“I Broke My Back To Have Knuckles Declared A World Natural Heritage Site” — Faiszer
By Raisa Wickrematunge
Despite the central highlands of Sri Lanka recently being named a World Natural Heritage Site, Sri Lanka had to persuade international authorities to consider the nominated area, following reservations expressed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Deputy Minister for Environment, Faiszer Mustapha explained that the IUCN expressed reservations about the areas put up for nomination by Sri Lanka.
Mustapha explained that the IUCN wanted a comprehensive management plan for the sites, rather than an individual one. In addition, the IUCN thought there was no proper buffer zone to protect the area. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) additionally said that the sites did not belong to the same cultural theme and historical period.
Together with Environment Minister, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Mustapha individually met with each of the 21 member states of the World Heritage Committee. The Ministry convinced the states that despite the IUCN’s reservations, the sites came under an exception.
“For a property to be considered…it must have outstanding and universal value,” Mustapha said. The committee had decided that the sites fell under the exception and voted for the area to be a World Natural Heritage Site.
The areas nominated included the Peak Wilderness Protection Area, Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forest.
“This area excludes the peak and pathway, i.e. the pilgrim area of Sri Pada…and comprises the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka,” Mustapha said.
This time a Ministerial delegation had to go for the World Heritage Conference. They had to break their back to get the Montane range included in the World Heritage List. Things seem to be really tough for Sri Lanka these days!
In 1984 at the World Heritage Committee meeting held in Paris some of which sessions I presided as its Vice Chairman (I was Ambassador to France/UNESCO) Sri Lanka’s several projects were accepted without any hitch. There were no Ministers around. I think that was the main reason for easy success. The proposals then included Sinharaja Forest Reserve as a natural heritage site and several cultural heritage sites.
I did not go to Brazil for the final Conference because I thought it was just cosmetics – to endorse the Committee’s findings with applause and make some good speeches. Madame (Dr.) Reidel, UNESCO representative in charge of the programme even reminded me of Copacabana and the Carnival on the side to persuade me to join them. I had important work in Paris to undo the damage caused to Sri Lanka’s image after July !983 riots.
Inclusion of Sinharaja was my own suggestion. my other proposal – the thermal swells in trincomalee Bay (Arthur Clarke emphasised its importance) did not find approval from the government.
The problem about Sinharaja was not from the foreign end but from Sri Lankan end. Many politicians including powerful Ministers were blocking my proposal. They were eying the timber resources, gemming prospects and land grabbing. I had to overcome these with the help of the scientific community. part of it was destroyed earlier to feed Kosgama Plywood factory.
So in 1984 Sinharaja and other projects were inscribed in the World Heritage List without even a representative from Sri Lanka on the spot. I think it was the strong case made in respect of each project that carried us through more than even personal contributions made by me drafting the case and presenting it first to UNESCO and defending them at the Committee sessions.
If ministerial presence was required this time and meeting members of the Committee individually one can understand. Above all, isn’t the country now in the age of globe trotting?
Mr Faiz Musthapha is a hard worker and an achivever at any cost But he credit goes to some other. like IFA i dont know why MR dosent appreciate this and give him a good ministry MR you wont regret
He was always a spineless fellow without a proper back,, first he was with SLMC, then wanted to join UNP, then joined CWC now with SLFP,,, wonder where he will jump next???
THAT IS WHAT YOUR ASHRAF DID. WHY SIGLE OUT MUSTAFFA? IF MUSTAFFA IS RESPONSIBLE THEN IT SHOULD BE COMMENDED. THE JHU FARCE WHO WAS IN-CHARGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS WAS ONLY TRYING TO RE-WRITE HISTORY.
Thats Correct Faiz ,
Today he is in this position because CWC Leader Arumugan Thondaman, he should be greatful to him but he betrayed him.
He has forgotten his politicl heritage which elivaated to this position , so how can he fixe the country’s heritage.
Well, there were many new other Sites declared in many other countries as well without breaking someone’s back. Are they qualified to handle what they do? or they will certainly will break their backs.
yes, but look what Roshan Gunathilake, our defence chief, has done; he has built a palace in Knuckles for him and his family only – the world heitage site! where is the President of this country?
So now you dont have backbone?
If you have a back how can you change parties so fast?
It’s easy when you don’t have one.You see the magic is very scientific n simple.No bone,easy flexible and easy bending.Great demand!Everybody
accepts him.He has done something for him to be proud and in the era of
people like mervyn doctor!
Faiz breaks his back to get recogonition for knuckles and the Airforce chief breaks his back to build a holiday home in the site!!!!
Lets see how you will ‘break your back’ to get this un authorised structre removed!!!
Over to you Faiz
Faizer Musthafa, is another liar of the MR Government, if he broke his back to get the Knuckles Range as a heritage site, how come Roshan Gunethileke, build his mansion plus some of the Kandyan ass holes, can never say knowing his background he too must be having plot to build.
Remember, this man during the elections landed his helicopter in kandy and a school match had to be cancelled because of this. He had then parked his helicopter there for the weekend and gone by car to see his girlfriend. Now he says he has broken his back for the country. Wonder what he will break next to save the country. All these politicos are shameless money-grabbers.
Great, The people remember, This man is a shameless idiot you needs glory. Lets see how he remove the Airforce cheifs bungalow
Roshan G. is building a palace for himself in Knuckles! Wakey, wakey, our beloved King, where are you????
He had lost his seat on the first count at the last general elections,,but won when there was a re-poll at Nawalapitiya with a lot of rigging!!!!!
If what you say is true.then it is highly uncharacteristic for a Sri Lankan minister because they always try to break somebody else’s back.
Anybody who blows his own trumpet and praises himself in this manner is nothing but a despicable specimen of a human being !
minister faiz musthafa is a selfish person who does not represent the muslim community at all.
It’s really great for thonda to appoint a muslim and faisz to serve the nation
with great interest.Be happy Afsar.He brings you respect while not being
elected by you.Wonderful.
Very funny. He is supposed to be a representative and leader of the Muslims. But if not for Thondaman and the up-country estate vote, even the muslims would have not heard of him. Crafty like politicians everywhere.