'Ran Dothalu' Offering by President- Controversy Continues

A recent religious offering involving the endangered Ran Dothalu (Loxococcus rupicola) by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has drawn strong criticism from environmentalists and scientists, highlighting ongoing concerns over the illegal use of protected species in religious ceremonies.

The President was seen offering the rare palm flower during the Aluth Sahal Mangallaya — a traditional rice harvest ritual held on April 4 at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. Although the flower appeared to have been handed to him by organisers, experts warn that such high-profile acts can unintentionally promote illegal harvesting.

“This endemic flower is endangered. When leaders use it in public rituals, it encourages unsustainable collection from the wild,” said botanist Bhathiya Gopallawa, adding that entire plants are often cut down just to obtain a few flowers.

Environmental journalist Malaka Rodrigo raised the issue directly with the Media Minister, who responded that he would investigate how a strictly protected species ended up at a state ceremony and issue a clarification.

This is not the first time Ran Dothalu has been at the centre of controversy — former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a similar offering in 2021. Despite its cultural and spiritual significance, the plant is protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO), making it illegal to harvest or possess any part of it, even from private land.

Former Director General of the Department of Botanical Gardens, Prof. Siril Wijesundara, stressed the species' uniqueness: “It’s endemic to Sri Lanka and the only species in its genus. If we lose it, we lose the entire genus.”

Volunteer group Samanala Kanda Rasika Ekamuthuwa (SKRE) has been at the forefront of awareness campaigns. They’ve launched educational initiatives and even taken legal action against offenders. “We’ve filed three cases with solid evidence — including social media photos — and all resulted in fines,” said SKRE lawyer Dasni Piyasiri.

One such case involved a family who picked the flower from their garden, unaware of the law. “The FFPO does not allow removal of any part of this plant, regardless of location,” Ms. Piyasiri explained.

SKRE has now formally written to the President, urging him to acknowledge the mistake, issue a public apology, and ensure better protection of the species. “We need clarity on how this plant ended up in the President’s hands,” she added.

There have been calls to explore the cultivation of Ran Dothalu for ceremonial purposes. Prof. Wijesundara supports the idea, but insists it must be properly regulated to avoid further harm to wild populations.

In the meantime, environmentalists urge religious and community leaders to lead by example and discourage the use of this critically threatened species in rituals.