News
Environmentalists sound warning ‘Mahaweli bid to reduce size of EMZ will worsen human-jumbo conflict’
Pro-govt. racketeers engaged in illegal activities with impunity
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Mahaweli Authority has insisted 5,750 acres be removed from the proposed Hambantota Elephant Management Zone (EMZ) and if the Authority is allowed to have its way the human-elephant conflict and the water shortage in the area will worsen, environmentalists warn.
Environmental activist Sajeewa Chamikara said yesterday the undue delay in declaring EMZ was mainly due to obstacles placed by the Mahaweli Authority.
“The plan to create this reserve was prepared in 2010 and approval granted in 2011. However, powerful ministers of both the Rajapaksa and yahapalana governments prevented the implementation of the plan. The same people are behind a large number of illegal soil and granite extraction sites in the area earmarked for the reserve. These racketeers have the support of politicians in the SLPP and the SJB and Mahaweli Authority officials.”
Chamikara said that the Mahaweli Authority had allowed big businessmen to pump water to their illegal cultivations inside the area within the proposed EMZ, and as a result small-scale farmers were facing a severe water shortage, he said. “The farmers of Hambantota who have been protesting for nearly 100 days, will continue with their agitation until the gazette notification declaring the Wild Elephant Management Reserve in Hambantota is published”, the environmental activist said.
“Due to the continuous protests by farmers the Mahaweli Authority now has agreed to the EMZ, but it still insists that 5750 acres be removed from the EMZ and this extent includes forest area in Usgala, Andarawewa from the EMZ. This forest area is an important catchment for many of the tanks and used by elephants to enter the Andarawewa forest. If the EMZ does not encompass this particular area the human-elephant conflict in the area will take a turn for the worse, and the water shortage will become more acute.”
The Cabinet in February approved a proposal by the Minister of Environment to declare a 23,746-hectare elephant reserve subsequent to obtaining the Legal Draughtsman’s consent for publishing the gazette at issue.
Chamikara added that according to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, the Minister of Environment could declare a protected area. Given that, the government’s move was a clear diversionary tactic, he said. Chamikara said that the government had not obtained Cabinet approval for expanding the road to Lankagama in Sinharaja or parcel out land in Kandakadu, Dahaiyagala, and Somawathiya.
“Farmers know this and that’s why they will go on with their struggle until the gazette is actually printed. More than 156 farmer organisations and a number of trade unions have joined the struggle of the Hambantota farmers.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath will represent Sri Lanka at the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican City, the Ministry said.
The funeral is scheduled for today.
About 50,000 people came to pay their respects to the late Pope on Thursday, the Vatican news service said.
“Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, an ancient tradition of nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of the late Pope’s soul,” according to the Vatican news service.
“The Novemdiales Masses will be held each day at 5:00 PM (GMT +2) in St. Peter’s Basilica, except for the Mass on Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 27, which will take place at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Square.”
An underworld hitman who attempted to break into a house in the Andiambalama area of Katunayake to kill a businessman was arrested in Rajanganaya by the police and the Special Task Force (STF) on Thursday night after the attempt failed and he escaped by jumping over a wall.
Investigations have revealed that this individual is connected to a number of murders, including the recent killing of a businessman known as “Indikatu Jude” in the Seeduwa area a few weeks ago, as well as several other criminal activities.
Police said that the suspect was responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a man sleeping in a three-wheeler in the Gampaha area and attempting to assassinate another person at the Negombo market.
The suspect arrived in Andiambalama with another underworld assassin to murder a businessman engaged in money lending from his residence.
At the time of the incident, the businessman attempted to close his electric gate. The contract killer and his accomplice tried to shoot the businessman, but their weapon malfunctioned and did not fire. A struggle ensued between the businessman and the two assailants, after which the assailants tried to escape by jumping over the wall of the house as the would-be victim ran into the house.
During the escape, one of the suspects fell from the wall and fractured a bone in his leg. Local residents captured him after assaulting him and handed him over to the police.
The other contract killer managed to flee the scene but was later apprehended in the Rajanganaya area.Investigations are being carried out under the supervision of Negombo Division SSP Ashoka Dharmasena.
By Hemantha Randunu
The Committee of Inquiry investigating IGP T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon over alleged gross abuse of power has formally requested the Acting IGP to nominate a police investigation team to assist its work. The request was made during the Committee’s second meeting, held yesterday (25 April) in the Parliamentary complex.
The Attorney General has appointed Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris, and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, to support the Committee’s proceedings.
At the session, the Committee held initial discussions on how to proceed with the investigation and involve key stakeholders. It was agreed that the next meeting will be held on 28 April, 2025, to decide on the next steps.
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