Environmental assessment to be carried out for road through national park

COLOMBO (News1st): Steps are underway to carry out an environmental impact assessment for the construction of a road through the Flood Plains National Park in Polonnaruwa, a minister has said. "Many public representatives in Polonnaruwa, including pradeshiya sabha members and parliamentarians, are calling for the construction of the road," state wildlife minister Wimalaweera Dissanayake said. He made these remarks in response to questions raised by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, citing the project that is taking place through the ecological system. The state minister denied claims that the director-general of the wildlife conservation department has approved the project to be carried out in the area. "Have steps been taken to identify the area as a Ramsar wetland?" Premadasa queried. Dissanayake said that authorities are studying the matter.