In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has mandated the urgent removal of electric fences erected by a Buddhist monk in Nakolagane, Ehetuwewa, Kurunegala.
These fences, which exacerbate the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in the area, were at the center of a legal battle brought forth by the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ).
The petition, alleged that unlawful deforestation activities are conducted by Ven. Walathwawe Rahula Thera within a 4000-acre forest area near Nakolagane Purana Raja Maha Viharaya. Despite a previous order issued on November 21, 2023, to dismantle the illegal electric fences, the respondents claimed they had not received directives. Consequently, the Court reaffirmed its stance, directing the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and other relevant authorities to take immediate action.
This ruling marks a significant milestone as the first instance where a Sri Lankan court has ordered the removal of an illegal electric fence. The case encompasses a diverse array of respondents, including governmental bodies and religious authorities, highlighting the complex legal and environmental dimensions at play.
The disputed area, situated within the Ehetuwewa Divisional Secretariat Division of Galgamuwa, Kurunegala, holds immense cultural and ecological significance. Despite claims of ownership based on historical documents, conflicting testimonies and evidence suggest contested land rights, fueling the legal dispute.
Senior Counsel Ravindranath Dabare, along with attorneys Savanthi Ponnamperuma and Nilmal Wickremesinge, represented the petitioners, while Deputy Solicitor General Ganga Wakishta led the respondent's legal team.
As the legal battle continues, the Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for May 20, to resolve the complex environmental and land ownership issues surrounding Nakolagane. This case serves as a pivotal moment in the fight to protect Sri Lanka's natural resources and uphold environmental justice.
These fences, which exacerbate the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in the area, were at the center of a legal battle brought forth by the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ).
The petition, alleged that unlawful deforestation activities are conducted by Ven. Walathwawe Rahula Thera within a 4000-acre forest area near Nakolagane Purana Raja Maha Viharaya. Despite a previous order issued on November 21, 2023, to dismantle the illegal electric fences, the respondents claimed they had not received directives. Consequently, the Court reaffirmed its stance, directing the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and other relevant authorities to take immediate action.
This ruling marks a significant milestone as the first instance where a Sri Lankan court has ordered the removal of an illegal electric fence. The case encompasses a diverse array of respondents, including governmental bodies and religious authorities, highlighting the complex legal and environmental dimensions at play.
The disputed area, situated within the Ehetuwewa Divisional Secretariat Division of Galgamuwa, Kurunegala, holds immense cultural and ecological significance. Despite claims of ownership based on historical documents, conflicting testimonies and evidence suggest contested land rights, fueling the legal dispute.
Senior Counsel Ravindranath Dabare, along with attorneys Savanthi Ponnamperuma and Nilmal Wickremesinge, represented the petitioners, while Deputy Solicitor General Ganga Wakishta led the respondent's legal team.
As the legal battle continues, the Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for May 20, to resolve the complex environmental and land ownership issues surrounding Nakolagane. This case serves as a pivotal moment in the fight to protect Sri Lanka's natural resources and uphold environmental justice.
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