Minister K. D. Lal Kantha has called for scientific and practical proposals to address access issues in areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah, particularly the Meemure area.
Responding to criticism over a proposal to open an old route through the Knuckles Reserve, the Minister questioned whether the protection of World Heritage status should take precedence over immediate humanitarian needs.
“Now the World Heritage is in pieces. The flood destroyed the barrier built by the King, which was also a World Heritage site, but no one is talking about that,” he said.
The Minister noted that due to the damage caused by the cyclone, reaching Meemure has become extremely difficult. “We are forced to reach the people of Meemure through a World Heritage site. Otherwise, we won’t be able to deliver food supplies for another month and a half,” he said.
Minister Lal Kantha explained that the proposed route is an old route used by villagers. However, he said the suggestion has sparked allegations that he and officials in the Kandy District are damaging a protected site.
“Some of these things are not practical,” the Minister said, stressing the need for realistic and scientifically grounded solutions. (Newswire)