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Cabinet officials

Sri Lankan Court Orders Halt to Sinharaja Forest Reserve Development

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Court of Appeal in Sri Lanka has decided to proceed with a writ petition challenging the construction of reservoirs and roads within the Sinharaja Forest Reserve during the previous administration of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The petition, filed by the Center for Environmental Justice (CEJ), alleges that the development project would negatively impact the reserve's fragile ecosystem and violate existing laws. The authorities have informed the court that they will not construct new roads or repair existing ones within the forest.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Court of Appeal has decided to proceed with the writ petition challenging the construction of reservoirs and roads within the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
  • The petition, filed by the Center for Environmental Justice (CEJ), alleges that the development project would negatively impact the reserve's fragile ecosystem and violate existing laws.
  • The authorities have informed the court that they will not construct new roads or repair existing ones within the forest.
  • The proposed project involves constructing a reservoir, two tunnels, and several roads, including the 18 km gravel road from Neluwa to Deniyaya.
  • The petition states that the construction of the roads and reservoirs would affect the biodiversity of the already fragile ecosystem.
  • Senior Counsel Ravindranath Dabare appeared for the petitioners, representing the CEJ.

Statistics:

  • The proposed reservoir will cover a landmass of five hectares within the Sinharaja forest.
  • The 18 km gravel road from Neluwa to Deniyaya will be widened from 8 feet to 15 feet, with 1,320 meters of the road passing through the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
  • The development project will provide water to several areas, including Tangalle, Beliatte, Weeraketiya, Walasmulla, Dambarella, and others.
  • The construction of the roads and reservoirs was reportedly commenced and expanded in August 2020.

Sources:

  • "Court proceeds with writ petition challenging Sinharaja Forest Reserve development" (Daily Mirror Sri Lanka, June 21)
  • "Attorney General informs court of authorities' plans regarding Sinharaja Forest Reserve" (Daily Mirror Sri Lanka, August 8, 2025)

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