We live in Rajagiriya Udyanaya, Rajagiriya, also known as "Keells Watte" off Nawala Road directly opposite Welikadawatte. In front of our home is a wooded area with a canal flowing through it, which we are told, is part of the open space needed to control flooding. We have lived in this neighbourhood since the 1990s and there have been efforts off and on to rape this wooded area and build upon it. According to environmentalists, we have spoken with so far, this is not permitted by law and the Land Reclamation Board is charged with the responsibility of seeing that the law in this regard is adhered to.

 Right now, a group of persons have begun to cut down trees in the wooded area in front of our residences with a view to filling up the land in order to, we gather, build some apartments there. The cutting down of trees began recently with several policemen (or men in police uniform) watching the process. Some of us attempted to meet Minister Champika Ranawake and could not actually meet him despite having sought and obtained an appointment with him. He cancelled the appointment at the last minute. 

At a time when there appears to be blatant disregard for the law and legal provisions pertaining to ordered living, this rape of a wooded area meant to control flooding and prevent environmental degradation, is one more manifestation of the lack of respect for law and order in our society. We appeal to all who are in a position to do something to prevent this illegal activity to kindly do so before it is all over, bar the shouting.