Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2018-08-21

Amendments to the Forest Conservation Ordinance

- Focusing special attention on the bio-diversity, soil, water, cultural, religious, historical and aesthetic value, it has been found necessary to amend the Forest Conservation Ordinance presently in force for the achievement of the objectives of forest conservation for the betterment of the future generation, preserving the mineral resources in the forest reserves, further strengthening of the powers assigned to the Forest Conservation Officers, promoting the productivity of the forests and strengthening of the contribution provided by the forests for the welfare of the rural community. As such, the proposal made by H.E. the President Maithripala Sirisena, in his capacity as the Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment, to draft a Bill to amend the Forest Conservation Ordinance incorporating the relevant amendments so as to effectively and productively implement the Forest Conservation Legal Framework, was approved by the Cabinet.