Environmental destruction hits Kurunegala's Rajapihilla Park

COLOMBO (News1st): Several trees have been cut off as part of developing the Rajapihilla Park in Kurunegala, sparking concerns on the ill-effects of development projects. "Thirty-two trees have been cut down in total," Ranuka Sananjaya, a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna in the Kurunegala Municipal Council said. Although 28 trees had been earmarked to be cut-off as part of the development plan, News1st learns that 32 trees have already been chopped off. An ancient structure of archaeological value has also been demolished at the park. "The archaeological structure has been destroyed to pieces without a trace. This structure has been demolished by hand and not using machines," one resident lamented. Local residents say that development activities have damaged the natural landscape of the centuries-old park. The chief priest of a temple in the area pointed out that action has not been taken against the demolition of archaeological sites including an ancient King's Court in the area recently. "Incidents of this magnitude could have been avoided if proper action was taken when we raised concerns on the demolition of the archaeological structure," Ven. Tissava Sumananda Thero said. Kurunegala Mayor Thushara Sanjeewa was not immediately available for comment.