Farmers building unauthorized canal through Somawathi National Park

Colombo (News 1st): It was reported to us that the Manthalawa area of the Somawathi National Park in Polonnaruwa is being destroyed. News 1st correspondent in the area said that a number of farmers had used over one and a half acres of land for cultivation without obtaining approval. Residents of the area said that these farmers are now to build a canal through the said land by causing much harm to the environment. The Viharadhipathi of the Polonnaruwa Sri Shakyaramaya and a group of others Theros arrived at the location to witness the destruction. They charge that steps have not been taken although the authorities have been informed.