Revelation on large scale deforestation at world heritage site, the Knuckles mountain Range

COLOMBO(News 1st): Construction of a building has begun in the Pitawala Pathana area located in the Knuckles mountain range. Environmental Organizations claim that endemic species of fauna and flora have been destroyed, due to those engaged in the construction activities cutting down trees in the area. Pitawala Panatha is known for its rare varieties of plants and animals like Kandullessa, Nill Monaressa, several varieties of Pathan yam and the Dumbara Galpara frog. The strong winds in the Dumbara mountain range have uprooted plants aged over thousand of years. A group of journalists visited Pitawala Patana today. The Knuckles Mountain Range, which is a highly sensitive zone, was included in the UNESCO natural world heritage list in 2010 as part of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The organization to protect Dumbara points out that permission must be obtained from the relevant authorities prior to carrying out any construction activities in the Pitawala Pathana Area. The organization to protect Dumbara claims that approval to clear trees for the construction project has already been granted by the Forest Conservation Department. The environmental group also alleges that the constructions activities are being carried out by the Government.