The Court of Appeal yesterday (21) issued an order to halt constitution of 4-lane elevated highway from the New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya, across the Thalangama Wetlands.
The order was made by Justice Sobhita Rajakarunwa following a petition filed by R. M. Suwandaratne from Battaramulla.
The petitioner sought to invalidate the gazette issued by the Environment Minister permitting the construction of the highway.
The Court of Appeal ordered the Minister of Highways and officials to stop engaging in any form of construction in the Wetlands, without submitting a proper Environment Impact Assessment report to the court.
Furthermore, the Road Development Authority and the RDA Director General were ordered to explore an alternative site for the construction and submit a report report on or before 31 March 2022.
