Nirmal Anrudha Madanayaka and others vs Director General, Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management and others – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO. 54/2021-2021

In the case between Nirmal Anrudha Madanayaka and others (Petitioners) and the Director General, Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management and others (Respondents), the court addressed the lawfulness of constructing a fishery anchorage and offshore breakwaters at Mawella Bay, the required level of environmental assessment, and the validity of the development permit. It was held that the authorities followed proper procedures under the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Act, as an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) was appropriately determined to suffice instead of a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The project permit was found valid due to a lawful extension, and it was clarified that multi-day boat operators were not authorized to us