Sri Lanka, June 2 -- Nilgala Forest in Bibila, which, according to legend, was a medicinal park during the reign of King Buddhadasa, was officially declared a protected forest reserve yesterday by Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi. The declaration coincided with International Environment Day.

The forest, 40,485 hectares in extent, had been left to the mercy of the racketeers who caused wanton destruction to the forest by felling trees and setting fire and the need to declare it a protected forest reserve had been felt for a long time.

Minister Dr. Patabendi and Director General of Forest Conservation Nishantha Edirisinghe signed the gazette notification.

Nilgala forest reserve is a highly sensitive environmental zone rich ...