find a suitable 

location. 

1.4. Carry out awareness 

among the adjoining 

communities about SAM 

concept, boundary 

marking and future 

expectations. 

Q-2/ Y-1 1.000 Buffer 

Zone 

1,2,3,4 

CCD and 

DSAM CCC 

CCD should 

facilitate the 

process. 

1.5. Establish at least 12 

descriptive information 

boards at key points along 

the A-15 road and 

Trincomalee city. 

Q-2/ Y-1 1.000 CZ CCD and 

DSAM CCC 

CCD should 

facilitate the 

process. 

1.6. Develop and 

implement habitat 

restoration plans. 

Q-3 / Y-1 2.000 CZ 

1,4,8,11 

DSAM CCC 

and CCD 

CCD should 

facilitate.


1.7. Conduct awareness 

program in all schools 

around SAM on 

conservation of TB SAM. 

Y-1- Y-4 1.000 BZ 

1,5,7,812, 

13 

DSAM CCC, 

CCD 

CCD should 

facilitate. 

1.8. Establish and manage 

Mahaweli Ganga Estuary 

mangrove habitat as 

mangrove park. 

Q-1/ Y-2 1.500 CZ 

4 

DSAM CCC, 

CCD and 

project 

CCD should 

implement. 

1.9. Sea erosion control 

mechanism between 

Kinniya and Muthur. 

Y 2-4 10.000 CZ 

3,5,7 

CCD, DSAM 

CCC 

CCD should 

implement. 

1.10. Develop and 

implement action plan for 

the core conservation sub 

zone under security forces 

management. 

Q-2,Y-1 2.000 CZ 

12 

DSAM CCC 

CCD, 

Security 

Forces 

Security Forces 

should 

implement. 

2. Sustainable fishery management process to bring the benefits to fisher communities 

and other stakeholders 

2.1. Strengthening 

Fishers association (FA) 

with capacity building & 

awareness programs 

2.2. Formation / 

strengthening of TB 

SAM Fisher Federations 

in Kinniya and Muthur by 

bringing all FA of SMA 

into an integrated 

community organization 

2.3. Develop 

microfinance program 

for FF income 

generating activities and 

develop a revolving fund 

Q-2/ Y-1 0.500 BZ DSAM 

CCC, 

CCD 

and 

DFAD 

Q-2/ Y-1 0.500 BZ DSAM 

CCC, 

CCD, 

DFAD 

Q-4/ Y-1 1.000 BZ DSAM 

CCC, 

CCD, 

DFAD, 

Coop 

Dep 

DFAD should 

facilitate. 

DFAD should 

facilitate. 

Coop Dept (CD) 

should facilitate. 

2.4. Conduct alternative 

livelihood development 

trainings for selected 

youths in TB SAM area 

to help them find 

alternative livelihoods 

Q-3 / Y-1 1.000 BZ 

1-4 

DSAM 

CCC, 

CCD, 

DFAD 

CCD should 

implement.


3. Ecologically /socially friendly livelihoods and Micro/ Small Enterprise developments 

in the TB SAM buffer zone to brings benefits to all stakeholders 

3.1. Regularise the shell 

mining and grinding micro 

industry by developing and 

implementing operational 

guideline 

3.2. Regularise the micro 

saltern industry by 

developing management 

guidelines and 

implementing 

3.3. Implement alternative 

livelihood development 

programs by providing 

training and other business 

development services 

Y-1 to Y-4 0.500 BZ 

6, 7 

Y-1 to Y-4 0.500 BZ 

7 

Y-2 to Y-4 1.000 BZ 

6, 7 

DSAM 

CCC, 

CCD, 

DS, 

NARA 

DSAM 

CCC, 

CCD, 

DS 

DSAM 

CCC, 

CCD 

CCD should 

coordinate. 

CCD should 

implement. 

CCD should 

implement. 

4. Eco friendly agricultural practices in buffer zone to bring benefits to farming 

communities and other stakeholders 

4.1. Promote organic 

farming in home gardens 

in the buffer zone. 

Y-1- Y-4 0.500 BZ 

1, 5-13 

Agriculture 

Department 

(AD), 

CCC, CCD 

AD should 

facilitate. 

4.2. Promote “live fence” 

program and wood lots 

in home gardens 

Y-1- Y-4 1.000 BZ 

1, 5-13 

AD, DSAM 

CCC, CCD 

AD should 

facilitate. 

4.3. Promote proper 

utilization of pesticide & 

chemical fertilizer among 

paddy farmers 

Y-1- Y-4 0.500 BZ 

1, 5-13 

AD, CCC, 

CCD 

AD should 

facilitate. 

5. Improved micro environment in buffer zone and SAM area through proper waste 

management and other interventions to bring benefits to local people 

5.1. Facilitate 

development of solid 

waste management 

system based on 

existing experiences 

Q-2/ Y-1 5.000- BZ 

1, 4 

CCC, CCD, 

Urban 

Council 

UC should 

facilitate with 

UNOP. 

5.2. Establish community 

woodlots in reservations 

& patches of state lands 

& manage with 

community 

Y-2- Y-4 5.000 BZ 

5-11, 13 

Forest 

Department 

(FD), CCC, 

CCD 

FD should 

facilitate with 

communities. 

5.3. Facilitate 

development of solid 

waste management 

systems in Kinniya and 

Muthur Urban zone 

Y-2- Y-4 5.000 BZ 

7, 8,12 

CCC, CCD, 

UCs 

UCs should 

facilitate.


5.4. Establish & manage 

filtering system at outlets 

of drainage lines which 

discharge waste water to 

the TB SAM area 

Q-4/ Y-1 0.400 BZ 

1-4, 7, 8, 12 

PS, CCC, 

CCD, CEA 

PS should 

facilitate. 

J. Cost estimate for SAM Plan 

457. The cost is calculated based on activity cost basis where some activities may not 

need additional budget allocations. Activities such as coordination and monitoring are line 

agency responsibilities which should not need additional funds. All cost estimates are based 

on line agency estimates and on ground realities. Itemised costs are given in the activity plan 

whilst a summary of cost estimates is given in Table VI.2 below. 

Table VI.2: Cost estimate 

Component (All activities of the component) 

1. Conservation of natural resources in TB SAM by DSAM CCC and line agencies 

to achieve long term conservation. 

2. Sustainable fishery management process to bring the benefits to fisher 

communities and other stakeholders. 

3. Ecologically /socially friendly livelihoods and Micro/ Small Enterprise 

developments in the TB SAM buffer zone to brings benefits to all stakeholders. 

4. Eco friendly agricultural practices in buffer zone to bring benefits to farming 

communities and other stakeholders. 

5. Improved micro environment in buffer zone and SAM area through proper 

waste management and other interventions to bring benefits to local people. 

Cost Rs. 

Million 

27 

3 

2 

2 

19 

Total activity cost 53 

Monitoring & Evaluation costs (DSAM-CCC, SAM Office) 2 

Administration & operational cost 2 

Total TB SAM Plan initial implementation cost 57 

K. Lessons to be applied/Future Approach 

458. This TB SAM planning process faced the following limitations:- 

459. Lack of time allocated for planning process. 

460. Resource profiles and other information from relevant special studies were not 

available before the SAM planning process started. Availability of such information should be 

a precondition for initiating the SAM planning process. 

461. Community coordinating committees were not suitably formed and were not 

operational at the time of SAM planning. Suitably formed and operational SAM CCC should 

be a precondition for initiating the SAM planning process. 

462. In the DSAM CCC, community and women were underrepresented as required to 

meet social safeguard assurances. Although representation became more balanced during


the planning process there is still room for improvement. Such balanced representation 

should be a precondition for initiating the SAM planning process. 

463. The SAM planning team conducted limited field studies and consultations to address 

the constraints listed above. The consultation process was comprehensive enough to 

accommodate the views of individual villagers, community organizations, state agencies and 

professionals and to fill critical information gaps. Information subsequently provided by the 

completion of the resource profiles and studies could be incorporated in later versions of the 

TB SAM Plan as necessary. 

464. It is suggested that there should be a mid-term review and final review of the progress 

of implementation of this four-year SAM plan. At the end of the SAM plan period, the lessons 

to be applied from delivering and reviewing delivery the plan, research information, the 

results from resource profiles and special studies could be incorporated in the next iteration 

of the TB SAM plan. This follows the model for revising the CCD national coastal zone 

management plan.


VI. 

REFERENCES 

Ref Long title E 

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85 

TRINCOMALEE BAY SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA 

APPENDIX 1 

LIST OF GN DIVISIONS INCLUDED IN INTERIM SMA (REF.0969) 


Division 

S. No GN Division 

Kuchchaveli 1 Nilaveli 

2 Gopalapuram 

3 Veloor (Veloor & Adampodai) 

Town & Gravets 4 Salli 

5 Kappalthurai 

6 Sambaltivu 

7 Villunry 

8 Uppuweli 

9 Thirukadaloor 

10 Manayaveli 

11 Thillainagar 

12 Vellaimanal 

13 Murugapuri 

14 Orr's Hill 

15 Pattanatheru 

16 Linganagar 

17 Arasady 

18 Sivapuri 

19 Mudcove 

20 Poompugar 

21 China Bay 

22 Nachikuda 

23 Peruntheru 

24 Muthunagar 

25 Varothayanagar 

Thampalagamam 26 Thampalagamam 

27 Palampottaru 

Kinniya 28 Upparu * 

29 Nadutheevu 

30 Kurinchakerny 

31 Periyathumunai 

32 Kakamunai 

33 Mancholaichenai 

34 Rahumaniya Nagar 

35 Soorangal

86 


36 Annal Nagar 

37 Faizal Nagar 

38 Munaichennai 

39 Kachchaikoditivu 

40 Idiman 

41 Kuddikarachchi 

42 Kinniya 

43 Malinthurai 

44 Kaddaiaru 

45 Ehuthanagar 

46 Samawachchethivu 

47 Sinna Kinniya 

48 Mahroof Nagar 

49 Alankerny 

50 Echchantivu 

Muthur 51 Navaretnapuram 

52 Ralkuli 

53 Kaddaiparichchan North 

54 Nalloor 

55 Koonithivu 

56 Naduthivu 

57 Kadatkaraichchenai 

58 Thaqwa Nagar 

59 Sampoor West 

60 Kaddaiparichchan south 

61 Thaghanager 

62 Muthur West 

63 Shafi Nagar 

64 Chenaiyoor 

65 Muthur East 

66 Palanagar 

67 Muthur Central 

68 Anaichenai 

69 Iqbal Nagar 

(Source : Based on Trincomalee Bay Interim SAM Plan of NECCDEP )

87 


APPENDIX 2 

MEMBERS OF SMA COMMITTEE UNDER INTERIM SMA PLAN 

S. No Designation Institution 

01 Chairman NGO Consortium, Trincomalee 

02 Deputy Director - Planning District Planning Secretariat, Trincomalee 

03 Divisional Secretary Town & Gravets, Trincomalee 

04 Divisional Secretary Muthur, Trincomalee 

05 Divisional Secretary Kuchchaveli, Trincomalee 

06 Divisional Secretary Thampalagamam, Trincomalee 

07 Divisional Secretary Kinniya, Trincomalee 

08 Divisional Forest Officer Forest Department, Trincomalee 

09 Officer In-charge Regional Office of the Central Environmental 

Authority, Trincomalee 

10 Deputy Project Director NECORD, Trincomalee 

11 Deputy Project Director NEIAP, Trincomalee 

12 Asst. Commissioner of Local 

Government 

Asst. Commissioner of Local Government Office, 

Trincomalee 

13 Assistant Commissioner Co-operative, Trincomalee 

14 District Rural Development Officer Rural Development Office, Trincomalee 

15 Secretary Urban Council, Trincomalee 

16 Secretary Pradeshiya Sabha, Town & Gravets 

17 Secretary Pradeshiya Sabha, Muthur 

18 Secretary Pradeshiya Sabha, Kinniya 

19 Secretary Pradeshiya Sabha, Kuchchaveli 

20 Secretary Pradeshiya Sabha, Mullipothanai 

21 District Director Sewa Lanka Foundation (SLF) 

22 District Director Kinniya Vision (KV) 

23 District Director Tamils Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) 

24 Project Coordinator Trincomalee District Development Association 

(TDDA) 

25 Project Coordinator Trincomalee District Youth Development 

“AHAM” 

26 Project Coordinator Socio Economic Development Organization of 

Trincomalee (SEDOT) 

27 Divisional Environmental Officer Urban Council, Trincomalee 

28 Divisional Environmental Officer Divisional Secretariat Office, Town & Gravets 

29 Divisional Environmental Officer Divisional Secretariat Office, Kinniya 

30 Divisional Environmental Officer Divisional Secretariat Office, Muthur 

31 Divisional Environmental Officer Divisional Secretariat Office, Kuchchaveli 

32 Divisional Environmental Officer Divisional Secretariat Office, Thampalagamam 

33 Officer In-charge Urban Development Authority, Trincomalee

88 


APPENDIX 3 

LIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IDENTIFIED IN THE CONSULTATION PROCESS 

1. Solid Waste (Including Hazardous waste) Collection and Disposal in land and coastal 

and lagoon water; 

2. Destruction of Mangrove Forest and Habitat Lost by negative Human-made factors; 

3. Damages and Lost to the Coral Reef and Sea-grass bed eco-system; 

4. Practicing of Destructive Fishing types, crafts and gears; 

5. Collection of Marine Ornamental fish, sea cucumber, sea weeds, mussels and 

oysters; 

6. Un-controlled mining of gravel, clay, sand and shell; 

7. Filling of lagoon by solid waste and encroaching into the lagoon area; 

8. Localized Pollution caused by Rice Mills, Kilns, Cement Industry and Hotels; 

9. Pollution caused by dumping and disposal of human waste including septic tank 

pollution; 

10. Salinization of Under Ground Water; 

11. Lost of Coastal Vegetation; 

12. Encroachments to the Coastal Areas; 

13. Coastal Erosion; 

14. Salt Water Intrusion; 

15. Excessive use of Agro-chemicals and intensive agriculture; 

16. Scarcity of safe drinking water; 

17. Prone to Health Hazards, Natural Hazards and Floods; 

18. Extinction of Aquatic & Coastal Bio-diversity (Dugongs, Turtle, Dolphin, Shark, 

Lobsters); 

19. Environmental Damages and Pollutions caused by un-planned tourism; and 

20. Un-planned urbanization.

89 


APPENDIX 4 

PRIORITIZED ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION WORKSHOP 

Core 

Environmental 

Issues 

Solid Waste 

Collection and 

Disposal 

including Human 

Waste 

Priority 

Rank 

Specific Environmental Issues 

1 1. Inability of implementing solid waste 

management (SWM) Strategies (3R, HH 

Composting, alternative use of polythene); 

2. Lack of management capacity of Local 

Authorities; 

3. Lack of human waste treatment facilities; 

4. Lack of Secure Land filling site; 

5. Wrong attitudes and irresponsibility of the public; 

6. Open Burning and Disposing Solid Waste along 

water ways; 

7. Lack of public commitment; 

8. Health hazards and inconvenience to transport 

and agriculture; 

9. Collection of Building Waste after Tsunami in the 

UC Limit; 

10. Lack of designated places for SW Disposal; 

11. Lack of slaughter house waste disposal facilities; 

12. Urbanization and infrastructural development 

with out concerning SW Disposal facilities; 

13. Lack of devices to remove SW from sewerage 

line. 

Remedy Actions 

1. Promote and implement SWM Strategies (3R, HH Composting, 

alternative use of polythene) through awareness; 

2. Promote plastic and paper recycling at the domestic level; 

3. Promote composting at household level for kitchen waste; 

4. Establish a composting centre for UC Garden Waste; 

5. Strengthen LA’s with logistical support and establish a proper 

SWM system and train LA’s to adopt recommended methods to 

dispose SW in dumping sites; 

6. Provide human waste treatment facilities & secure landfill sites; 

7. Change the attitudes and increase awareness of the public; 

8. Establish sub collection centers; 

9. Disinfect hospital waste and handle waste locally; 

10. Form and activate vigilance groups; 

11. Promote recycling of building waste and dispose residue at a 

proper identified place; 

12. Provide designated places to dispose SW; 

13. Provide Slaughter house waste disposal facilities; 

14. Provide devices to remove SW from sewerage line. 

continued…..

90 


continued….. 

Core 

Environmental 

Issues 

Degradation of 

Mangrove and 

Coastal 

Vegetation 

Priority 

Rank 

Specific Environmental Issues 

2 1. Loss of Mangrove habitats (spawning grounds) 

reduce the lagoon productivity in terms of the 

lagoon fishery; 

2. Drying of water ways; 

3. Land filling and Illegal encroachment; 

4. Absence of coastal protective measures after the 

Tsunami; 

5. Lack of awareness about the importance of 

mangroves and coastal vegetation; 

6. Salt Water intrusion problem; 

7. Cutting of mangrove and coastal trees for 

security purposes. 

Remedy Actions 

1. Create awareness amongst villagers; 

2. Promote community based mangrove replanting programmes; 

3. Promote community based coastal planting programmes; 

4. Provide technical advice on alternative uses of mangrove and 

coastal vegetation resources; 

5. Strengthen legal enforcement and continuous monitoring; 

6. Promote community level interventions to prevent the destruction 

of mangroves and coastal vegetation; 

7. Control beach sand mining; 

8. Establish salt water retention barriers; 

9. Declare mangrove and coastal area as a reservation area and 

promote tree planting; 

10.Take measures to prevent mangrove and tree cutting for security 

reasons; 

11. Carry out feasibility studies and plant appropriate species in 

mangrove areas and coastal areas.

91 


APPENDIX 5 

DETAILS OF PROGRESS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERIM SAMP UP TO THIRD QUARTER 2009 

S.N Description DS Division 

Implementing 

Partner 

Remarks 

I. Solid Waste Demonstration 

1 Establishing solid waste collection points at Schools Kinniya Kinniya Pradeshiya Sabha Completed 

2 Establishing Solid waste Management system in school Town & Gravets , Thampalagamam Zonal Education office Completed 

3 Establishing solid waste collection points at Schools (Phase II) Town & Gravets , Zonal Education office Ongoing 

4 Establishing waste collection bins at vegetable market in 

Trincomalee 

II. Solid Waste Management 

1 Establishing sub-Solid Waste collection points at Strategic 

Places in Uppuweli. 

2 Establishing Solid Waste collection Points at Varodayanagar 

School and Ales garden Internal Displaced Person (IDP) Camp 

in Uppuweli 

3 Establishing Sub - Solid Waste collection points at Manayaveli & 

Orr’s Hill. (3 Points) 

4 Pilot Project on Facilitating re - cycling processes by Introducing 

Sorting out – Systems 

Town and Gravets, Muthur, Kinniya, 

Thampalagamam 

Local Government 

Authority 

Completed 

Town & Gravets Pradeshiya Sabha Completed 

Town & Gravets Pradeshiya Sabha Completed 

Town & Gravets Urban Council Completed 

Town & Gravets Trincomalee UC Completed 

continued……

92 


continued……. 

III. Urban Protected Area 

1 City Greening Programme Town & Gravets Urban Council Completed 

2 Tree Planting at Lower road Town & Gravets Urban Council Completed 

3 Beautification of Trincomalee beach with recreational and Town & Gravets Urban Council Completed 

educational facilities Phase I 

4 Beautification of Trincomalee beach with recreational and 

educational facilities Phase II 

Town & Gravets Urban Council Completed 

5 Recycling Solid Waste generated from Trincomalee Urban 

Council Phase 1 

6 Composting Solid waste Generated from Trincomalee Urban 

Council Phase II 

Town & Gravets Awaiting ADB 

approval 

Town & Gravets Awaiting ADB 

approval 

7 Improving Landfill site at Kanniya Phase III Town & Gravets Awaiting IEE study 

5 Demarcation of forest land at Kinniya Kinniya Forest Department Completed 

IV. Habitat Restoration 

1 Restoration of mangrove vegetation in Muthur Muthur Fisheries Society Ongoing 

2 Restoration of mangrove vegetation in Kinniya Kinniya Social Development Ongoing 

Foundation 

3 Commencement of National Tree planting Day Town and Gravets Completed 

3 Sub total 

V. Conservation Intervention 

1 Coastal Conservation - Salli Town and Gravets Local Government 

Authority 

Awarded 

continued……

93 


continued……. 

VI. Other intervention 

1 Introducing Paddy husk fired stoves to manage the destruction 

of forests and minimize accumulation of paddy husk waste 

2 Introducing Firewood efficient stoves to manage the destruction 

of forests 

Kinniya, Thampalagamam District Project office Completed 

Muthur, Kinniya, Thampalagamam, 

Town & Gravets , Kuchchaveli 

District Project office 

Completed 

3 Salt Water Exclusion bund at Thampalagamam Thampalagamam Irrigation Department Awarded 

4 Sea water Exclusion Wall at Malinthurai, Kinniya Kinniya Completed 

5 Protecting Fort Frederic retention walls Trincomalee Town & Gravets Rasika Contractors Ongoing 

6 Restoration of Green belt at Gobalapuram to Nilaveli Town & Gravets Pradeshiya Sabah Ongoing 

7 Restoration of Green belt at Veloor Town & Gravets Pradeshiya Sabah Ongoing

94 


APPENDIX 6 

LIST OF FLORA AND FAUNA OBSERVED IN FIELD STUDIES 

6.1. List of woody flora species 

No 

Botanical Name 

(Sinhala) 

Local Name 

1 Acanthus ilicifolius Ikili Neer mulli 

(Tamil) 

2 Acrostichum aureum Keran koku Minni 

3 Avicennia officinalis Manda Vellai kandal 

4 Bauhinia racemosa Maila Thiruvathi 

5 Bruguiera gymnorrhiza Mal kadol 

6 Cassia fistula Ehala Thirukkontrai 

7 Cerbera manghas Wel kaduru Nachchukka 

8 Clerodendrum inerme Burenda Peechuvizhathi 

9 Croton spp Keppetiya 

10 Derris species Kalawel Thehilai 

11 Dichrostachys cinerea Andara Vidathal 

12 Diospyros malabarica Timbiri Panichchai 

13 Drypetes sepiaria Weera Veerai 

14 Excoecaria agallocha Thelkeeriya Thillai 

15 Ficus spp Nuga Alamaram 

16 Heritiera littoralis Etuna Chomuntri 

17 Hibiscus tiliaceus Belipatta Neer paruththi 

18 Limonia acidissima Divul Naruvila 

19 Lumnitzera racemosa Beriya Tipparethai 

20 Manilkara hexandra Palu Palai 

21 Pandanas tectorius Mudu-keyya Thazhalai 

22 Rhizophora apiculata Mahakadol Kanna 

23 Sonneratia alba Kirala Kanna 

24 Syzygium spp. Damba 

25 Terminalia arjuna Kumbuk Marutha maram 

26 Trema orientalis Gedumba Yerralai

95 


6.2. List of fauna species observed 

Common name 

Bird species 

Little grebe 

Little cormorant 

Indian shag 

India darker 

Spotted pilled pelican 

Little green heron 

Pond heron 

Cattle egret 

Little egret 

Large egret 

Brahminy kite 

White bellied eagle 

Marsh sand piper 

Common sand piper 

White preasted kingfisher 

Common king fisher 

Pied king fisher 

Other faunal species 

Torque monkey 

Grey mongoose 

Brown mongoose 

Scientific name 

Tachybaptus ruficollis 

Phalacrocorax niger 

Phalacrocorax fuscicoll 

Anhinga malonogaster 

Pelecanus philippensis 

Butorides striatus 

Ardeola grayii 

Bubulcus ibis 

Egretta garzetta 

Egretta alba 

Haliaster indus 

Haliaster lencogaster 

Tringa stagnatilis 

Tringa hypoleucos 

Halcyon smyrnensis 

Alcedo atthis 

Ceyle rudis 

Macaca sinica 

Herpestes edwardsi 

Herpestes fuscus

96 


APPENDIX 7 

NAME LIST OF IP-NGOS IN CONSULTATION PROCESS 

No. Name of participant Designation Name of IP-NGO 

1 Mathivathanan SM AHAM 

2 Farees S.I.M S/M Kinniya Vision 

3 Samaan M.I.M P/O Kinniya Vision 

4 Najerkhan M.S S/M/O Kinniya Vision 

5 Riyas B.M R/M/L KV 

6 Hasmy A.G.M KV 

7 Naleem V.M.M PC SDF 

8 Thuvarakan S SEDOT 

9 Carolin L SEDOT 

10 Sritharan S Field Officer SEDOT 

11 Barezith SM/D- SEWA LANKA Foundation 

Coordinator 

12 Irshath A.J S/M SEWA LANKA Foundation 

13 Safana Farwin A.S SM SEWA LANKA Foundation 

14 Sinthujan G Field Officer SSED 

15 Vathany D S/M/O SSED 

16 Ananthy S SM T.D.Y.D AHAM 

17 Vasuki V SMO T.D.Y.D AHAM 

18 Subagini N P/C T.D.Y.D AHAM 

19 Suthakar K P/C TDDA 

20 Rajini R SM TDDA 

21 Uvapriya M SM TDDA

97 


APPENDIX 8 

NAME LIST OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPANTS IN CONSULTATION PROCESS 

No. Name of participant Designation Name of organization 

1 Bhanumathy V President Alasthottam WRDS 

2 Shantha T Secretary Alasthottam WRDS 

3 Suganthy N Member Alasthottam WRDS 

4 Tharshini T Member Eechchanthivu – 3, WRDS 

5 Kamaladevi P Secretary Kannakipuram WRDS 

6 Pavalananthini T Treasurer Kannakipuram WRDS 

7 Riyath J Member Malinthurai RDS 

8 Abubakkar M.M Member Malinthurai RDS 

9 Sahathevan R Member Manayaveli RDS 

10 Pirashanthan F Member Manayaveli RDS 

11 Kanchana M Member Manayaveli WRDS 

12 Saraswathy R Member Manayaveli WRDS 

13 Sinnamamayil P Member Manayaveli WRDS 

14 Selvarani S Member Manayaveli WRDS 

15 Rajees N Secretary Muthur Fisheries Cooperative Society 

16 Kumutha K Treasurer Pattanatheru WRDS 

17 Jeyamathy G Member Poompukar WRDS 

18 Arulmoly V Member Poompukar WRDS 

19 Piratheepa R Secretary Thampalagamam WRDS 

20 Jeyaledsumy S President Thillainagar WRDS 

21 Rizana Beham M.N Acting 

Thillainagar WRDS 

President 

22 Thilaharani V President Veeracholai WRDS 

23 Komathi M Deputy Veeracholai WRDS 

Secretary 

24 Navajothy R Secretary Welfare Society

98 


APPENDIX 9 

LIST OF INDIVIDUAL GOVERNMENT OFFICERS CONSULTED 

Designation 

Department / agency 

1. Deputy Director Department of Agriculture 

2. Assistant Director Department of Agriculture – Kantalai 

3. Assistant Director Department of Agriculture – Muthur 

4. Deputy Director Department of Irrigation 

5. Senior Superintendent Survey Department 

6. Assistant Director Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Development 

7. Fisheries Inspector Kinniya 

8. Fisheries Inspector Muthur 

9. Divisional Forest Officer Forest Department 

10. Natural Resources Planner NECCDEP - Trincomalee 

11. Livelihood Development Officer NECCDEP - Trincomalee 

12. Planning Assistant Coast Conservation Department – Trincomalee 

13. Deputy Director Central Environmental Authority – Kantalai 

14. Assistant Director Central Environmental Authority – Trincomalee 

15. Development Officer Small Industries Development Department

99 


No. 

Name of 

participant 

1 Major General T.T.R. 

De Silva 

APPENDIX 10 

NAME LIST OF TRINCOMALEE DSAM CCC 

Designation 

Government Agent 

2 Mr A. Nadrajah Add. Government Agent Trincomalee 

Agency/Department 

District Secretary, Trincomalee 

3 Mr. P. Suntharalingam Director / Planning Planning Secretariat, Eastern Province 

4 S. Jelatheepan Divisional Secretary Divisional Secretariat, Town and Gravets 

5 M. Mubarak Divisional Secretary Divisional Secretariat, Kinniya 

6 N. Selvanayagam Divisional Secretary Divisional Secretariat, Muthur 

7 L.D. Thennekoon Divisional Secretary Divisional Secretariat, Thampalagamam 

8 R. Rohan ADP Divisional Secretariat, Town and Gravets 

9 A.C.M. Mussil ADP Divisional Secretariat, Kinniya 

10 T. Sutharsana ADP Divisional Secretariat, Thampalagamam 

11 R.D.S. Karunaratne Divisional Forest Officer Forest Department, Trincomalee 

12 S. Prabaharan Range Forest Officer Range Forest Office, Trincomalee 

13 J.A.J.N. Jayasooriya Fisheries Inspector, Dept. of Fishery and Aquaculture, Trinco 

14 A.S. Farooz Salam Div. Environment Officer Divisional Secretariat, Kinniya 

15 A.M. Sanoos Secretary Pradeshiya Saba, Muthur 

16 I.J.M.G.S.R. Bandara Fisheries Inspector Dept. of Fishery and Aquaculture 

17 Mrs. S. Sathikeen Rahumaniya, Kinniya 

18 V. Suthesh Narth Rural Development Society, 

Eachchantheevu, Kinniya 

19 M.I. Nijamdeen President Rural Dev.Society, Malinthurai, Kinniya 

20 M.A. Nisar Nadutheevu, Muthur 

21 H. Arsha Banu WRDS, Thahanager, Muthur 

22 N.M. Maisara Neithal Nager, Muthur 

23 P. Thilaharatnam President Sammanthuraiveli Farmer Organization, 

Kalimedu, Thampalagamam 

24 S. Chanthiradevi Secretary, 

Thampalagamam 

Rural Development Society, Patimedu, 

25 M. Kirushnaphillai President Rural Development Society, Kalimedu, 

Thampalagamam 

26 Disnica Jayawardana WRDS, Madgo, Trincomalee 

27 W.S.T. Fernando 79, Sandy Bay. 

28 A.Mathiuse RDS, Poompohar, Trincomalee 

29 A.G. Kusumalatha 410/18, Vijithapura 

30 M. Thevarasa Main Street, Varothaya Nager, 

31 T. Nirmala WRDS, Muruhapuri, Trincomalee

102 


APPENDIX 11 

LFA OF TB SAM 

Project Description Indicators Sources of verification Assumptions 

Overall objectives 

TB SAM is co-managed with the active 

involvement of the main stakeholder 

communities so as to deliver 

sustainable livelihoods within the 

carrying capacity of SAM natural 

resources. 

(SAM is an innovative approach where 

local communities play a significant 

role in planning and management. The 

concept of SAM is the collaborative, 

adaptive and flexible approach to 

resource management within a defined 

geographic area) 

1. CCCD declared TB SAM under 

Coast Conservation Act by Y-1 

2. Destruction of natural resources 

has become minimum or zero by Y- 

1to Y-4 

3. Sustainable income for fishers by 

Y-1 to Y-4 

4. Sediment deposition & pollution of 

bay has reduced by Y-1 to Y-4 

1. Gazette notification 

2. TB surveyed map 

3. Progress report 

4. DFAD & FF reports 

5. Study reports 

1. Draft and final SAM Plan will be 

approved by stake holders after 

the consultation process 

2. CCD should work with relevant 

agencies for survey and 

demarcation process. 

3. SAM Plan implemented effectively 

by DSAM CCC 

Purpose 

1. TB SAM plan implement by DSAM 

CCC to achieve conservation of 

natural resources and enhance 

socio-economic benefits to 

stakeholders. 

1. DSAM CCC prepare & implement 

annual plans based on TB SAM 

Plan 

2. Line agencies prepare & implement 

annual plan in line with TB SAM 

Plan. 

Records and progress 

reports 

Monthly and quarterly 

progress reports 

CCD will implement TB SAM Plan with 

DSAM CCC

103 


Results 

1. Conservation of natural resources 

of the conservation core zone of 

TB SAM including the islands in 

the bay 

1.1 Destruction of natural resources 

has become minimum or zero by 

Y-1to Y-4 

1.2 Sediment deposition & pollution 

levels has reduce from Y-1 

onwards 

DSAM CCC reports 

Study reports 

DSAM CCC will develop annual action 

plan with line agencies and provide 

funding for necessary activities 

2. Sustainable fisheries management 

to bring the benefits to fisher 

communities and other 

stakeholders 

2.1. FA,FF & DFAD preparing & 

implementing annual plan based 

on TB SAM plan 

Annual plans of 

FA,FF.DFAD 


DFAD will actively involve with FF to 

manage sustainable fishery industry in 

BL 

Funds available through projects 

3. Ecologically /socially friendly 

livelihoods and Micro/ Small 

Enterprise developments in the 

TB SAM buffer zone to brings 

benefits to all stakeholders; 

3.1. DAM CCC prepare & implement 

guidelines for establishment & 

operation of microenterprises 

(saltern, seashell extraction & 

grinding etc) from Y-1 onwards 


Field level verifications 

DS report 

DSAM CCC prepare the guidelines 

with assistances of CEA, NARA, 

NAQDA, DFAD & other related 

agencies 

DS will implement the guidelines 

effectively 

4. Ecologically friendly agricultural 

practices delivered in the buffer 

zone to bring benefits to farming 

communities and other 

stakeholders and to minimise 

negative impacts on the SAM; 

4.1. DSAM CCC with DA prepare & 

implement annual plan based eco 

friendly agricultural practices from 

Y-1 onwards 

Reports of Agriculture 

Department 

DSAM CCC 

Agriculture Department will implement 

the activity plan under the guidance of 

DSAM CCC 

Funds available through projects

104 


5. Improved micro environment in TB 

SAM through proper solid waste 

management, natural habitat 

improvement and other 

interventions to bring benefits to 

local people; 

5.1. UC, PS with assistances of 

DSAM CCC will prepare & 

implement annual Integrated 

Solid waste management 

system by Y1. 

5.2. DSAM with FD & DS will prepare 

& implement reforestation 

program Y-Y-4 

5.3. Better waste management 

system in operation in all 

households, enterprises & state 

agencies 

Progress reports / site 

inspection 

Progress reports & site 

inspection 

Reports, people response, 

site inspection 

DSAM CCC will facilitate the 

development & implementation of 

Integrated waste management system 

in all MC,UC,PS and business 

enterprises, state agencies & House 

holds 

Funds available through projects 

6. Conservation of natural habitats in 

the areas under security forces 

management in and around TB 

SAM based on guidelines 

developed by DSAM CCC and 

security forces. 

6.1. DSM CCC will coordinate with 

security forces to minimize or 

stop all illegal activities by Y-1 

6.2. DSAM CCC associate with Navy 

to stop all illegal activities in 

aquatic zone 

DSAM CCC meeting 

reports 

DSAM CCC will discuss with security 

forces to appoint representatives from 

Police & forces. 

Provide funds if necessary 

Activities 

1. Conservation of natural resources of the conservation core zone of TB SAM including the islands in the bay 

1.1. Survey & demarcation of SAM 

boundary based on proposed SAM 

plan 

1. Boundary poles established in Q- 

2,Y-1 

2. Sub zones demarcated Q-2, Y-1 

Survey reports & maps 

Field inspection 

Sub zones action plans 

Survey Department will complete 

surveying within 6 months 

Funds provided by CCD/ DSAM CCC 

DSAM CCC will develop sub zone 

specific plans and delegate 

responsibilities to relevant agencies 

1.2. Declaration of TB-SAM as SAM 

site by CCD 

1.DSAM CC facilitate with CCD to 

declare TB SAM by Q-2 Y-1 

Gazette notification 

Reports 

CCD will gazette TB SAM as agreed 

with NECCDEP

105 


1.3. Establish & manage TB SAM 

office at Kinniya which will house 

CCD, DFAD and Fishery 

Federation 

1.SAM Offices managing the TB SAM 

activities Y-1 

2. CCD, DFAD, FF officers are in SAM 

office by Q-2, Y-1 

DSAM CCC Reports 

Field verification 

DSAM CCC will implement SAM plan 

with CCD and project fund 

1.4. Carry out awareness among the 

adjoining communities about SAM 

concept, boundary marking & 

future expectations 

1.Local communities become aware 

of Tb SAM management by Q-2,Y-1 

DSAM CCC report 

CCD Report 

Filed verification 

SAM Office will implement the 

programs 

1.5. Establish at least 12 descriptive 

information boards at key points 

along the A-15 road and 

Trincomalee city 

1. Local communities & passengers 

become aware about SAM 

management Q-2,Y-1 



DSAM CCC will select suitable 

locations and establish boards along 

A-15 road from Trincomalee to Muthur 

and around Trincomalee city 

1.6. Develop habitat restoration plans 

implement by Y-1-4 

Selected habitats rehabilitated by 4 

years duration by implementing 

annual program 



DSAM CCC & CCD will implement 

habitat restoration program 

1.7. Conduct awareness program in all 

school & villages around SAM on 

conservation of B-SAM 

School children actively involve in IB 

SAM conservation program through 

awareness building & participation in 

activities during y- to Y-4 


CCD Report 

SAM Office will implement the 

programs with Schools 

1.8. Establish & manage Mahaweli 

ganga Estuary mangrove habitat 

as mangrove park 

Local & outside visitors visit the 

mangrove park and will become 

aware of SAM and conservation 

aspect every year Y-1 to Y-4 



DSAM CCC and CCD will establish 

and manage the mangrove park with 

suitable local entrepreneurs 

1.9. Sea erosion control mechanism 

between Kinniya and Muthur 

Sea erosion has reduced during Y-2- 

to Y-4 

CCD report 


CCD will able to obtain fund under TB 

SAM plan 

1.10. Develop and implement action 

plan for the core conservation sub 

zone under security forces 

management 

Illegal activities has reduced or stop 

by security forces with SAM from Y-1 

onward 

DSAM report 

DSAM CCC will able to coordinate 

with security forces

106 


2. Sustainable fishery management process to bring the benefits to fisher communities& other stakeholders 

2.1 Strengthening Fishers association 

(FA) with capacity building & 

awareness programs 

1. Office bearers leading the FAs as 

strong organizations by Q-2,Y-1 

FAs reports 

DFAD report 

DSAM CCC, CCD & DFAD will 

implement capacity building programs 

2.2. Formation / strengthening of TB 

SAM Fisher Federations in Kinniya 

and Muthur by bringing all FA of 

SMA into an integrated 

community organization 

Office bearers leading the Kinniya and 

Muthur FF as strong organizations by 

Q-2,Y-1 

FAs reports 

DFAD report 

DSAM CCC, CCD & DFAD will 

implement capacity building programs 

2.3 Implement lagoon fish population 

enrichment program 

Fish populations in BL and water 

bodies in buffer zone increased by Y- 

2 

NAQDA Report 

DFAD report 

DFAD implement program with 

NAQDA. DSAM CCC provide 

guidance 

2.4.Develop microfinance program for 

FF income generating activities 

and develop a revolving fund 

Fishermen able to get micro credit 

facilities by Q-4, Y-1 

FF reports 


TB SAM plan will provide seeds fund 

to start microfinance program 

2.5 Conduct alternative livelihood 

development trainings for 

selected youths in TB SAM area to 

help them find alternative 

livelihoods 

Youths of Fishers families engage in 

alternative livelihoods by Y-2 

FF report 

DFAD & FF implement the program 

with assistances of DSAM CCC

107 


3. Ecologically /socially friendly livelihoods and Micro/ Small Enterprise developments in the TB SAM buffer zone to brings benefits to all 

stakeholders 

3.1. Regularise the shell mining and 

grinding micro industry by 

developing and implementing 

operational guideline 

Pollution due to grinding of seashell 

has minimised or stop by Y-1 to Y-4 



DSAM CCC will develop guidelines 

and implement through DS, CEA, 

DFAD 

3.2. Regularise the micro saltern 

industry by developing 

management guidelines and 

implementing 

Encroachment on salt marsh has 

stopped from Y-1 onward 

Quality & hygienic Salt produce by 

micro entrepreneurs by Y-1 onward 


Filed inspection 

DSAM CCC developed guidelines for 

saltern and stopped encroachment of 

saltmarsh & mangrove habitats 

3.3. Implement alternative livelihood 

development programs by 

providing training and other 

business development services 

At least 5-10% of families involve in 

livelihoods other than fishing, shell 

mining & grinding and operation of 

micro saltern from Y-2 to Y-4 


DS reports 

DSAM CCC select families who are 

involve in fishing, shell mining & 

grinding and micro saltern and 

motivate them for alternative 

livelihoods 

4. Eco friendly agricultural practices in buffer zone to bring benefits to farming communities and other stakeholders 

4.1. Promote organic farming in crop 

lands in the buffer zone. 

Local communities in buffer zone will 

aware the cost & benefits of organic 

farming in Y-1- Y4 

New farmers started organic farming 

every year from Y-1 to Y-4 

Department of Agriculture 

(DA) report 

Field surveys 

DA will implement an annual plan to 

enhance organic farming in buffer 

zone with DSAM CCC guidance 

4.2. Promote “live fence” program and 

wood lots in home gardens 

Households tree cover increased 

annually 

DA Report 

Field surveys 

DA will implement tree planting 

programs in buffer zone with 

assistances of DSAM CCC 

4.3. Promote proper utilization of 

pesticide & chemical fertilizer 

amongst paddy farmers. 

Excessive use of agro chemicals / 

chemical fertilizer reduce annually 

DA Report 

Field surveys 

DA will conduct program with 

assistances of DSAM CCC

108 


5. Improved micro environment in buffer zone & SAM area through proper waste management and other interventions to bring benefits to 

local people 

5.1. Facilitate development of solid 

waste management system based 

on existing experiences and CEA 

project in Trincomalee UC 

Solid waste free micro environment 

through integrated solid waste 

management system from Y- to Y-4 

Reports of UC 

CEA project reports 

DSAM CCC will coordinate with CEA 

and local government agencies 

5.2. Establish community woodlots in 

reservations and patches of state 

lands and manage with community 

Local communities become aware 

and also involve in establishment of 

annual community woodlot program 

FD annual community 

woodlot Report 

Inspection report 

Field surveys 

FD will develop annual plan with 

assistances of Divisional Secretaries 

and DSAM CCC 

DSAM CCC provide management 

guidance 

5.3 Facilitate development of solid 

waste management system based 

on existing experiences and CEA 

project in Kinniya & Muthur Urban 

areas 

Solid waste free micro environment 

through integrated solid waste 

management system from Y- to Y-4 

Reports of PSs 

CEA project reports 

DSAM CCC will coordinate with CEA 

and local government agencies 

5.4. Establish & manage filtering 

system at outlets of drainage lines 

which discharge waste water to 

the SAM in Urban Council & other 

urban areas 

Drainage water quality flows to 

aquatic zone of TB SAM has 

improved from Y-2 

UC & PS reports 

Field surveys 

DSAM CCC provide guidance to MC, 

UCs to establish & manage filtering 

systems 

CEA & ID provide technical 

assistances

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