Protest by Moratuwa MC Councillors

Withdraw the statement of closing down of carpentry workshops

Moratuwa Mayor Samanlal Fernando and its Councillors including those of the oppositions held a demonstration near the municipal council on Saturday demanding the withdrawal of all controversial and contradictory remarks made by President Maithripala Sirisena against traditional carpentry and carpenters .

The mayor also warned of a hunger protest from 10 a.m. on Tuesday if the President did not respond favorably.

Later participating at a programme to distribute deeds for squatters held in Mullaithivu he made a remark that most of the timber depots and carpentry shops are illegal and he would stop issuing license to operate new carpentry shops

The President while addressing the World Environment Day, said that carpentry work-shops and machines used in the industry would be banned for a period of five years and later protest march was held against his remarks.

Later participating at a programme to distribute deeds for squatters held in Mullaithivu he made a remark that most of the timber depots and carpentry shops are illegal and he would stop issuing license to operate new carpentry shops.

The mayor said the ban on carpentry, a profession that has continued from generation to generation would come to an end.

Earlier, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa told the media that the President should reconsider his decision as otherwise there would be no one even to make wooden coffins.