Investigations launched into the destruction of the Anavilundawa Ramsar Wetlands have revealed State Minister Sanath Nishantha’s brother Jagath Samantha involvement in the incident.
The report submitted by the Committee appointed to probe the destruction of the wetlands had cited the statements recorded by the Police as part of the investigations.
The statements had revealed that Jagath Samantha had issued instructions to clear a portion of the Anavilundawa Ramsar Wetlands for prawn farming.
The Government commenced an investigation after receiving reports of an unidentified group having illegally cleared the wetlands for shrimp farming on 25 August.
The reports that over 200 acres of land have been deforested and destroyed in Anawilundawa, Wanathawilluwa are incorrect and only 1.65 acres have been affected by deforestation, Minister of Wildlife & Forest Conservation C. B. Rathnayake stated in Parliament yesterday. (NewsWire)