Chairman of ‘Sinhala Ravaya’ Akmeemana Dayarathana Thera said that it will take legal action against minister Rishad Bathiudeen for illegal settlement activities currently ongoing in Wilpattu national sanctuary.

“We hope to file complaints with relevant authorities soon,” Dayarathana Thera stated to local media.

Dayarathana Thera also slammed Bathiudeen, saying that he was trying to colonize the area with the help of international connections he has.

Bathiudeen has distributed lands to Muslim people and has given Rs. 50,000 to each family for constructing temporary residences, Dayarathana Thera further added.

Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Minister Rishad Bathiudeen refuted all  allegations against him and told he will resign if media could prove that he has resettled people in Wilpattu Sanctuary.

“We know he is lying and we have seen the truth from media and our own eyes”, Dayarathana Thera countered.