Legal Action Against Irrigation Department Over Tree Felling

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Department of Wildlife Conservation has filed a case against the Department of Irrigation over the destruction of trees near Nelumwewa in Eluwankulama, within the buffer zone of the Wilpattu National Park.

The case was filed at the Puttalam Magistrate’s Court under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.

A joint field inspection conducted with the involvement of the Ministry of Environment found that around 110 trees had been burned and felled, including 61 large Kumbuk trees (Terminalia arjuna), 24 Bakmi trees (Nauclea orientalis), and two Madan trees (Syzygium cumini).

The bund of the tank, which is managed by the Department of Irrigation, had previously collapsed due to disasters associated with Cyclone Ditwah.

The trees were burned and felled while the Department of Irrigation was carrying out restoration work.

No prior approval or environmental recommendation had been obtained from the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the Central Environmental Authority for the restoration project.

Legal action has therefore been initiated against the Department of Irrigation.

Police stated that the Wanathawilluwa Divisional Secretary has also lodged a complaint regarding the incident.