The Supreme Court has ruled that the Director General of Wildlife, the Central Environmental Authority, the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs, and the North Western Provincial Environmental Authority have violated the fundamental human rights of residents in the area by failing to prevent the incumbent of the Nakolagane Ancient Raja Maha Viharaya from clearing forests surrounding the temple and handing them over to private parties for commercial cultivation. Sri Lanka Latest News
The Supreme Court has also ordered the Director General of Wildlife to initiate a reforestation programme to restore the cleared forest areas. In addition, the Court directed that the costs incurred be recovered from the incumbent of the Nakolagane Ancient Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven. Walathwawe Rahula Thero, within three months.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court instructed the Director General of Wildlife, the Central Environmental Authority, and the North Western Provincial Environmental Authority to publish advertisements in three languages in national newspapers on Sundays, apologizing to the public for their failure to prevent the deforestation. The Court also stated that the advertisements must include details of the measures being taken to prevent future deforestation.
