President orders immediate halt to construction projects, landfilling in Muthurajawela Sanctuary

President Maithripala Sirisena, after undertaking an observational tour of the Muthurajawela Sanctuary, today ordered an immediate halt to all construction and land reclamation activities within the sanctuary which could result in the destruction of the environment surrounding this diverse ecosystem.

The President has ordered the revocation of all the permits that have already been given by any government organisation to fill any lands around the area, the President’s Media Division said.

The President has instructed the relevant authorities to take disciplinary action against government officers who have already sponsored such acts which harm the environment or those who are still aiding such destructive actions.

Recently there were media reports on the environmental pollution which was occurring near the Muthurajawela Sanctuary which is a vital wetland in Sri Lanka. Following these reports, President Sirisena studied the issue and undertook an observational visit around the site at around dawn yesterday.

After the visit, the President held a special meeting with ministers, government officers and the chiefs of the security forces and instructed them to take appropriate action.

President Sirisena also directed the officers to obtain legal advice to gazette these lands as wildlife and environmental conservation regions.

The President said that even a land with an ownership deed should not receive permission to allow construction or landfilling if there is an adverse effect on the environment. He said he would not hesitate to take action even if there was proof of political influence being used.President Sirisena instructed the Inspector General of Police to provide special security through the Special Task Force of the police and to erect barriers to the roads that lead to the wetlands in order to prevent acts of pollution taking place near the sanctuary.

President Sirisena said to revoke permits, if any, given by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau to provide soil for filling lands in this area.

Ministers Patali Champika Ranawaka and Duminda Dissanayake and Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara accompanied the President on his tour of the area.