The foundation to the EIA process was laid in United States
during 1970s. With the influence, Sri Lanka also adopted its EIA procedure in 1993
under the national environmental act. Over the last 3 decades, it has positively
contributed to the protection of Sri Lanka’s natural resources and its riches for the use
of the future generations. Later on, EIA process was recognized by international
financing Institutes (IFIs) and donor agencies in their environmental and social
safeguard procedures.
We believe that, current EIA process needs to be revisited to suit the latest conditions
and address the gaps. CEJ has been engaged in this discussion since its start in 2004.
We have trained hundreds of people on the EIA process in Sri Lanka with the aim of
promoting it among the public. The outcome of such efforts is visible today in as many
refer to the EIA process whenever, a controversial project comes.

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