The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has called on the Conservator General of Forests to immediately suspend all illegal clearing and construction within the Knuckles Conservation Forest, warning that legal action will follow if its demands are ignored.
In a letter to the Conservator General of Forests , the CEJ urged authorities to swiftly identify government officers and agencies responsible for authorising, facilitating, or permitting the unlawful activities, and to initiate appropriate disciplinary and legal proceedings without delay.
The organisation highlighted an ongoing road development project inside the forest, part of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its exceptional biodiversity and universal value.
Public attention has focused on the construction of an 8-kilometre trail between Thangappuwa and Corbett’s Gap, most of which lies within a legally protected conservation zone.
“As the Knuckles region is designated as a Conserved Forest under the Forest Ordinance, any road construction, land clearing or alteration of existing pathways constitutes a direct violation of the law. The Ordinance strictly prohibits such activities and prescribes severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines, for offenders,” the CEJ said.
It also pointed out that the Knuckles area has been declared an Environmental Protection Area under Sections 24C and 24D of the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980, formalised through Gazette Notification No. 1507/10 on 23 July 2007.
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