Colombo (News 1st) – The Government announced today the President, Prime Minister and the entire Cabinet of Ministers stand-by with the Forest Department Officer who refused to bend the rules and allow the construction of a playground.

Joint Cabinet Spokesperson & Minister, Bandula Gunawardena speaking to reporters today, said the Government will protect any public officer who acts according to the provisions of the law.

Earlier, this week a Forest Department Officer refused to bow down to the pressure from State Minister Sanath Nishantha and Negombo Residents to release land for the construction of a playground.

The Forest Department Officer defended her position not to release land on the request of the locals and the State Minister citing the importance of having a balanced Eco-system, especially in a mangrove forest area.

In a video, which went viral all over social media, the Forest Department Officer, who was identified as the Gampaha District Forest Officer, said she would never bend the law under any circumstances.