The government Survey Department has so far only identified and recorded 12 or 13 waterfalls. However, the LCWF has identified around 385 waterfalls, but only 322 have been recorded because a time frame for any change to develop has to be kept before a waterfall is documented.

The LCWF was set up four years ago and is a registered organization with the central environmental authority. "Nothing has been done n the country in studying, identifying or recording our waterfalls, except for a few studies done by the survey department and interested individuals". Said coordinator, LCWF.

Speaking to the Sunday Leader, coordinator stated that it is very important that locals and foreigners learn to protect the countries waterfalls.

A big threat that affects waterfalls is the scarcity  of water in catchments areas, which in turn reduces the water levels in these waterfalls.

Another problem is when garbage and other objects are thrown in the catchments area waters,  whereby it flows to the source of the waterfall n turn polluting this water as well as blocking the flow, thus reducing the amount of water.

"Although it is hard to avoid, even  power projects  can destroy some of our magnificent waterfalls, because a waterfall has to be blocked and redirected in order  for it to be used for power generation."

Coordinator stated that shops that are put up close to the waterfalls may pose a problem, as the possibilities of polluting the waters are high. He also pointed out that people from low income backgrounds, put up such boutiques for their livelihood and unless they are provided with alternative income generation modes the issue will continue. "It is hard to tell them not to take advantage of the waterfalls in their areas." He  said.

He explained that the whole area around a waterfall is distinctive including the plants, flowers, fish, reptiles and birds found round a waterfall. "Once a   waterfalls dries up these species gradually diminish," clarified coordinator.

"Sri Lankans are aware to some extent of environmental issues and sometimes it is poverty that drives a person to use a water fall for living."

 "We  are in contact  with all provincial journalists and non governmental organizations (NGOs) and wherever there are new waterfalls developing, we are notified and we record them, "pointed out coordinator.

At a national level only a few NGOs at the provincial and individuals have recorded waterfalls", explained coordinator. There is no other national or even international organization involved in the study of waterfalls.

He stressed that this organization hopes to hold a world congress on waterfalls in Sri Lanka by 2005, the first of its kind, LCWF will also release a book titled SriLankan Waterfalls by Dharman Wickremarathne shortly. "There are no guidelines or rules when researching waterfalls. Some sort off guidelines should be put forward because a lot of school students and researchers have no guidelines to work by. The LCWF will also have their website. www.srilankanwaterfall.org for the public.