A press conference was held at the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to explain the position of the CEA with respect to the news item which appeared in the electronic media regarding the Rain Forest Ecolodge Hotel project at Viharahena, Kotapola. Dr. Wimaladharma Abeywickreme, Chairman of the CEA, Mr. Udaya P Gammanpila, Hon. Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agrarian Development, Minor Irrigation, Industries and Environmental Affairs of the Western Provincial Council and Mr. Pasan Gunasena, Director General of the CEA participated in this press conference.

Mr. Udaya P Gammanpila stated at the press conference that the said news item erroneously reported that the CEA has granted approval for the project, without following proper procedures and that the project posed a serious threat to the Sinharaja Rain Forest. He stated that the approval was granted by the CEA after a careful study of all anticipated environmental impacts and with the consultation of all related agencies including the Forest Department.  The Forest Department had even confirmed to the CEA in writing that it had no objection to the project.  Referring to the issue of bio-piracy which was highlighted in the news items, Mr. Gammanpila stated that in the environmental approval letter the CEA had categorically mentioned that no research activities should be carried out within the site. Mr. Gammanpila further stated that the proposed project was located outside the Sinharaja World Heritage site and in a tea estate managed by the Maturata Plantations Ltd. 

Dr. Wimaladharma Abeywickreme, Chairman of the CEA assured that strict monitoring would be carried out by the CEA to oversee the compliance of environmental approval conditions.