Nearly 100 acres in Eluwankulama, Wanathavilluwa has been destroyed with the help of a Provincial politician, the ‘Wayamba Handa’ Environment Organization has charged.
Organizer of the Association Ajith Gihan said illegal felling of various trees, including Palu’ trees which are more than 200- years- old, and ‘Weera’ and Satinwood which are about 100- years- old have been carried out over several months.
The destruction of the area which is several kilometers away from the Wilpattu National Park will prompt animals, including elephants to enter villages situated close by, he further charged.
The ‘Wayamba Handa’ Environment Organization has called on relevant authorities to immediately commence an inquiry into the destruction of the forest.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Wanathavilluwa Divisional Secretariat Chaturaka Jayasinghe has revealed information has been received with regard to the forest destruction and that steps are being taken to arrest the suspects involved.
Measures are being taken to verify if the forest belongs to the Government or is part of the 6000 acres of land granted to the cement corporation in 1960, he added.
(NewsWire)
