Timber racket in guise of cultivation

Nimal Wijesinghe, Anuradhapura Additional District Group Correspondent

Anuradhapura District farmers organisations complain that there has been a racket in felling "Kumbuk" and "Mee" trees along the banks of Malwathu-Oya and Yan-Oya.

It has also been brought to the notice of the Anuradhapura Government Agent of the serious environmental hazard being caused by clearing of the jungle belt and tank-beds under the guise of cultivation.

S.M.G. Samarakoon, Chairman of the Anfradhapura District farmers Federation, D.T.M. Punchibanda, Chairman of the Tissa Farmer Organisation, B.R. Dissanayake, Head of the Huruluwewa Amulgamated Farmers Society point out that the illicit felling of such trees would result in floods in Anuradhapura.

We are aware that certain people with vested interests are linked to this business, farmers representatives disclosed at the recent Anuradhapura District Agriculture Committee meeting chaired by the Government Agent of Anuradhapura H.M.K. Herath.

They alleged further that the police has shown a lukewarm attitude in this regard and has not taken further action even though logs of timber are seized by them once in a way.