Chainsaw registration deadline extended till 15 March

The Ministry of Defence has announced that the deadline for registration of chainsaw machines has been extended till 15 March.

Accordingly, all State, semi-government, private sector institution, or privately owned chainsaw machines should be produced at the nearest police station and a registration permit must be obtained before 15 March.

The registration is being carried out according to a decision taken by the Ministry of Defence on the orders of President Maithripala Sirisena, and commenced on 20 February. Accordingly, the registration was to end on 28 February.

The Ministry said the new deadline will not be extended any further.

This measure was taken in order to control deforestation caused by illegal felling of trees using chainsaw machines and to regulate the felling of trees.

After registering, a special licence and a number will also be issued for identification purposes. Necessary instructions have been issued to all police stations in the country, the Ministry said.

The Ministry of Defence requested the support of all in this regard.