Land surrounding Yala National Park unlawfully cleared

Controversy surrounds the illegal clearance of a plantation belonging to the Forest Conservation Department in the Lunugamwehera range adjacent to the Yala National Park.

The incident sparked social media outcry because the plantation of Kohomba trees noted for their drought-resistance is located near the Yala National Park which is a famous wildlife tourist destination at the moment.

However, a top official of the Department of Wildlife Conservation said that the plantation is isolated at least 3.5 kilometres outside the park. The official said it is not even in the buffer zone of the park and therefore the Wildlife Conservation authorities have no involvement in the case.

Yet, an official of the Department of Forest Conservation said legal action had been instituted against the incident. He said he was not in a position to elaborate further at the moment.

Sri Lanka currently has made plans to increase its forest cover to 32 percent.