CP Governor prohibits Udawatte Forest reserve clearing

Central Provincial Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa who made a surprise visit to a land site in Udawatte forest reserve in Kandy where some construction work were in progress ordered that the earth removal activities using a backhoe machine be stopped immediately.

Kandy Mayor L.B. Aluvihare and Central Province Land Commissioner Anoma Polwatte accompanied the Governor in the inspection tour last Tuesday.

The Governor also ordered the Provincial Land Commissioner to submit a report immediately.

It is alleged that an official housing complex for the use of divisional secretaries had been earmarked for construction at this location without obtaining the proper approval from the Provincial Land Commissioner.

The Governor said that his order came in the wake of possible destruction of valuable trees and environmental damage to the forest reserve.