Sri Lanka Tourism yesterday denied that its institutions have provided any form of approval for the Deep Jungle Festival in the outskirts of Habarana.

“We Sri Lanka Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism categorically deny having provided any form of approval for the event,” a letter directed to the department of Forest by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) noted.

It also added that based on clearances obtained from other line agencies to stage this event and on submission SLTPB had provided endorsement from a tourism perspective which too will be withdrawn unless necessary environmental clearance is obtained.

“To the contrary, when all endeavours are to develop and promote tourism on a suitable platform together with the Ministry of Tourism. SLTPB strongly recommends the cancelling of the planned event if the organisers have not obtained the necessary environmental, wildlife, forest and other related agency clearances/approval,” it added.

The letter directed to the Conservator General of Forest by the SLTPB Managing Direct said: “It is important that we develop the mechanism for all related organisations to work in consultation with an understanding and a good working arrangement, to avoid similar occurrences in the future.”

Habarana jungle concert irks environmentalists and tourism stakeholders