In Pictures: Farmers set fire to century-old Kumbuk trees in Wanathavilluwa

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Environmentalists allege that farmers have systermatically set fire to and destroyed a large number trees situated along farmland situated at Parana Eluwankulama in Wanathavilluwa. The trees that have been burned down include Kumbuk trees that are over 100 years old, they further said.

Environmentalists further stated that were burning down these trees to prevent wild animals coming to their farmlands.

The farmland, covering some 500 acres, is situated near the Wilpattu National Park and birds in the park also use the massive trees situated on the farmland to lay their eggs.

Environmentalists also charge that farmers also don't have legal ownership of one section of the farmland.

Text and Pix by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe in Puttalam

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