S.A.M. Jayananda and others Vs. Central Environmental Authority and others (Kehelgamu Oya Mini Hydro Case) – CA WRIT 29/2017-2017

In the case between S.A.M. Jayananda, Chairman, “Kithulgala Sancharaka Kalapaye Parisaraya Surekime Sanvidanaya” and Center for Environmental Justice (Guarantee Limited) (Petitioners) and the Central Environmental Authority, Sustainable Energy Authority, and others (Respondents), the Court addressed whether the Kehelgamu Oya Mini Hydro Power Project (stage-II) was commenced and operated in violation of the National Environment Act (NEA) and applicable environmental statutes, focusing on compliance with statutory Environmental Impact Assessment requirements and approval conditions. The holding determined that there was insufficient basis to grant interim relief halting or restricting the construction or operation of the project, affirming that the presence of ongoing statutory monitoring an