• Organised groups receiving political patronage had  erected more than 20 cabanas and  it was going on unchecked
• They accused the Forest Conservators of ignoring the ongoing destruction of forest  reserves

By Sanath Gamage   

 Residents of the area expressed concern about haphazard clearing of state forests on the boundary of the Yala National Park to erect Cabanas for tourists. They pointed out that organised groups of individuals receiving political patronage had erected more than 20 cabanas in Undakandara, Thambarawa, Kochchipathana and Kirinda areas and that it was going on unchecked.    

 They accused the Forest Conservators, who would not hesitate to take legal action against the villagers if they cleared an inch of the forest for Chena cultivation, of ignoring the ongoing destruction of forest reserves.   
 Hambantota Acting .District Secretary C. Suneth Lochana said permits had been issued only for three cabanas and that the other 17 cabanas were unauthorized erections. 

 
He said he called for a report in this regard from the District Forest Conservator and said he informed the Ministry Secretary to hold a formal inquiry.