A portion of the Ramsar wetland in Anawilundawa in Puttalam is reported to be under threat.
According to News First, an unidentified group is said to have cleared nearly 1 acre of the wetland for shrimp farming.
The move has caused public outrage as the cleared land is of national importance as per the Ramsar Convention signed by 21 states, including Sri Lanka, in 1971.
Further, area residents suspect the involvement of a politician in the destruction of the wetlands.
Commenting on the incident, State Minister of Rural and Regional Drinking Water Supply Projects Sanath Nishantha said the issuance of permits and lands for shrimp farming has been suspended.
Meanwhile, Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa said the public have not given a two-thirds majority to the Government to destroy the environment.
A portion of the Ramsar wetland is said to have been cleared during ongoing efforts by the Department of Forest Conservation to restore mangroves in the area.
When inquired, the Department of Forest Conservation and other relevant Government Departments clarified that approval was not granted by them for the shrimp farm. (Newswire)
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