The Centre for Environmental Justice petitioned the Court of Appeal today, seeking a writ order against the clearing of the Wilpattu National Park and illegal settlement of people in the adjacent areas.

 

Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, Central Environment Authority, Controller General of Forests, Director General of Wildlife Department, Director General of Archeology, Mannar District Secretary, and the Attorney General are among the respondents. 

 

The petitioner said that Bathiudeen was responsible for the mobilization of clearing the forest and constructing illegal settlements.

 

The petitioner also said that 2000ha of forest has been cleared and 12,500 families have been resettled under the pretext of settling IDPs.