Villagers affected by Uma Oya Project: SC fixes petition to mention on 25 July

By S.S.Selvanayagam

The Supreme Court this week fixed to be mentioned on 25 July the fundamental rights petition filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice, and four individuals, including M.D.P. Manatunga, who are residents of the Bandarawela area victimised as a result of the Uma OyaMultipurposeProject. 

The Bench comprised Chief Justice PriyasathDep and Justices Priyantha-Jayawardane and UpalyAbeyrathne.

The Attorney General in February appraised to the Supreme Court the progress of the water projects, compensation and general reliefs given to the farmers and villagers affected as the result of Uma Oya Project.

The Supreme Court on 7 December directed the Uva Province Director of Agriculture to expedite the payments of compensation before 28 February to the affected farmers for their crops lost as a result of the Uma Oya Project.

The Court on 14 September directed the Uva Province Director of Agriculture to also take necessary measures to pay compensation to the affected farmers for their lost crops.

The Court on 4 July directed that pipe-line water should be supplied before 31 December to the villagers who are adversely affected by the Uma Oya Project and compensation  be paid to the affected farmers through theMahaweli Authority.

The petitioners complain that as a result of the Uma Oya project, not only have their homes and crops been destroyed, they have also lost access to clean drinking water

Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment, N. Rupasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation and Agriculture, the Central Environment Authority and the Attorney General are cited as respondents.

RavindranathDabare appeared for the petitioners. Deputy Solicitor General ParindaRanasinghe appeared for the Attorney General.