Police record statement from Lakshapathi contestant on allegations of environmental destruction

COLOMBO (News 1st): A contestant on the Sirasa Lakshapathi program expressed her views on the environmental destruction taking place on the borders of the Sinharaja forest. "My house is located on the borders of the Sinharaja forest. I am forced to witness the Sinharaja forest being destroyed throughout the day" speaking on the program she said. "I don't understand why people are doing such acts. Don't people have sufficient houses? Destroying the environment is similar to demolishing our homes" she added. When questioned on where the forest destruction is exactly taking place she responded saying "That is visible when travelling by bus" Wildlife minister C.B. Ratnayake responded to the views expressed by the contestant during the Lakshapathi programme on Sirasa TV yesterday. "When we try to intervene and solve those issues, they show us their title deeds. Some deeds show that those lands have been in their possession for a long time. The people with such title deeds have the right to engage in any activity on that land" the Minister said. "I wish to tell that child that she must speak based on accurate information" he added. Meanwhile, officers attached to the Rakwana police recorded a statement from this contestant on the Sirasa Lakshapathi program at her residence this afternoon.