The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment

¶ 01 Answer tabled.

¶ 02 (a) (i) No obstruction is made to conducting religious activities. (ii) The Pallakandal Church and its access road are within Wilpattu National Park, administered by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). Therefore, for access and pilgrimages, the Forest Department has no direct role. Although the church premises lie within the park, the DWC has not imposed conditions nor obstructed religious activities, and there are no complaints of officers acting outside the legal framework. Entry to national parks is permitted either with a permit issued by the Director-General or under rights acquired by traditional usage per Section 3(3)(a) of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.

¶ 03 The administrator of St. Jude’s Church, Vanathavilluwa, has requested monthly access for services on the first Tuesday. As sufficient information to confirm this as a traditional practice has not been provided, the church has been asked to submit such proof promptly to the Ministry. To date, no adequate information has been submitted; thus, the matter has been referred for Attorney General’s advice on whether this monthly service can be accepted as a traditional practice.

¶ 04 DWC officers do not obstruct religious activities at Pallakandal Church. As the church is within a national park, officers act to enforce the law only when pilgrims or administrators violate the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, and also take action against unauthorized constructions inside the park. This is not an obstruction of religious activities.

¶ 05 (b) Not applicable.