Protests against palm cultivations in Nittambuwa

COLOMBO(News 1st) - Protests were staged across the country against oil palm cultivations. They allege that certain plantation administrators still continue their palm cultivations. This protest was held in Wakula Nittambuwa in Ruwanwella today (December 15). The protesters obstructed the flow of traffic along the road in the area for close to an hour. The group dispersed after the police promised the protesters that the palm cultivations will be removed. Meanwhile, a protest against palm cultivation was staged by the Dehiowita Jana Surekeeme Organization and the area residents. The protesters obstructed the Hatton-Thalduwa road. Jayantha Wijeyasinghe, Environmentalist noted that the cabinet or the supreme court can solve this issue. The Chairman of the Kegalle District Development Coordination Committee also arrived at the scene. Dushmantha Mithrapala, Chairman of the Kegalle District Development Coordination Committee noted that they respected the cabinet decision and as the District Development Coordination Committee decided to halt palm cultivations in the district. However, he added that they have faced difficulties as the relevant institutions have not supported them. He went on to note that the plantation companies plant them discreetly. Dr Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Plantation Industries and Export Agriculture noted that there already had been a legal process enacted before the cabinet decision, so there is a legal issue on the implementation of this cabinet decision. He added that they intend to submit reports to the court on the collateral damage caused to the environment by these plantations.