Being a wetland, this park serves home to many different animals and marshy plants, especially temporary homes for migratory birds. Giving home to more than 50 species of wetland birds, over 25 butterfly species, many types of fishes, dragonflies, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and many terrestrial and aquatic plant species, this park indicates high biodiversity value especially remarking the value of urban wildlife. It contains a study center, open study area, board walks for walking through the wetland, butterfly garden, bird watching tower and bird hide, ground water wells, a laboratory, a herbarium, children’s pond, wetland agriculture area, rush and reed pond, audio video room and boat riding facilities. This park is intended to open to the public by December 2015.Extending about 60 acres, the Biodiversity Study Park, Thalawathugoda is first of its kind in Sri Lanka, located in an urbanized area within close proximity to the parliament. Originally this park was a paddy land. During the late 1970’s the parliament lake was created and this land was used to deposit dredge material and cultivation ceased. At present it serves as a flood detention area, absorbing flood water during heavy storms and contributes protect parliament area from being inundated. Some of its other benefits are lowering the city temperature, providing a place for students to conduct biodiversity practicals, and providing a recreational area for lovers of nature.