SJB raise concerns on Govt. move to axe forestry regulations

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday raised concerns about a cabinet paper aimed at withdrawing or amending Circular 5/2001 that protects a range of forest lands, and transferring them under the purview of Divisional and District Secretaries, citing possible damage to the county’s fragile ecosystem. 

Speaking at a press conference, SJB member and former Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha De Silva stressed that the control over the forest areas covered by Circular 5/2001 should remain with Forest Conservation Department. 

Dr. De Silva pointed out that Circular 5/2001 transferred control of the forest areas to the Department after the regional politicians and authorities were found to have deforested the lands. 

“Any action regarding to the forest areas in question are controlled by the Government, why is there a sudden need to shift control back to the Divisional and District Secretaries?” he questioned, pointing out that protection of the forests and nature was vital to sustainable development. 

Dr.De Silva charged that if the circular was amended and control transferred to District and Divisional authorities, local politicians will influence decision making and there by pilfer the forest lands.  

He questioned why the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) which launched awareness campaigns regarding alleged deforestation in Wilpattu forest and campaigned against deforestation is not turning back legislation that is needed to keep the remaining forests from being depleted. De Silva stated that land estimated for the future agricultural and development needs have already been identified and demarcated legally. 

“Who asked for this move? No one, none of the environmentalists in the country support this, the youth of the country don’t support this. Who will benefit from this? This is in contrast to what was promised in the election manifesto that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa presented to the public,” he said. 

“We are calling on the Government to withdraw this dangerous plan, and don’t hand over the key to invaluable treasure which needs to be preserved for our future generations, to regional politicians who will destroy these forests,” he appealed. (AF)