08/05/2020 – Case on Kehelgamu Oya Mini Hydro Power Project CA/Writ/29/17

 “Kehelgamu Oya Mini Hydro Power Project” was to be commissioned at Dagampitiya- Ginigathhena by project proponent named “Pams Hydro Pvt Ltd”. CEJ and Chairman of the “Kithulgala Sancharaka Kalapaye Parisaraya Surekime Sanvidanaya” filed this writ application against the mini hydro power plant located in Kithulgala River.

According to National Environmental Act in Sri Lanka all the project proponents must prepare EIA/IEE report before stating any project. However, this project has been approved without an EIA/IEE and, they had not got the proper approval from the project approving agencies. The Counsel for the petitioner moves for time to file amended caption and thereafter support this application on 18th of May 2017.

After hearing all facts, the court had issued conditional order to the project proponent to abort the further construction. The court observed that petitioners have not established a prima facia case. After refusing the matter in the Court of Appeal, petitioners have filed a Fundamental Right case in the Supreme Court and now the case is continuing.(END)