News
Rape of Sinharaja continues as demarcated buffer zone not acquired
There were vast extents of land belonging to the Land Reform Commission (LRC) adjacent to the Sinharaja National Heritage Wilderness Area, and some of it had been cleared to plant tea, environmentalist Sajeewa Chamikara alleged yesterday.
Speaking about threats to Sinharaja, he told The Island that realising it the then Cabinet had decided, on August 04, 2004, to acquire and connect a 500 metre buffer zone to the Sinharaja forest. “That decision was taken as the LRC, under which most of the lands fell, had been releasing large tracts of land to hoteliers, plantation companies and other investors, thus jeopardising the future of the world heritage site.” Such action had led to the loss of habitat of endemic species and catchment forests, he said.
“It was expected to acquire 2,490 hectares for forest land. These forests were Murakele estate (50.4 hectares,) Fab Estate (181.3 hectares,) Ilumbakanda estate (567 hectares,) Morning Side estate (55.4 hectares,) canter estate (130 hectares,) Gaze estate (137.5 hectares,) Gonhela estate (137.9 hectares,) Ebaros estate (35.4 hectares,) Bakware estate (109.9 hectares,) Kondurugala estate (99 hectares) and Dambahena estate (8.6 hectares) of Ratnapura District; Enasal estate (436 hectares,) Kurugala estate (188 hectares,) Beverly estate (28 hectares) and Hemagiri estate (40 hectares) in Matara District and Homadola estate (304 hectares) in Galle District. These are lands that were released to various plantation companies by the LRC.”
Although the Cabinet had approved the acquiring of those lands, the Forest Conservation Department had not been able to do so for 16 years and that had led to the expansion of tea and Cardamom plantations at the expense of the rainforest, Chamikara said.
The environmental minister of the previous government, former President Maithripala Sirisena, gazetted the annexation of 13 proposed forest reserves to the Sinharaja National Heritage Wilderness Area. With that the total land area of the Sinharaja National Heritage Wilderness Area was to increase to 30, 000 hectares.
“This permitted the absorption of the proposed Ayagama, Delgoda, Dellawa, Delmella-Yatagampitiya, Diyadawa, Kobahadukanda, Morapitiya-Runakanda-Neluketiya Mukalana, Warathalgoda, Silverkanda, Handapanella, Gongala and Paragala reserves to the Sinharaja National Heritage Wilderness Area. Although Sirisena signed the gazette almost a year ago, it still hasn’t been published,” Chamikara said.
The environmentalist added that although former President Maithripala Sirisena had signed the gazette over a year back, it not been published and regional politicians and their business partners were planning to use the LRC lands adjoining the Sinharaja to widen roads to facilitate the expansion of tea plantations and hotels. The people who live around Sinharaja, who had been promised improved facilities, were being misled by those elements, Chamikara said.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
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Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Voting commences to elect members for 339 local government authorities
President holds talks with Vietnamese President
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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