President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that steps are being taken to pass the Central Highlands Protection Authority Bill in Parliament by the end of this year or early next year, thereby granting the Authority all necessary powers to protect that ecosystem.

The President made these remarks while attending the ceremonial handover of the ‘Navodayapuram’ housing project to the public. The project was constructed for families who lost their homes in the Poonagala Kabaragala Mountain landslide in Bandarawela in 2023.

He also stated that steps are being taken to establish the Central Highlands Protection Authority with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

However, the President pointed out that while it may take decades to restore the Central Highlands to their former state, immediate measures must be taken to halt the ongoing destruction.

Describing the Central Highlands as the heart of Sri Lanka, the President noted that the region is being destroyed before the country’s eyes. He added that he had witnessed landslides, the drying up of natural springs, and the siltation of rivers and streams.

Accordingly, once the Bill is passed, full authority will be vested in the Central Highlands Protection Authority, he said.

Meanwhile, the President stated that steps are being taken to ensure that the Malaiyaha Tamil community enjoys full rights and lives as equal citizens of the country. 

As part of these efforts, he said that when agreements with plantation companies are renewed after their current terms expire in 2042, the new agreements will be formulated in a manner that safeguards the rights of the community.

Furthermore, the President stated that the Cabinet has taken steps to remove obstacles preventing people who left Sri Lanka for India during the war from returning to the country.