CEJ demands immediate halt to illegal clearing, construction in Knuckles conservation forest
– The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has sent a letter of demand to the Conservator General of Forests, calling for the immediate suspension of all illegal clearing and construction activities within the Knuckles Conservation Forest.In its letter, the CEJ has also urged the Conservator General to take swift and lawful action to identify the government officers and agencies responsible for authorising, facilitating or permitting these unlawful activities. The organization demands that appropriate disciplinary and legal proceedings be initiated against those responsible without delay.
The CEJ warns that if the Conservator General fails or neglects to act on these demands, it will be compelled to institute legal action.
According to the CEJ, an unlawful road development project is reportedly underway inside the Knuckles Conservation Forest, part of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, a region recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional biodiversity and outstanding universal value.
The CEJ emphasized that public attention has been drawn to ongoing construction of an 8-kilometre forest trail between Thangappuwa and Corbett’s Gap. The CEJ states that most of this proposed trail lies within a legally protected conservation zone.“As the Knuckles region is designated as a Conserved Forest under the Forest Ordinance, any road construction, land clearing or alteration of existing pathways constitutes a direct violation of the law. The Ordinance strictly prohibits such activities and prescribes severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines, for offenders,” the CEJ added.The CEJ further emphasizes that the Knuckles area has additionally been declared an Environmental Protection Area (EPA) under Sections 24C and 24D of the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980. This designation was formalized through Gazette Notification No. 1507/10 issued on 23 July 2007.