Environment Ministry promises action against those who destroyed 1,000 mangrove saplings

By Ifham Nizam

The Environment Ministry has decided to take action against those responsible for destroying 1,000 mangrove saplings at the Anawilundawa recently.

A senior Ministry official expressed disgust at the destruction of the saplings planted in a wetland site designated to be of international importance as per the Ramsar Convention under the National Wetlands Programme.

The government had decided to take over and develop the Muthurajawela Wet Sanctuary under the Ministry of Environment and the Urban Development Authority, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Amaraweera said yesterday President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had instructed him to take over the ecologically sensitive wet sanctuary immediately under the Ministry of Environment and the Urban Development Authority.

Addressing journalists at the Environment Ministry yesterday, the Minister said the Muthurajawela Wet Sanctuary had been taken over by various individuals, who destroyed the ecosystem.

The Minister said he and Dr. Anil Jasinghe, the Secretary to the Ministry, had made an observation tour to look into the matter and had seen that certain businessmen, underworld gangs and also some government officials were responsible for destroying the wetland. He said the work would be completed by the end of next year while protecting the Muthurajawela ecosystem. .

“The President has informed me that the government will provide all financial assistance for the purpose,” the Minister added, thanking all those who had fought for the protection of the Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary.