The United National Party (UNP) today said that despite the Government stating that they will seek UNESCO approval for the proposed project within Sinharaja, this will not exempt them from the laws of the country.
Speaking at a news briefing in Sirikotha, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena said the United Nations and all their subsidiary bodies must recognise and adhere to the sovereignty of the nation.
"Regardless of what UNESCO decides, the law of the country clearly forbids any activity within the Sinharaja Rainforest," he said.
He accused the Government of acting in contravention of the laws of the country regarding the proposed project within the Sinharaja Rainforest and stated that the Sinharaja Rainforest is protected under the National Wilderness Heritage Areas Act of 1988.
“This Act was introduced by the UNP Government under former President J.R. Jayawardene, it was enacted to ensure the protection of the Sinharaja forest and the surrounding areas,” he said.
He said prior to the enactment of this Act, Sri Lanka’s sole surviving rainforest was being used for logging by the Ceylon Timber Corporation and the Plywood Corporation.
"Once again, this Government is threatening to return Sinharaja to the status of a timber yard. Section 4 (1) (a) of the Act states that “No person shall in National Heritage Wilderness Area: cut, mark, lop, girdle, saw, convert, collect or remove any plant, tree or any part thereof or any other forest produce.”
"The actions of the Government in pursuing this project within the Sinharaja rainforest is in direct conflict with the laws of the country," he said.
Commenting further, Wijewardena explained that the Sri Lankan Government’s responsibilities to the natural environment are not only governed by the laws of the country but also by their international obligations.
“Sri Lanka is a signatory of numerous international agreements including the Paris Climate Agreement, the Kyoto Protocol and the Rio +20 summit. The Government must ensure that the conditions of these agreements are honoured.”
He said the UNP will be pursuing all action possible to ensure that this heinous crime against the country is stopped.
Calling on the environmentalist in the country to take the lead in this fight, Wijewardena urged all political parties to support this struggle without politicising it.
“This is a national issue and requires the support of all citizens regardless of political affiliations, the UNP will provide all the support it can to those environmental groups who must lead this effort," he said.