As a result, this national issue drew the attention of the house today as JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake questioned the matter in parliament.
Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal decided to hear a petition against Minister Rishard Baduideen on June 28th.
In this petition, Minister Baduideen has been accused of illegally clearing Wilattikulam forest reserve, which is a by- forest, adjacent to Wilpattu Forest Reserve.
The minister has also been accused of taking measures to have human habitations constructed on that land.
The petition filed by a group of citizens including Attorney-at-law, Nagananda Kodituwakku was taken before Appeal Court Judge Arjuna Obeysekera this morning.
At the same time, a petition was filed with the Bribery Commission to investigate the assets and liabilities of Minister Baduideen.