Yesterday (May 7), the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court that the government had decided not to proceed with the proposed road construction through the Wilpattu National Park.
The announcement was made by Deputy Solicitor General Avanti Perera, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney General during a hearing of a fundamental rights petition filed by an environmental organisation opposing the road project.
Following the government's decision, both parties agreed to resolve the matter amicably. The three-judge bench comprising Justices Janak de Silva, Mahinda Samayawardhena, and Sampath Abeykoon recorded the settlement and concluded the case.
However, the court was informed that the existing road passing through the national park can continue to be maintained under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.
The petition was filed after reports emerged that a new road would be built through the park, prompting concerns about potential environmental damage and threats to wildlife. The petitioner had urged the court to halt the project to protect the park’s ecosystem.
The Department of National Zoological Gardens is readying enclosures to quarantine two large tortoises that were found stranded 15 kilometers westwards off Pitipana Negombo, today.
The Customs Department said it will be publish the names of institutions and individuals who violate customs laws and commit tax fraud by uploading the information on its official website www.customs.gov.lk.
A board of inquiry has been appointed to investigate the death of a student at the University of Sabaragamuwa, reportedly linked to a ragging incident.
Read this week’s Sunday Times for your interesting articles including the ’’5th Column’’.
Leave Comments