Defence Ministry Secretary Kamal Gunaratne has alleged that a Buddhist monk affiliated with the government is allegedly involved in environmental destruction in the Trincomalee area.

At a meeting with a group of state officials, Gunaratne said he was deeply disappointed by the development and prompt action must be taaken against this situation.

"No one should be allowed to use their political connections and get away with such offences. Strict action must be taken against those who destroy the environment," Gunaratne said during the meeting. The Defence Ministry Secretary also told them that the Governor of the Eastern Province and other senior authorities have been briefed in this regard.

The current government has come under severe criticism from many quarters over environmental destruction in many parts of the country. Environmentalists have pointed out that Sri Lanka is losing forest cover nearly 10 acrees a day due to the inaction of the government.