Nagananda Kodithuwakku's petition against All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Leader Minister Rishad Bathiudeen over deforestation near Wilpattu National Park will be heard in the Court of Appeal on June 28

The petitioners alleged that the illegal deforestation and constructions carried out within the Wilpattu National Park had caused large-scale environmental damage.

They requested the court to issue a directive to remove the unauthorized constructions and to reclaim the lands back to the government as they are completely unlawful. 

Last week, in a separate case, the Supreme Court barred Nagananda Kodithuwakku from practising as a lawyer for three years.