Protesters call for stop to palm oil plantations affecting water springs

A protest was recently staged in front of the Kegalle District Secretariat against the Palm oil plantations by residents, religious leaders and plantation workers from Veniwelwatta and Hindella estate in Warakapola. 

The protesters state that the switch from rubber plantation to palm oil plantation had given rise to various issues. They say that palm oil plantation is causing water springs to dry up which has in turn affected agricultural activities in the area. 

The protesters say that all the mountain areas in the village have been destroyed and that rubber plantation which had helped them make a living all these years is now slowly fading away in the area. 

The Chief Incumbent of the Beligama Dematawanuwa Temple, Ven. Mandawala Sirisobhana Thero, who also joined the protest, met with the Kegalle District Secretary Chandrasiri Bandara to present fact on behalf of the agitators.

He demanded that this harm caused to the environment be halted at least by a court order.   

The District Secretary, speaking on the issue, said that a correct explanation is required with regard to whether palm plantation is a viable alternative when the income from rubber plantation is low.

Although the government has decided not to carry out palm plantation which is not an environment friendly crop and causes water springs to dry up, palm plantation has still not been halted.