Swift Deforesting in North and East – 16,500 acre converted to residential areas

16,500 acre Forest land in the North and the East which were under the Forest department had be deforested and destroyed illegally and residences constructed in them, said The Environment Preservation Federation.

This deforestation had been continuing in 17 protected forest lands in Mullaitheevu, Mannar, Vavuniya and Amparai Districts. The deforestation which started during the previous regime is continuing unabatedly to date.

It is said the this deforestation is being done in blatantly contravening the Preservation of Forests Act, National Environmental act,  Archaeological statutes, and the State Land Laws.

5,000 acre of ebony forest in Vavuniya only, had been destroyed completely and people are settled there it is reported.

It notable that Minister Rishad Badi-ud- Deen was reported to be involved in these deforestations in Mannar, Wilpathu and Mullaitheevu.