25 February 2021 12:00 am
By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
The Government has decided to take over and develop the Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary under the Ministry of Environment and Urban Development Authority, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said yesterday. He said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the Ministry to take over the wetland sanctuary immediately.
The Wetland Sanctuary was taken over by various individuals who have been attempting to destroy the ecosystem illegally.
The Minister said that he and Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe paid an observation tour to the site to assess the situation and had seen not only certain businessmen but some underworld gangs and government officials who had a hand in this ecosystem destruction. The Minister said steps will be taken to take over this ecosystem immediately under the Ministry of Environment and the Urban Development Authority and to develop it into an attractive ecosystem for local and foreign tourists.
The Minister said the work would be completed by the end of next year, while protecting the Muthurajawela ecosystem.