Actor Damith Fonseka says allegations against him over digging a cultivation well and cutting trees inside the Sigiriya sanctuary have been exaggerated, insisting he has cultivated the land since 1994 and only made minor adjustments for farming, it was reported.
Fonseka clarified that the property spans several acres and denied claims of constructing a large well, saying he had only dug a small one to obtain water for crops.
According to the Mawbima newspaper, he added that he planned to install a concrete step to prevent animals from falling in.
He also rejected accusations of tree‑felling, stating that only a few branches were cut.
Fonseka further said that he was not taken away in handcuffs and described the matter as the first dispute of its kind he has faced.
Wildlife officers had arrested Fonseka on charges of unauthorized activity within the sanctuary, a case that has drawn wide public attention. The matter is scheduled to be heard before court on September 2. (Newswire)