The Supreme Court has granted permission to hear a fundamental rights petition challenging a gazette notification issued by Minister of Wildlife Pavitra Vanniarachchi. The notification in question removes a portion of the Mannar Wedithalativu Reserve Forest Zone from its protected status to facilitate development.
The petition, filed by a coalition that includes the Environmental Justice Center, was reviewed today by a bench consisting of Justices Preethi Padman Surasena and Shiran Gunaratne. The petitioners argue that Sri Lanka, positioned on the ‘Central Asian Flyway,’ is a critical global migratory route for birds, with approximately one million birds using the area annually during the winter months.
The petition highlights that the gazette notification permits the construction of a wind farm on Mannar Island, a choice the petitioners claim was influenced more by political and external factors rather than scientific or environmental considerations. They contend that the development of this environmentally sensitive area poses a significant threat to the migratory patterns of these birds and could have severe repercussions for local wildlife and aquatic life.
The petitioners assert that the gazette notification violates the provisions of the Wildlife and Vegetation Ordinance and could lead to considerable harm to the biodiversity of the region. They have requested that the Supreme Court issue an order to annul the gazette notification to prevent potential ecological damage.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the hearing for November 12, during which the arguments against the notification will be presented and considered. This case is expected to draw significant attention due to its implications for environmental conservation and wildlife protection in Sri Lanka.
