HEAVY MACHINERY USED TO CLEAR PROTECTED LAND

This is somewhat similar to the proposed Wild Elephant Management Reserve in Hambantota, which is aimed to protect the Sri Lankan Elephant population.

The wild elephants living in the Kahalle-Pallekele sanctuary make frequent visits to the Kala-Wewa and Balalu-Wewa at various times of the year.

One path used by the wild elephants falls across the Dikediyawa Wewa, sadly, a section of this area has been cleared using heavy machinery showing no regard for environmental protection.

According to local wildlife officers these are state-owned lands and said according to information received the elephant pass was cleared by a group of people living close-by.

Wildlife Officer warned the clearing of land on the path of the elephant pass, could attribute to a rise in wild elephant encroachment into villages.

Villagers say wild elephants have already caused considerable property damaged across multiple villages in the area.

The Palagala Divisional Secretary said necessary action will be taken on the forest destruction following consultation with the relevant state officials.

Permission was not granted to anyone to clear an area inside the Kahalle-Pallekele sanctuary, he stressed.