Sri Lanka, March 20 -- Rishad Bathiudeen, who is allegedly responsible for the deforestation of Wilpattu reserve, is not a member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), SJB MP Hirunika Premachandra said at a media briefing held at the Opposition Leader's Office, yesterday.
The press conference was held at the office of the Leader of the Opposition as a demonstration of support to young environmental activist Bhagya Abeyratne, who was allegedly threatened for her claims that parts of the Sinharaja forest had been cleared.
Responding to the media, MP Premachandra said that Bathiudeen was only the leader of a different party. She said he had nothing to do with Samagi Jana Balawegaya, and that he formed an alliance with the Samagi Jana Balawega...