Secretary to the Ministry of Environment is to submit the report to President Maithripala Sirisena on the alleged deforestation of Wilpattu on Monday.

Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Niel Rupasinghe told local media that the report was prepared after a tour of inspection in the area. Details of the report will be released to the media later in the day, he said further.

President Maithripala Sirsena on Saturday ordered the Secretary to the Environment Ministry to submit on a report on the matter. On the same evening, the president ordered for an immediate halt to the deforestation and land clearing at the Wilpattu National Park.

The controversy broke out when media reports alleged that there was illegal forest clearing and settlement of people taking place within the Sanctuary. Minister Rishad Bathiudeen was alleged to be responsible for the illegal project.

However, the Minister recently called a press conference and refuted allegations against him. He offered to resign if he is proven to have resettled people in Wilpattu.