By Illegal Land Acquisitions in the Kottawa-Kombala Forest Reserve
A group of land racketeers has allegedly presented false information to Galle District officials, including MP and COPE Committee Chairman Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, to facilitate the distribution of forest reserve land claims,Sajeewa Chamikara of the Movement for Land and Agriculture Reform (MONLAR),While the parliamentarian was not available the issue seems that the parliamentarian has been misguided with falls information.
. The scheme involves falsely claiming that people have been living in the reserve for over 100 years and pushing for land ownership to be granted to them. MP Samaraweera has stated that he is addressing complaints through the District Coordination Committee and intends to ensure justice for those allegedly residing in the forest.
A land survey is currently underway to document the lands used by the so-called residents of the reserve. However, investigations have revealed that no one has been permanently residing in the forest. Instead, individuals from nearby villages are clearing the forest for illegal cinnamon and tea plantations.
Fraudulent Land Ownership Claims
A study conducted on the alleged residents found that over 50 individuals had submitted false information to the Akmeemana Divisional Secretariat, falsely claiming residence in the forest. Initially, around ten individuals were involved in illegal farming activities, but the number has now increased to about 50, with some even submitting land documents in the names of their relatives.
Illegal Farming and Traditional Cultivation
Certain individuals from surrounding villages such as Kadurugashena, Kaluwala, Beddagedara, and Hiryamal Kumbura have illegally occupied land within the forest reserve, clearing it for cinnamon and tea cultivation. The total area of illegally farmed land is estimated to be around 50 acres.
There are about seven traditional farming plots, known as “Deni” lands, within the reserve, where people have been engaged in paddy farming and other minor crops since the 1970s. Some of these lands have official boundary markings, while others remain unmarked. However, all newly cultivated cinnamon and tea plantations have been established by illegally clearing forest land.
Large-Scale Land Grabbers
By 2011, approximately 30 acres of forest had been illegally cleared for farming. Between 2015 and 2017, large-scale deforestation accelerated, especially in areas such as Muttalaihena, Kadurugashena, and Hiyare. A major figure behind this land grabbing is a person known as “Kiri,” who has reportedly cleared around 30 acres of forest land for cinnamon plantations. Plans are allegedly in place to expand this to 50 acres.
Support from Corrupt Officials
Since 2011, some officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation have allegedly accepted bribes, allowing land racketeers to clear forest land illegally. Instead of prosecuting illegal land acquisitions, legal actions have only been taken against unauthorized farming, which has allowed land racketeers to continue their activities unchecked.
Biodiversity of the Kottawa-Kombala Forest
The Kottawa-Kombala Forest Reserve is a lowland tropical rainforest, home to rare and endemic wildlife species, some of which are critically endangered. Research conducted by the Galle Wildlife Conservation Society and other researchers has confirmed the presence of several rare species, including:
Endemic snake species: Aspidura guentheri, Dendrelaphis wickrorum, Lycodon carinatus, and Rhabdophis ceylonensis.
Endemic and rare amphibians: Adenomus kelaartii, Uperodon nagaoi, Pseudophilautus conniffae, Pseudophilautus folicola, Pseudophilautus mittermeieri, Pseudophilautus singu, and Pseudophilautus stictomerus.
Endemic freshwater fish: Rasbora wilpita, Rasboroides vaterifloris, and Rohanella titteya, which are found in the tributaries of the Gin Ganga River.
The Bigger Issue
The destruction of the Kottawa-Kombala Forest is being driven by a handful of land racketeers, aided by corrupt officials in the Department of Wildlife Conservation. MP Nishantha Samaraweera appears to have been misled into advocating for land ownership rights for these individuals. If such actions continue, the legal residents of the surrounding villages will lose their fundamental rights, and trust in the justice system and governance will deteriorate.
The Kottawa-Kombala Forest is a crucial ecological site, and its protection is essential for future generations. Rather than supporting illegal land acquisitions, the government and its officials should focus on preserving the forest and ensuring the rule of law is upheld, said environmental journalist Sajeewa Chamikara
