Gampaha District Committee To Take Over Controversial Land In Muthurajawela
The Gampaha District Coordinating Committee yesterday decided to take over the part of the Muthurajawela Environmentally Sensitive Zone which is said to be owned by a private party and not to allow any private construction in it, a senior environmentalist said.
He said that the decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Western Province Governor Air Marshal Roshan Goonetileke and District Coordinating Committee Chairman Sahan Pradeep Pradeep Withana. Recently, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that action would be taken against any person irrespective of post or position who try to misuse sensitive areas.
According to Parliamentarian Sahan Pradeep Withana the government has decided to take over the private sector in the area. Governor Roshan Goonetileke has stated that the police should take action regarding this decision and that no complaints are required. Lalith Wickramaarachchi, Attorney-at-Law, Western Regional Assistant Director, Department of Wildlife Conservation, explained the current situation in Muthurajawela.
Gampaha Government Agent Sunil Jayalath and other people’s representatives in the 600 acre Muthurajawela area pointed out that there has been a massive protest against the environmental damage being caused and that this decision could be taken as it could be a problem similar to the Rathupaswala water issue.
FAQs