Stop deforestation of protected areas in/near Wilpattu, Madu and all over Sri Lanka

Resettlement through deforestation of protected areas in very close proximity to Wilpattu National Park and the Madu Reserve has commenced again under the patronage of Minister Rishad Bathiudeen. This is a continuation of the encroachment started by the same Minister a few years ago.  Although nature lovers in Sri Lanka hoped that forest destruction would stop with the change in government, it is very disappointing to see that Ministers are still distributing protected land as they wish.We urge the President of Sri Lanka Mr. Maithripala Sirisena to immediately take measures stop further destruction of the Wilpattu buffer zone, Madu forest reserves and other protected areas in the country.

WilpattuNational Park is a national heritage with a great history since the first king of Sri Lanka, King Vijaya, landed at the Kudrimalaipoint in 543 BC, married Kuweni, and founded our nation. 

Located 26 km north of Puttalam ( approximately 180 km north of Colombo ) and covering an impressive 425 sq miles, it is alsoone of the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka.

The biodiversity of Wilpattu National Park, Madu reserves and their buffer zones are extremely high. Mammals identified as“threatened species”living within Wilpattu National Park are the Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus), Sri LankanSloth bear (Melursusursinus), Sri Lankan Leopard (Pantheraparduskotiya) and water Buffalo (Bubalusbubalis). Sambhur,spotted deer, mongoose and shrew are more of Wilpattu's residents.It is also a sanctuary for a large number of wetland bird species such as the Garganey (Anasquerquedula), Pin tail (Anasacuta), Whistling teal (Dendrocygnajavanica), Spoonbill (Platalealeucorodia), White Ibis (Threskiornismalanocephalus), Large white egret (Egrettaalbamodesta), Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) Purple heron (Ardeapurpurea), etc. Many reptile species such as the Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis), Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), Common cobra (Naja naja), Rat snake (Ptyas mucosus), Indian python (Python molurus), Pond turtle (Melanonchelystrijuga) and the Soft shelled turtle (Lissemyspunctata), can also be found there, making it a unique treasure we must save for future generations.

Your signature might be a small contribution, but it is massive for Sri Lanka, for its dwindling forests and for the wildlife living there, whose habitats are fast disappearing. Please spare a moment to make a difference.