Destruction of Forestland Reported Near Anuradhapura
It is reported that a group of individuals has severely destroyed around 100 acres of state-owned forest land located near the Mahakongaskada Temple in the Anekettiya Grama Niladhari Division, which falls under the Medawachchiya Divisional Secretariat.
Residents allege that this large-scale environmental destruction is being carried out under the guise of constructing a livestock farm. They stated that a large number of highly valuable, massive trees—such as Ebony (Kaluwara), Satinwood (Burutha), and Halmilla—have already been cut down and removed from the forest.
Commenting on the situation, Ven. Ulukkulame Indasara Thero, a resident monk of a local temple, pointed out that this is the only remaining forest patch around the Mahakongaskada area.
"Because this forest—which serves as a habitat for wild elephants, leopards, and deer—is being destroyed, wild elephants are now storming into the Thammannakulama village and causing severe damage to crops," the Thero stated.
He further added that villagers have even been forced to dig trenches to protect themselves from the growing wild elephant threat.
Ven. Indasara Thero alleged that while the individuals clearing the land claim to possess permits for the project, wildlife and agrarian services officials have stated they are completely unaware of it. He also accused the Divisional Secretary of maintaining a silent policy regarding the matter.
When questioned about the issue, the Medawachchiya Divisional Secretary stated that steps have now been taken to temporarily suspend all land-clearing activities in the forest until a final decision is made.
*Note: In case of any discrepancy between the Sinhala and English versions, the Sinhala version shall prevail.

දැන් අපට කැලෑ ඕනැත් නෑ, ගල්කටස් ඕනැත් නෑ
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