Yala National Park to lose land?

COLOMBO (News 1st); Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa claims that the government is planning to take away 12,000 acres From the Yala National Park, Block 1 for unknown purposes.

"Reliable sources have also confirmed that illegal roadways are to be constructed through the National Park up to Akasa Chaitya," he tweeted.

"I myself and the SJB vehemently oppose this illegal act and we shall strive to use all democratic and legal means to oppose this anti-environmental effort of the government," added the Opposition Leader.

Tthe Wildlife and Nature Protection Society stated that they have learned that permission has been granted to conduct a survey at the historic Akasa Chaithya site in the Yala National park.

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society also stated that they are aware of the ambitions of several external factions to restore the ancient Akasa Chaitya site and on the plans to build a road to the Akasa Chaitya site from Situlpahuwa through the Yala National Park.

The release further states that constructing such a road will be detrimental to the national park since it will disrupt its ecological balance.