White Coal (Pvt) Ltd vs The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority – 0370/2012-2023

In the case between White Coal (Pvt) Ltd and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) along with associated respondents, the court considered the validity of a second application for provisional approval concerning a mini-hydro power project. The principal issue examined was whether the petitioner’s fresh application—involving a resource site different from the one previously allocated—complied with the requirements of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Act No. 35 of 2007 and its associated guidelines. The findings established that the petitioner had failed to fully disclose the change of resource site and had misrepresented key material facts. It was determined that the relevant guidelines, promulgated under lawful authority for re-application in cases of lapsed approvals,