Deforestation is a national issue: Ruwan

• Calls for bipartisan support to resolve environmental issues 
• Says Govt. needs to follow environmental laws, especially regarding Sinharaja 

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday stated that the party will stand firm against deforestation, calling for bipartisan support for environmentalists and other public stakeholders voicing concern about the issue. 

Addressing the press at Party headquarters, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena charged the Government of acting in contravention of the laws of the country regarding the proposed project within the Sinharaja Rainforest.

A move by the Government to seek UNESCO approval for the controversial project will not exempt them from the laws of the country, Wijewardena argued. 

“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.” Wijewardena stressed. “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.”  The UNP stated that they will be taking action to ensure that crimes against the environment is stopped.

“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.” Wijewardena called on all political parties to support environmental protection and justice without politicising issues. (AF)