Nakolagane’s Forests

The Destruction of Nakolagane’s Forests and Wetlands: 

An Environmental and Humanitarian Crisis

Introduction  

The Nakolagane forest and wetlands in Sri Lanka’s Kurunegala District are under severe threat due to illegal deforestation and land clearing. Despite warnings from environmental activists like Sajeewa Chamikara in 2021, the destruction has continued unchecked. A powerful Buddhist monk, Walathwewa Rahula Thero, along with business allies, has been systematically clearing protected lands for commercial agriculture, disregarding environmental laws and endangering wildlife. The consequences—escalating human-elephant conflict, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss—demand urgent intervention.  

This article examines:  

1. The extent of deforestation and illegal land grabs

2. The ecological and social consequences

3. The failure of authorities to enforce laws

4. Solutions to prevent further damage

1. The Scale of Deforestation and Illegal Land Leasing 

Unlawful Clearing of Protected Land 

- Nakolagane’s forests are part of a 5,000-acre ecosystem that includes wetlands, reservoirs, and wildlife habitats.  

- Over 50 acres have already been destroyed, with permits illegally issued for another 700 acres.  

- The land belongs to **Nakolagane Rajamaha Vihara, a Buddhist temple, but its chief monk has leased it to businessmen without government approval.  

Violations of Environmental Laws

- National Environmental Act (1980) – Requires environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for clearing over 1 hectare (2.47 acres). None were conducted.  

-North-Western Provincial Environmental Statute (1990) – Prohibits clearing near reservoirs. Yet, forests around Palukadawala Lake have been bulldozed.  

- Archaeology Ordinance (1940) – The area contains ancient temple ruins, but no heritage assessments were done before clearing.  

Who is Responsible?  

- Walathwewa Rahula Thero (Chief Monk) – Illegally leased temple land.  

- Local Politicians – Allegedly protecting the monk and businessmen.  

- Government Inaction – Despite complaints, no legal action has been taken.  

2. Ecological and Social Consequences

A. Escalating Human-Elephant Conflict

- Nakolagane is a key elephant corridor, home to 1,189 elephants (20% of Sri Lanka’s total).  

- Deforestation forces elephants into villages, leading to:  

  - Increased attacks – Elephants raid farms for food, resulting in deaths on both sides (e.g., the killing of Bathiya the elephant).  

  - Crop destruction – Farmers lose livelihoods, deepening poverty.  

B. Water Scarcity Threatens Agriculture  

- The forests feed 25+ lakes including:  

  - Palukadawala Lake (main water source)  

  - Manakkulamayagama Lake  

  - Hunugallewa Lake  

- Deforestation reduces water retention, leading to:  

  - Drying reservoirs – Farmers face irrigation shortages.  

  - Lower groundwater levels – Drinking wells are at risk.  

C. Biodiversity Loss 

- A 2014 study recorded 118 species in Nakolagane, including:  

  - Endemic birds (4 species)  

  - Threatened reptiles  

  - Elephants, leopards, and other mammals  

- Habitat destruction could lead to local extinctions.  

3. Government and Institutional Failures 

A. Authorities Ignoring the Crisis 

- Central Environmental Authority (CEA) – Failed to halt illegal clearing.  

- Forest Department – Did not enforce protections.  

- Archaeology Department– Ignored damage to heritage sites.  

B. Legal Violations with No Consequences

- Under the National Environmental Act, violators face:  

  - Fines up to LKR 15,000(~$50)  

  - 2 years in prison  

- Yet, no arrests or prosecutions have occurred.  

C. Political Interference  

- Local politicians allegedly protect the monk and businesses, preventing legal action.  

4. Solutions: How to Save Nakolagane

A. Immediate Actions Needed 

1. Halt All Illegal Clearing – Enforce stop orders on deforestation.  

2. Investigate and Prosecute – Hold the monk and businessmen accountable.  

3. Restore Damaged Land – Replant trees and protect water sources.  

B. Long-Term Protection  

- Declare Nakolagane a "Forest-Elephant Management Reserve" – Legal protection under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.  

- Strengthen Monitoring – Use drones and satellite tracking to prevent illegal logging.  

- Community Involvement – Train locals in conservation and conflict mitigation.  

C. Policy Reforms  

- Stricter EIA Enforcement – No clearing without assessments.  

- ransparent Land Leasing– Prevent temple lands from being misused.  

Conclusion: A Race Against Time

Nakolagane’s destruction is not just an environmental issue—it’s a humanitarian crisis. Without urgent action:  

- Elephants will continue dying in clashes with humans.  

- Farmers will lose water and crops, worsening rural poverty.  

- Unique wildlife will vanish forever.  

The government must act now before Nakolagane becomes another tragic example of unchecked greed and environmental neglect.