Sanath Nishantha oblivious to Wildlife Protection Act: Chandrasena
Referring to the incident in which the Gampaha District Forest Officer rejected the proposal to construct a playground at the Kadolkele mangrove in Negombo, Environment and Wildlife Resources Minister S.M. Chandrasena said State Minister Sanath Nishantha Perera would have been ignorant of the Wildlife Protection Act when dealing with the situation.
Addressing a news briefing, he said the approach taken by the District Forest Officer to tackle the situation was commendable.
“It is good that she explained the actual situation to Sanath Nishantha who is unaware of the legal procedure of the project. I am ready to safeguard the District Forest Officer and take sole responsibility over any possible threat to her life. No land belonging to the government can be used for construction purposes or any other motive unless through a parliamentary process. I will not allow using and destroying even an inch of mangrove,” he said, adding that steps were already underway to suspend the proposal concerned.
Accordingly, the proposal to construct a playground at the Kadolkele mangrove in the Negombo lagoon had been withdrawn following the strong stance taken by Gampaha District Forest Officer Devani Jayathilaka at a meeting chaired by State Minister of Inland Fisheries Industry Sanath Nishantha Perera last Monday.
(Source: Daily Mirror – By Sheain Fernandopulle)
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Stance taken by the Gampaha District Forest Officer Ms. Devani Jayathilake is commendable. This incident has gone viral in social media all standing behind this brave lady. This is how government officers should behave. Hats off to her.
Agreed Mr Amarakoon.
Moreover, pleased that MP Chandrasena has backed her decision, without overturning it or giving a deaf ear.
The incident also illustrates the power of social media; in this case for a worthy cause.
Slightly puzzled and concerned that MP Perera has no knowledge that mangroves are protected in Sri Lanka, and that efforts are made to replace mangroves in areas where they have been uprooted/ destroyed.