• An organised group had cleared the Panilkanda forest reserve

By Ajithlal Shanthaudaya

A tense atmosphere prevailed in the Panilkanda area in Ratnapura when a large crowd rushed to the Panilkanda forest reserve on Deniyaya-Ratnapura road and uprooted the unauthorised tea cultivation that had caused extensive damage to the forest reserve.

Residents of the area said an organised group had cleared the Panilkanda forest reserve, which had been identified as an endangered area due to the possibility of earth slips after a part of the hill underwent erosion in 2003.

The individuals who had been cultivating tea in the forest reserve attempted to assault the protestors, including representatives of Mahasangha. However, a team of STF personnel from Deniyaya STF camp intervened and prevented any possible incident of violence.  

Chief Incumbent of Boralupanathara Sri Sudharmarama Ven, Katuwana Chandrarathana Thera who joined the protestors said the Panilkanda forest reserve was a highly sensitive environmental zone rich in biodiversity and endemic medicinal plants. He pointed out that 35 families had been evacuated and resettled in safer locations when Panilkanda was identified as an endangered area in 2003.

• The individuals who had been cultivating tea in the forest reserve attempted to assault the protestors, including representatives of Mahasangha