To save a tree in Sri Lanka

Lots of development seems to be happening in Sri Lanka. Colombo has seen a lot of change as well - it actually looks nice with the paved streets and open spaces. I did however see the negative sides of it. I saw the forest area near my home in Battaramulla vanish. You go there now, its organized and nice but the natural habitat and all the life forms within are lost, forever. You hear about it here. 

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The other day after breakfast I happened to see people climbing a huge Tamarind Tree near my house cutting away the branches. I knew there was something not right. When I inquired my hunch was right, they were about to cut the tree down. How did I stop it? 

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Here are some tips for you. 

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1. No one can just cut down a tree. You need to get permission. I was able to halt the people from cutting the tree by first asking if they had permission. I said if they hadn't then I would report them. No one would dare ignore this as you end up getting your equipment confiscated and possibly a jail term and/or fine. 

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2. Try not to be agro. Cool and calm is the way forward. Share your side of the story and find a win win. Sometimes you need to take the tab for payment if you halt something halfway, well I did. 

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3. Buying some time is crucial. With that you can do 'work' to get the tree saved. 

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4. Ruk Rakagannao was awesome, however in the end the Divisional Secretary holds the most amount of power to save a tree. They will work through the Grama Sevaka and decide on the outcome. You can also go the forestry department and department of wild life. 

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5. Its important that you get the backing of as many people as possible. Use all the contacts after which use them to add more weight to your plea. 

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6. It can be good to start a petition as well. An idea can be to use Avaaz. You can also work with Ruk Rakaganno and Rain Forest Protectors. 

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7. Spread the word using online media. Its so easy. It also helps to get like minded people involved. 

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8. Dont lose hope. 

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9. If you lose the effort, remember, dont get discourage but keep pressing on. One day there will be change. .

The tree is over 200 years old. My grandfather had told my father that this tree was there even when his grandfather was alive and that it needs to be cared for.