2 nd May 2019

Director General,

Central Environmental Authority,

104, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha,

Battaramulla

Dear Sir,

Re: Comments on the Elevated Highway from New Kelani Bridge to Rajagiriya with a Link to Baseline Road (Phase I of Elevated Highway from New Kelani Bridge to Athurigiriya)

Centre for Environmental Justice is a public interest environmental organization based in Sri Lanka established in 2004. We herewith send our comments to the above EIA under the request for public comments as per the section 23 BB of the National Environmental Act.

In terms of travel time saving and carbon emission reduction and many other benefits this project can be considered as a prospective and beneficial project. With few changes, this project can be implemented in an environmental safe manner.

Impact to the Bio Diversity

Elevated highway runs along Kolonnawa canal adjacent to Kolonnawa Marsh which covers an area of 345Ac. This is the only environmentally significant area. Although both Dematagoda canal and Kolonnawa canal are highly polluted and show a higher level of eutrophication, Kolonnawa Marsh harbors significant amount of flora and fauna. Therefore it is essential that project activities do not disturb the fauna in the area and flora is not affected. (A total of 224 plant species in 67 families and A total of 143 fauna species belongs to 72 families).

Read the full comment here.

Comments on the Elevated Highway from New Kelani Bridge to Rajagiriya with a Link to Baseline Road (Phase I of Elevated Highway from New Kelani Bridge to Athurigiriya)