Minister Bimal Ratnayake has dismissed claims that an environmentalist who opposed the Kadawatha–Mirigama Expressway over a single Pandukaranda tree belonged to his party, while defending the need for environmental approvals and slamming past governments for inflated costs.
Minister Bimal Ratnayake has rejected allegations that his party was responsible for delaying the Kadawatha–Mirigama Expressway project due to environmental protests over a Pandukaranda tree. Speaking in Parliament, Ratnayake clarified that the environmentalist in question, Devani, is not affiliated with his party.
He further dismissed claims that the expressway would cost Rs. 12 billion per kilometer, stressing that the actual figure is Rs. 6.29 billion. While acknowledging that the cost is still high, he argued that it could have been reduced to Rs. 5 billion if not for what he described as the “arbitrary and damaging agreements” signed by economic decision-makers in 2015.
Ratnayake emphasized that while delays caused by environmental protests are often criticized, environmental impact assessments are essential for responsible development. Without such reports, he warned, projects could lead to serious long-term destruction, undermining both ecological balance and public safety.
“This expressway is critical for development, but we must also respect the need for environmental reports. Otherwise, the consequences can be devastating,” he told Parliament.
His remarks highlight the growing tension between infrastructure development and environmental protection in Sri Lanka. With major expressway projects often facing scrutiny over costs, transparency, and ecological impacts, Ratnayake’s defense sought to balance accountability with the need for progress.
The minister’s comments come as Sri Lanka continues to debate the true cost of large-scale infrastructure projects and their environmental footprint.
