An explanation from Damith Fonseka regarding the reason for his arrest

The case against actor Damith Fonseka, who was arrested by wildlife officials for the unauthorized digging of a cultivation well and felling of trees within the Sigiriya Sanctuary, is scheduled to be heard in court on September 2nd. Commenting on this incident, which has drawn significant public attention, he states that the accusations leveled against him have been exaggerated.

He clarified that he has been cultivating this land, which spans several acres, since 1994, and that only a few minor changes were made for cultivation purposes. Rejecting the accusations of constructing a large well, he stated to the 'Mawbima' newspaper that he only dug a small well to obtain water for his crops and that he planned to install a concrete slab to prevent animals from falling into it.

Damith Fonseka also rejects the accusations of felling trees, stating that only a few branches were cut. He mentioned that he was not taken away in handcuffs and further stated that this is the first time he has faced such a dispute.

“That land is mine. I have been cultivating that land since 1994. It's a land of several acres. I haven't dug a large cultivation well as they claim. I dug a small well to get water for cultivation. It's not a large cultivation well as reported in the news. Also, I planned to build a concrete cover for that small well to prevent animals from falling in.”

“Also, I haven't cut down trees as they claim. Only a few branches were cut. Furthermore, I was not taken away in handcuffs. This is the first time such a problem has arisen. I explained it to those officials. I am still on that land right now. So, this matter will be heard in court on September 2nd.”