Forest land cleared for papaya plantation, temple claims ownership

Environmental activists allege that over 50 acres of forest land in Paramakanda Reserve has been cleared using backhoes and dozers.

The activists alleged that the chief incumbent of the Paramakanda Vihara is engaging in the deforestation activity without approval from the relevant government institutes.

Residents of the area also alleged the forest clearing is taking place near the Kuda Wewa road which belongs to the Paramakanda Vihara. They added that the reserve which sheltered deer, sambar and other animals has been subjected to great damage by land clearing. Chairman, Anamaduwa Sahabathwa development foundation, Nimal Abeysinghe said that the forest clearing is taking place near the temple premises. “It is very sad because no government official has inquired about the situation,” he said.

He explained that the reserve contained medicinal plants which were used in indigenous medicine practices, yet learnt that the reserve is being cleared for a papaya plantation. He said that he cannot allow the reserve to be cleared since people are getting new job opportunities. The Divisional Secretary of Anamaduwa, Deepika Chandani told the Sunday Times that they have not given any approval for any activity. She added that the chief incumbent came to discuss land for a plantation, but did not obtain any approval from them.

However, Ceylon Green Agro Institute, owner, R B Indrajith Perera said that they obtained the land from the chief incumbent of Paramakanda Raja Maha Vihara. He said that the land was handed over to them in the presence of a lawyer. He explained that they informed the grama niladhari and she too had told them if the land belongs to the temple they have no problem with it.

He explained that therefore they carried out the clearing of the land.

The chief incumbent of the Paramakanda Raja

Maha Vihara, Ottukulam Pungnananda, claimed that the land belonged to the temple. He added that the land was leased for 29 years for plantation. He said the leased land excluded forest land and land with an archeological value.