Following the submission of a report on Wilpattu settlement controversy to the president by environmentalist groups, Minister Rishad Bathiudeen has launched a campaign to collect signatures in support of resettlements near the border of the national park.

Bathiudeen stated that a report will be submitted to the president during the next few days.

The report submitted by environmentalist groups said that the resettlements were illegal. Several environmentalist groups and other organizations have accused Bathiudeen of responsibility for the illegal resettlements in the area.

Meanwhile, speaking at the World Environment Day national event on June 5, President Maithripala Sirisena told that he has witnessed the Wilpattu destruction with his own eyes. Wrong political decisions led to this situation, he added.