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A proposed access road to Meemure sparks alarm as UNESCO officials warn Sri Lanka risks losing World Heritage status for the fragile Knuckles Conservation Forest.
The Secretary General of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, Professor Prabath Jayasinghe, has formally raised serious concerns over a proposed alternative road through the Knuckles Conservation Forest, warning that it could threaten the World Heritage status of the Central Highlands.
In a letter addressed to the Commissioner General of Essential Services, Professor Jayasinghe highlighted the environmental and international implications of reopening the old gravel road running from Taldeniya to Thangappuwa via Attalawettuwa. The proposal has emerged as a temporary solution to restore access to the Meemure area after severe damage to the Hunnasgiriya Meemure road.
While acknowledging the humanitarian need to ensure essential access for affected communities, the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO stressed that reopening this route could result in long term environmental damage. The Knuckles Conservation Forest is a key component of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, which also includes Horton Plains and Sri Pada, all recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The Secretary General warned that any road development or vehicular access through this ecologically sensitive region could undermine the integrity of the site and damage the Outstanding Universal Value that justified its World Heritage inscription.
International concern has already been raised, with the UNESCO Regional Office in New Delhi seeking clarifications from Sri Lanka on the proposal. The letter cautions that if concerns escalate, Sri Lanka could face the risk of the Central Highlands being placed on the World Heritage In Danger List or even losing its World Heritage status entirely.
At a time when international development partners are closely observing Sri Lanka’s environmental commitments, the Commission emphasized that safeguarding globally significant heritage sites is vital for maintaining donor confidence.
The Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO has recommended that any decision on reopening the road should follow consultations with the Forest Conservation Department, Wildlife Conservation Department, UNESCO representatives, and other relevant authorities to balance community needs with long term heritage protection.
