It was heartening to read
in the media that the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources has
taken a personal interest in preventing further damage to the priceless
Hakgala nature reserve. Often, politicians and government officials keep
on preaching about the importance of preserving the environment and forest
reserves. I dare say that it is the preachers who need any ‘education’ in
this respect, as the law abiding citizens and school children are very
knowledgeable about the harm caused to the environment in their localities
by the powerful and the influential in defiance of the law and public
outcry. The damage is caused not so much by ignorant villagers but by
anti-social elements, corrupt politicians and their henchmen, who abuse
their power, receive the patronage of public officials such as ‘Grama
Sevakas’ and the police, who turn a blind eye or share the spoils.In
this respect, our media have all been doing a commendable job in bringing
to the notice of the powers that be the plundering of natural resources,
such as illegal sand mining from river beds, illicit felling of timber and
poaching, etc. Most local residents know who the bigwigs, the thugs and
the hirelings are who receive the blessings of local politicians and
police high ups to carry out their destructive activities with
impunity.
I sincerely hope that the energetic minister will receive the
cooperation of the cabinet, and most importantly, the support of the
responsible politicians down the line commencing with the Governors and
Chief Ministers of the Provinces.
Dr. N. Amarasekera,
Colombo
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