UNP seeks UN intervention to stop deforestation in Sinharaja

The United National Party has sought UN intervention to stop the government's plan to build two reservoirs within the Sinharaja rainforest area which is a protected area under both the local laws and international obligations.

UNP Deputy Leader of UNP Ruwan Wijewardena wrote to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres stressing that "a breach will amount to a criminal offense and a contravention of the international undertaking,"

"Sri Lanka has in furtherance of the UN Goals to protect environment, reduce carbon emissions and preserve the natural resources entered into international agreements under the Stockholm Agreement, the Rio + 20 Conference, the Kyoto Protocols, the Paris Climate Agreement, the Rio Forest Principles and the UN Forum on Forests," the letter signed by Deputy Leader of UNP Ruwan Wijewardena said.

In 1988, the National Heritage Wilderness Areas Act was introduced and the Sinharaja Rainforest which was the original tropical rainforest was brought under the said Act, the UNP leader noted. Following the introduction of the Act, an area of 7,848.2 hectares with a further proposed area of 2,772 hectares was declared protected. By 1992, the protected areas including the adjoining forest area was increased to 11,178 hectares.