Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) yesterday praised President Maithripala Sirisena’s involvement in ending the Wilpattu deforestation, and said that it was a result of the struggle the BBS started in 2013.

In a press statement, the BBS stated that they appreciate the President’s statement on Wilpattu deforestation issue.

BBS had also mentioned that deforestation in remote areas of the country should be stopped and bills must be amended to protect forests.

President made an observation that forest area would be increased from 29% to 32% from 3 years, yesterday at a ceremony held in Battaramulla. He stated that last government had given 3500 acres to relocate people who were dislocated by war, and Wilpattu was included in the given land.

President Sirisena said that he was opposed to the deforestation of Wilpattu and would resettle people in elsewhere.