22 March 2021 12:00 am
The United National Party ( UNP) condemned the forced removal of a mural on display at the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo which depicted environmental issues in Sri Lanka.
“This mural was a result of the hard work of young children and environmental activists who wished to bring to the public’s attention the ongoing destruction to our environment. The decision by the relevant authorities to remove this mural from a public place is another example of the ongoing clamp-down on the freedom of expression.” an official statement from the party said. “We urge the Government to support the citizens of Sri Lanka who wish to educate the public on the importance of the environment and the necessity to protect it. The preservation of our country’s natural resources is the responsibility of both the politicians and the public. Children engaged in such activities should be encouraged and not dissuaded from this public service,” the statement added. .