More than 100 acres, most of it belonging to a wildlife and forest reserve in the Kuchchaveli Pradeshiya Sabha area of the Trincomalee district, have been cleared illegally, causing a serious environmental problem.
Bulldozers and backhoes are working overnight to clear the land and mark them out in blocks ranging from two to five acres with large trees being felled and mangrove forests being destroyed. (See picture)
The clearing continued yesterday, despite repeated complaints from villagers and the arrest of two persons.
Environment Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said last night he had called for a report on the matter.
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