In Pictures: ’Stop Ecocide’ Protest at Viharamahadevi Park

A group of environmental activists held a protest in Viharamahadevi Park opposite the Nelum Pokuna Theatre this evening to protest deforestation taking place in the country. 

Earlier, the Environmental Police took steps to remove a large mural painted by volunteers from the Youth Wing of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) to highlight deforestation and the changing global climate. The mural titled "Stop Ecocide" was the largest such mural of its kind painted in the country, according to WNPS. 

Organizers said they had obtained the necessary permissions from the Colombo Municipal Council and the Cinnamon Gardens Police to erect the mural and hold the protest. The Environmental Police though, insisted that the mural be taken down as the organizers had not obtained their permission as required to put up such a display. 

Though the mural was taken down, the protest still went ahead as scheduled. 

Pix by M.A. Pushpakumara