Action To Stop Deforestation In Kebilitta Forest
Shakila Ifham
June 2, 2022
The government yesterday decided to give priority to cultivation in the buffer zone of the Kebilitta Forest Reserve and to put an end to encroachments in the forest.
Agriculture, Wildlife and Wildlife Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera instructed the Deputy Inspector General of police in charge of the Moneragala District to immediately arrest and prosecute any person who forcibly seize lands belonging to the reserve despite having suitable lands outside.
On Tuesday the Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickremaratne instructed to take action against the encroachers, however, a senior police officer in the district failed to take action, which led to chaos in the area.
A group of environmentalists took up the matter with Minister in charge. This move led to arrests and charging of racketeers and persons forcibly seizing lands belonging to the Kebilitta Forest Reserve.
On Tuesday some people in Moneragala District were attempting to seize lands belonging to the Kebilitta Forest Reserve, though their attempts continued yesterday, prompt action had stopped illegal encroachment.
A discussion on this matter was held under the patronage of the Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Wildlife Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera at his ministry in Battaramulla.
The Minister inquired about the acquisition of lands in the Kebilitta Forest Reserve. Officials pointed out that some 25,000 acres of land outside the Kebilitta Forest Reserve had been given for cultivation to the Public but some people were trying to acquire reserved lands without cultivating the lands already given to them.
Although a group of wildlife officers had entered the Kebilitta Forest Reserve with the Special Task Force yesterday, the Minister had telephoned the DIG of Moneragala District and inquired about the situation as it was reported that some people were obstructing them
Accordingly, the government has decided to give priority to cultivation, but the Minister instructed the DIG to immediately arrest and prosecute any persons who forcibly seize lands belonging to the reserve despite having suitable lands.
Also, since the cultivation of maize in the Maha season is scheduled to commence from October, the Minister instructed that neither individuals nor racketeers should be allowed to take over the lands in the Kebilitta Forest Reserve until a meeting is held with the participation of all parties to identify those who do not have land required for cultivation.
Mrs. Chandra Herath, Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Wildlife Conservation and theDirector-Generall of the Department of Forest Resources also participated in this discussion.
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