News
JR’s sandalwood tree at Botanical Gardens survives attack
By L.B.Senaratne
View(s): The sandalwood tree planted by former President J.R. Jayewardene in the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens was recovering after it was vandalised last week in an attempt to cut it down, a Gardens official said.
Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens Dr.Siril Wijjesundera said the cut marks on the trunk had been treated. He said the tree was propped up to prevent it from falling due to the inclement weather.
According to police the vandals had come throughthe labourers’ quarters at night but it is yet not known why they didn’t complete their task. No arrests have been made.
Police said most of the illicitly felled Sandalwood trees were being sold to a buyer in the Hewaheta electorate to be sent to India illegally.
