Rajitha Completely Rejects Destruction of Wilpattu Either by Rishad or Muslim

In  reply to a question raised by a  journalist  regarding  Wilpattu  during  cabinet briefing today , Co cabinet Spokesman  cum Minister of Health  Rajitha Senaratne  said thus:

‘’ There is no truth in  the allegation  that  either Rishad Bathiudeen or Muslims  involved  in destroying Wilpattu forest. It is wrong to say that they  invaded  Wilpattu National Park and constructed  houses.  Displaced Muslims  should be resettled  in their  native land. They possesd  legal document to proof that they were living  in  their native lands.  When Rishad participated in the TV programme last year,  he clearly  explained the real situation of the  displaced Muslims  from the North. In that debate he produced and displayed photographs of Mosques  and  wells along with deeds and permit issued  in the year 1915. Rishad was chased out  when he was a young man  by the LTTE  from the North. He came   and settled along with the Muslim refugees  in Puttalam. When  one of their  man  became a Minister , it is natural for them to bring their problems to him.  Hence ,  he is obliged to listen  to their  problems and resolve it.  Don’t look at  this issue  as a  Tamil  or Muslim problem. Look at it on a humanitarian point of  view.

 Rishad is acting honestly and correctly  in this connection.  I completely reject  the allegation that  Muslims destroy Wilpattu. There is no such  destruction  done at Wilpattu.