Are racketeers controlling valuable Hakkinda Archipelago?

COLOMBO (News 1st): Environmentalists point out that the Hakkinda archipelago, which was gazetted as the Hakkinda Environmental Protection Area, is under the control of a group of smugglers.

The Hakkinda Archipelago is a popular destination with rich biodiversity, and is located adjacent to the Gannoruwa area where the Mahaweli River flows.

This land is made up of about 20 islets of unique biodiversity and is home to many valuable flora and fauna.

This eco-zone was declared as an environmental protection zone via a special gazette notification in 2017.

However, at present, the Hakkinda archipelago is under the control of a certain group and a huge timber racket is taking place, especially on its right and left banks.

Many valuable plants have been cut down and the News 1st correspondent noted that the ecosystem has been severely damaged.