SUNIL JAYASIRI 
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Threats to env. Scientist
An environmentalist, who had reported that a rare species of fish had been spotted along the Mahaweli River at Warathenna in Kandy where a private hydro power project had been constructed, said today that some unidentified elements were trying to cause trouble for him.
The rare species of fish known as Labeo Fisheri and also called the ‘Gadaya’ was believed to be extinct for several years up until recently when it was rediscovered during blasting at a hydro power project in the stretch of the Mahaweli river along the Peradeniya-Katugastota highway in Warathenna. When the issue came to light the hydro power project was temporarily suspended on August 2 and is currently being investigated by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and other environmental groups.
The environmental scientist Pradeep Samarawickerama said that since a few days ago a number of people claiming to be from the Police Intelligence Service travelling in vehicles from the Western Province had questioned people living in the vicinity of his residence asking for information on him. He said on one occasion the officials had interrogated him personally.
“They asked me about information I had given to the media on the issue. I refused to give any information and demanded to see their police identification. Their identification read VIP security and not intelligence service contrary to what they said. I suspect that the power project is backed by a politically influential person, which is why I am now facing these difficulties,” Samarawickerama said.
He said the Warathenna temple incumbent priest who had also disclosed information on the species of fish at the power project has also been subject to questioning from the same people. He said that both he and the priest have made police entries.
Last week the CEA met with officials from the hydro power project, other government institution and environmental experts to discuss the issue. He said the interference began thereafter. (By Olindhi Jayasundere)
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