Connect with us

News

Pavithra’s gazette on Vidataltivu Nature Reserve to be reviewed

Published

on


The Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court that the new government intends to review the Extraordinary Gazette notification issued by former Wildlife Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, which altered the boundaries of the Vidataltivu Nature Reserve to facilitate an aquaculture project.

Deputy Solicitor General Fazly Razick, representing the Attorney General, made these remarks in connection with two Fundamental Rights petitions filed by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka and the Environment Foundation. These petitions were heard before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices S. Thurairaja, A.H.M.D. Nawaz, and Janak De Silva.

Previously, the Supreme Court had issued an interim order suspending the operation of the Extraordinary Gazette issued by Minister Wanniarachchi, which modified the boundaries of the Vidataltivu Nature Reserve for an aquaculture project. This interim order was further extended today till July 29, 2025.

The petitioners are challenging the unlawful acts of the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation by Extraordinary Gazette bearing No. 2383/05 and dated 6th May 2024.

The petitioners stated that this Gazette issued by the subject Minister noted that the area specified in the appendix of the gazette will no longer be designated as part of the Vidataltivu Nature Reserve.

The petitioners further state that the area that formed the Nature Reserve was identified as an area requiring protection by an Integrated Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka (hereinafter referred to as ISEA-NPSL) carried out by the Central Environmental Authority and Disaster Management Centre with other government departments and experts between 2009 and 2014 and published in 2014.

They state that Vidataltivu falls under the classification of a “Strict Nature Reserve” declared under the provisions of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. It is critical for mangroves and fauna including rare species of great biodiversity and crucial ecological significance. Vidataltivu is situated close to the buffer zone near the Wilpattu National Park and the former Minister has de-gazzeted portions of the strict nature reserve to give it to a private company doing shrimp farming.

President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardana PC with Dilumi de Alwis and Rukshan Senadheera appeared for the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, while Counsel Nilshantha Sirimanne with Deshara Goonetilleke appeared for the Environment Foundation (Guarantee) Ltd.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

on

By

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

Continue Reading

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

on

By

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Continue Reading

News

Fuel prices unchanged

Published

on

By

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) announced that there will be no revision of fuel prices for the month of June 2025.

Accordingly, all fuel prices will remain unchanged for June, it said.  

Existing fuel prices (per litre):

Auto Diesel – Rs. 274
Super Diesel – Rs. 325
Petrol 92 Octane – Rs. 293
Petrol 95 Octane – Rs. 341
Kerosene – Rs. 178

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved