Acquisition of private property to enlarge Sinharaja forest
On August 2, 2011, the Divisional Secretariat of Kalawana issued a notice to nine owners of a private property, (planted with cardamom) at Ilembakanda to acquire it, for the purpose of enlarging the Sinharaja forest.
Later, on July 15, 2013, the Environment Ministry summoned the owners for all inquiry, vide 4th enactment of the Land Acquisition Act. At the inquiry all the owners made written statements against the acquisition.
They appealed to the then President to cancel the acquisition. But that appeal was stuffed to the bin.
When the present government assumed power, another appeal was submitted to the incumbent President. On May 25, 2016, five years after the first notice regarding acquisition, the owners were informed that the acquisition is finalised and compensation will be given.
The period taken for the acquisition is more than five years. This is ample evidence that, the purpose is not urgent and really necessary. However, this is the plight, and the misfortune of nine owners and about 40 dependents (children) who are law-abiding citizens of our motherland.
Dharmasena Mohotti
Piliyandala
Add new comment