After experiencing a 10-year low in economic growth, the cash-starved Sri Lanka government has decided to sell its valuable teak trees. This decision has sparked a major controversy with environmentalists criticising the move. A committee, appointed by president Chandrika Kumaratunge, said the government could earn US $35 million by selling the country's teak resources. The committee recommended that laws be changed to allow the felling of 70 per cent of the teak trees in national parks, said forest conservator W Wickramasinghe.
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