Sri Lanka, Sept. 18 -- An immediate and impartial investigation has been ordered into the burning and destruction of Kumbuk trees in the Nelum Wewa area of Parana Eluwankulama in Vanathavilluwa, located within the boundary zone of the Wilpattu National Park.

Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody has instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment to conduct the investigation and submit an urgent report on the incident.

The Ministry said the destruction of natural vegetation protecting water resources in the ecologically sensitive area could pose a serious threat to the wider ecosystem.

It said that if the investigation establishes that the burning was a deliberate act of sabotage or ecocide, the maximum penalties availabl...