The government has decided to take over and develop the Muthurajawela Sanctuary under the of Environment Ministry and the Urban Development Authority, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.
“President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed to bring the the Muthurajawela sanctuary under the Environment Ministry and the Urban Development Authority, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.
Addressing a media briefing at theEnvironment Ministry yesterday he said the Muthurajawela Sanctuary was taken over by various individuals and this led to the destruction of the ecosystem.
Minister Amaraweera said he inspected the Muthurajawela sanctuary with Minister Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe recently.
“We have seen that not only certain businessmen, underworld gangs and also some government officials had contributed to the destruction of this ecosystem.
However, on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, steps will be taken to take over this ecosystem immediately to the Environment Ministry and the Urban Development Authority and to develop it into an attractive ecosystem for local and foreign tourists.
The Minister said that the work would be completed by the end of next year while protecting the Muthurajawela ecosystem.
“He also advised me that the government would provide all financial assistance for this purpose.
He also thanked all those who had fought for the protection of the Muthurajawela Sanctuary for a long time. Environment Ministry Secretary Dr.Anil Jasinghe was also present.
