Timber transportation streamlined

Disna MUDALIGE

Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa

Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa instructed officials to simplify and streamline the process of issuing permits for timber transportation to minimize inconveniences faced by people.

The minister observed the complex methodology of obtaining timber transportation permits has resulted in fraudulent middlemen who unduly charge money from people. He said innocent people have been inconvenienced due to the inefficient and unclear system of issuing permits, which causes an undue burden on people. The ministry recently decided to allow wooden furniture and sawn timber transportation without permits in certain areas under several restrictions.

He directed officials to formulate a new system where the people would not have to pay several visits to relevant offices to secure a timber transportation permit.

The minister said the simplifying of the process would remove existing problems with regard to timber transportation. He said the new system would be implemented under the close monitoring of the ministry and the relevant authorities.