Tacugama Founder Threatens to Resign Over Encroachment Crisis

Tacugama Founder Threatens to Resign Over Encroachment Crisis

Bala Amarasekaran, the visionary founder of Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, has announced his intention to step down on December 31, 2025, if the government fails to halt the escalating encroachment and deforestation plaguing the sanctuary's vital buffer zone.

Despite a presidential executive order mandating all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to safeguard the sanctuary, Amarasekaran lamented that the directive has not been adhered to. He emphasized his three decades of dedication to running the sanctuary without any government financial support.

Amarasekaran warned that if left unprotected, his legacy would be lost, representing a significant setback for President Bio's administration should the sanctuary be forced to close during his tenure. He highlighted the sanctuary's substantial growth, from an initial $30,000 grant to its current estimated value of $5,000,000.

Citing the risk to the local community, Amarasekaran reiterated his vow to resign by the end of 2025 if the government does not act to protect Tacugama. He affirmed his willingness to assist when needed.

Tacugama has remained closed to the public for the past four months, with no clear timeline for its reopening.

Bala Amarasekaran, the founder of Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary