Authorities remove ’Stop Ecocide’ mural ahead of protest

A mural painted to highlight ongoing deforestation in Sri Lanka put up opposite the Nelum Pokuna Theatre was taken down by authorities today ahead of a protest today at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo. 

The mural was painted by the youth wing of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS).  Titled "Stop Ecocide," the mural is the largest ecocide mural in Sri Lanka, according to the WNPS and it was to serve as the background of a protest due to be held this evening against deforestation taking place around Sri Lanka. 

Event organizers said they had obtained the necessary approvals from both the Colombo Municipal Council and the Cinnamon Gardens Police to erect the mural and hold the protest. However, police officers from the Environmental Police had arrived at the location this morning and said the organizers had not obtained due permission from the Environmental Police to erect the mural. It had thereafter been taken down. 

Though the mural was removed, the protest is currently taking place. 

The event is conducted in solidarity with the Global Climate Strike 'Fridays for Future'; various creative forms that include dance, art, and theatrical performances that depict the current plight of Mother Nature, the WNPS stated. 

Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi