Legal Action Against Irrigation Department Over Tree Felling

Report Summary

The Department of Wildlife Conservation has filed a legal case against the Department of Irrigation for destroying around 110 trees, including large Kumbuk, Bakmi, and Madan trees, near Nelumwewa in the Wilpattu National Park buffer zone. The alleged destruction occurred during restoration work after the tank bund collapsed due to Cyclone Ditwah, and no prior environmental approval was obtained. The case was filed under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance at the Puttalam Magistrate’s Court.