The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has issued a letter of demand to the Conservator General of Forests, calling for the immediate halt of all illegal clearing and construction activities taking place within the Knuckles Conservation Forest.
In the letter, the CEJ urges the Conservator General to promptly identify the government officials and agencies responsible for authorising or permitting these unlawful activities and to initiate appropriate disciplinary and legal action against them without delay.
The organisation warns that if the Conservator General fails to respond, it will proceed with legal action.
According to the CEJ, an unauthorised road development project is currently underway inside the Knuckles Conservation Forest, which forms part of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands—a region recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich biodiversity and global environmental importance.
The CEJ points out that public attention has already been drawn to the construction of an 8-kilometre forest trail between Thangappuwa and Corbett’s Gap, most of which falls within a legally protected conservation zone.
It further stresses that, as the Knuckles region is designated as a Conserved Forest under the Forest Ordinance, any road construction, land clearing, or alteration of existing pathways is strictly prohibited and considered a punishable offence with penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines.
Additionally, the CEJ notes that the Knuckles area has also been declared an Environmental Protection Area (EPA) under Sections 24C and 24D of the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980, through Gazette Notification No. 1507/10 issued on 23rd of July 2007.
