Over 200 acres of forest in Ampara destroyed Radalla and Kumbukkan forest reserves near Pottuvil and Lahugala at high risk-by Prageeth Sampath Karunathilaka Source:Dailymirror After the court order, those who were clearing forests discreetly began to use dozers and engage in large-scale deforestation Evidence points to an officer of the Security and Law Division of the Forest Department being complicit in the destruction of the Radalla forest reserve While the country focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of large-scale deforestation are emerging from Pottuvil in the Ampara district. Deforestation has been continuing in the area since 2000 and the Department of Forest Conservation has been unable to stop it due to interference from politicians and officials. Furthermore, all Governments have turned a blind eye to the issue for political gains. Local residents have continued to clear forests for cultivation and settle on protected lands. The Radalla forest reserve, brought under ...

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