Legal action against those involved in deforestation : Amaraweera

COLOMBO (News 1st): Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera today assured that legal action will be taken against those who engage in deforestation. The minister told reporters on Wednesday that he has summoned relevant officials to the Sinharaja forest following media reports of deforestation in the area. He noted that he has called for a report on whether deforestation has been taking place on a private lands. Amaraweera, defended the role of young activist Bhagya Abeyrathne, who highlighted the destruction, stating that she should not be pressurized. "...trees for which permission had to be obtained had not been cut down," the minister said. "If such trees have been cut down, I will definitely take the responsibility of instituting legal action".