Muslim leaders led by the Industry and Commerce Minister , Rishad Bathiudeen met yesterday to consider development regarding Presidential declaration to extend more areas adjoining Wilpattu as forest reserves . Instructions have been given by the President to the Secretaries of the Ministries of wildlife and forest to implement it.
Muslims living in Marichchuukaddi areas adjoining Wilpattu National Park were driven by the LTTE during trouble time . They could not manage to return to their native land for resettlement for a long time. Making use of the situation, on instigation by officials the Government declared these areas as forest reserves and gazetted it in the year 2012. Thereafter , with the approval of relevant government authorities they were resettled in Marichchukaddi areas. Although they were resettled, they are deprived of proper infrastructure and other facilities . Hence, resettlement is not completed yet.
In the meantime, a few radical Buddhist organizations have met the President and appears to have misled him to extend forest reserves of Wilpattu beyond its current boundaries . If this decision is implemented it will badly affect the poor Muslim community resettled in their own native land Marichchukaddi areas adjoining Wilpattu in Mannar. Once again they will become homeless . Muslim leaders pledged to meet President and the Prime Minister and bring this tragedy to their notice. This will pave way to protect resettled Muslims in Marichchukaddi areas.
