Politics of a Rain Forest : Battle to Save Sinharaja by Dr. Prasanna Cooray , 1sr Edition 2021
Politics of a Rainforest brings glimpse of recent political and Policy controversies that led to decay of the precious ecosystem of Sinharaja rainforest in Sri Lanka. it is a Interesting piece that conveys a message especially to the younger generations inviting them to political movements aiming environmental conservation,
Its very informative with updated facts on the history, threats and conservation of “sinharaja” rainforest world heritage site.
For the uninitiated, ‘Politics of a Rainforest: Battle to Save Sinharaja’ offers a good mix of information; the legal status of the forest, its history and bio-diversity, the many threats it faces both past and current and the efforts by environmentalists and other enthusiasts to protect this national heritage. Indeed, the information contained in the book will be useful to all those interested and even those actively involved in nature conservation.
How many, for instance are aware of the origins of ‘Ruk Rakaganno’ and its efforts to protect the pristineness of Sinharaja. Formed by actress Irangani Serasinghe, her sister Kamini Vitharana, the former director of the Wildlife Department and the Dehiwela Zoo, Lyn de Alwis, well known photographer Nihal Fernando and Vere de Mel, Ruk Rakaganno had played an important role in opposing Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s ‘Wagasangramaya’ programme, where large swathes of forests had been cut down to grow food crops as substitutes for imported varieties. We see something similar taking place even today.
