Professionals’ National Front urges AG to prosecute Rishad forthwith for forest destruction

Section of the Kalluru Forest Reserve cleared by Bathiudeenax

The Attorney General should immediately take action against SJB MP Rishad Bathiudeen and others as the Court of Appeal, on Monday, determined that the clearing of part of the Kallaru Forest Reserve adjoining the Wilpattu National Park was illegal, Professionals’ National Front (PNF) yesterday said.

PNF General Secretary, Engineer Kapila Renuka Perera said that AG could initiate action under the Criminal Procedure Code and the Penal Code. “Legal action must be taken against everyone involved, including those who failed to carryout their duties. The government must also use this ruling as a precedent and take steps to deter others who desire to misuse natural resources, which belongs to all citizens, for their personal gain.”

About 2,500 acres of forest land had been cleared by Bathiudeen and his associates, Perera said, adding that the court had ordered Bathiudeen to pay for a forest replanting programme, which was to be carried out by the Forest Conservation Department.

The Conservator General of the Forest Department also had to calculate the cost of the tree planting programme and inform Bathiudeen of it within two months of the judgment. Bathiudeen will have to pay within one month.

Perera said: “The Conservator General must calculate the cost within the time given and they must not ask for more time for any reason. The government must also immediately remove the illegal settlers inside Kallaru Reserve and demolish the structures they are occupying. Steps must also be taken to ensure that the welfare of people is met.”

Senior lawyer Ravindranath Dabare, who filed the petition in 2015 on behalf of the Centre for Environmental Justice, challenging the destruction of the forest reserve, on Monday told The Island that the cost of replanting the large swath of forest land would be between Rs. 2 to 3 billion.