Recent disaster is a result of nature’s fury against unwarranted human activities: Vedda Chief

By Nishantha Kumara 

Vedda Chief Uruwarige Vannila Ettho said the ill-planned development projects and the human activities resulted in the recent natural disaster that caused much woe and sorrow in the country. 

He told the media yesterday that humankind is governed by nature and that no one should attempt to control nature or resort to activities against nature. 

He pointed out that his area has been free from any danger, but landslides, rock falls, and floods have caused much havoc in the district, while transport has come to a standstill. He expressed concern about the loss of livelihood of more than 100 families of his clan who depended on the tourist industry. 

“My area was not affected by the disaster. However much havoc has been caused by the cyclone and floods. This would create severe economic constraints for everyone. Men, women and children have been buried alive in mounds of earth. More than 100 families in my clan depend on tourists. They are now facing hardship. Tourists visiting our area are none. Man is subject to the conditions of nature, and he must not violate them. The present disaster that ravaged the country and devastated the land and fields is a result of the ruin caused to nature. Nature has retaliated mercilessly to teach a lesson to man. However, the enemies of nature and its friends are both victims when nature unleashes its wrath. Everyone on earth has to suffer it. Colossal mountain ranges covered with virgin forests that existed for ages have been razed to the ground. It should be attributed mainly to the haphazard development activities,” Vedda chief further said.