Cabinet nod to amend power line construction in Muthurajawela environmental protection area 

Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Banduala Gunawardena 

The Cabinet of Ministers approved making amendments to the previous Extraordinary Gazette Notification to harmonise power infrastructure expansion and environmental preservation.  

The move comes as a response to the need for constructive alternatives that minimise the impact on the Muthurajawela Environmental Protection Area, a significant ecological sanctuary.

On 19 December 2022, the Cabinet approved authorising the Environment Minister to issue a Gazette notification amending the existing Extraordinary Gazette No. 1466/26 dated 13.10.2006 to declare the construction of a power line on 33 KW double circuit zebra towers from the Kelawarapitiya grid substation to the Nugape junction along the Mudianse Canal in the Muthurajawela Environmental Protection Area. 

The objective of authorising the Environment Minister is to enable the issuance of a new Gazette Notification through the Central Environment Authority (CEA). The newly proposed Gazette Notification will categorise the construction of a power line along a modified route as a permissible activity. 

The project’s scope encompasses a stretch between the Kelawarapitiya grid substation and the Nugape junction, following an alternative route. The CEA, in consultation with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), has advised a shift from the original construction plan along the Mudianse Canal within the Muthurajawela Environmental Protection Area. 

“The recommendation is to consider constructing the power line along the boundary of the environmental protection area. This adjustment aims to curtail potential environmental impact while maintaining the required power infrastructure development,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Banduala Gunawardena said.

The proposal to this effect submitted by Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday.