The Minister of Environment addressed the importance of protecting reserves, protected areas, and forests, emphasizing that forest protection should be enforced nationwide, including in Sinharaja. He further noted that Mr. Chathura Gunaratne of the Herathgama Site Forest Officer’s Office will be transferred to oversee protection of the reserve in the Hakwatunawa Reservoir.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted that government officials face obstructions when unauthorized excavations occur on land belonging to the Galgamuwa Kumbukwewa Forest Reserve, raising concerns about the challenges of safeguarding these reserves.
Speaking in Parliament today, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned these issues, but both the Speaker and government members continued to oppose his remarks.
