Centuries old trees at risk of being cut down

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Reports have surfaced with regard to an attempt to cut down trees that have been standing tall for over a century, under the guise of development.

Sri Lankan authorities have allocated Rs. 20 Million under the Suhuru Project series for the renovation of the Ulpath Wewa at the Devata village in Horowpathana.

The project is directly supervised by the Kekirawa Irrigation Engineer, and local farmers allege that permission has been given to cut down 17 tall Kumbuk trees and 1 Oak tree located on the banks of the tank.

The Chairman of the National Govijana Collective, Anuradha Tennakoon pointed out that cutting down 18 trees would pose serious risks to the ecosystem, as the Ulpath Wewa was formed when the water from a number of nearby springs. He said that nearby springs would also dry up as a result of this attempt. 

When inquired, the Horowpatahana Divisional Secretary told News 1st that development activities must take place without causing any harm to the environment around as the Ulpath Wewa is located in a sensitive eco system.