Hambantota Protest against gazzetting of reserve

HAMBANTOTA (News 1st): The 'National Movement for the Protection of Magampura Traditional Agrarian People' engaged in a protest in front of the Hambantota Administrative Complex today, requesting that the proposed Wild Elephant Management Reserve not be gazetted. Protesters suggested that the ongoing satyagragaha demanding the gazzetting of the Wild elephant Management Reserve comes with vested interests. The Mayor of Hambantota was also present with the group of protesters and speaking at the event, claimed that saving a tree had cost the Government Rs. 6.8 Billion extra in building the highway He further alleged that the current protest by farmers is infact being carried out with the sponsorship of certain Non-Government Organizations. The group had dispersed after a discussion with the district secretary.