Defence Secretary’s order clears forests in the Wanni

Civil Defence soldiers have cleared forests in many areas including Kebethigollewa and Horowpathana without receiving the necessary approval following a directive issued by the Defence Secretary. The forests have been cleared claiming that they are to be used for farming activities.



When inquired from the Civil Defence Department, Secretary to the Civil Defence Director, Major Dissanayake said that district secretaries and divisional secretaries have been informed of the Defence Secretary’s directive to clear the forests to start farms. He said that the action was not illegal and that there have been
several issues as the Forest officials shave not been aware of the matter.