‘Results in failure of legal action against accused’
Officials are unaware of Laws of Forest Conservation
President’s Counsel Karunaratne Herath said the Forest and Wildlife Conservators often lacked knowledge of the relevant laws, which has resulted in a failure of legal action against accused.
At the ceremonial launching of the book titled “Wana Ha Wanajeevi Sanrakshanaya Udesa Neethiya” (Forest and Wildlife Conservation Law) authored by Assistant Forest Conservator Lalith Gamage, the President’s Counsel said that officials enforcing the Forest or Wildlife Conservation Laws could use this book as a guide.
“Forest Conservation Department is one of the oldest departments in the country that dates back to the time of the imperial government. Hopitigama pillar edict indicates that Forest and Wildlife Conservation laws had been enforced during the time of ancient kings. However, officials are unaware of forest conservation laws. This resulted in a failure of 80 percent of legal action filed by the department. Asst. Forest Conservator Lalith
Asst. Forest Conservator Lalith Gamage’s book would meet a long overdue need of a book containing the requirements to be fulfilled by the officials when filing action against suspects
Gamage’s book would meet a long overdue need of a book containing the requirements to be fulfilled by the officials when filing action against suspects,” he said.
Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Forest Conservation, Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Livestock Resources J.J. Ratnasiri, Conservator General of Forests W.A.C. Weragoda, Government Agent, Colombo Sunil Kannangara, Director General of Sri Lanka Education Development Administrative Institute Kumari Jayasekara and Environmental Lawyer, Attorney Jagath Gunawardene addressed the gathering.