SJB challenges legality of Muthurajawela takeover files petition in SC

Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MP Kavinda Jayawardana and a fisherman from Negombo yesterday (5) filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the gazette notification that paved the way for the Urban Development Authority to acquire the Muthurajawela marshy lands.

The petitioners have alleged that the President acted arbitrarily by issuing a Gazette No.2248/44 dated 07.10.2021 that declared the Muthurajawela marshy lands were urgently required for the purpose of conservation and sustainable use of the Muthurajawela Environment Sensitive Zone and to develop it as a ‘Ramsar Wetland’ by preventing unauthorised filling and encroachments there.

The Petitioners state that the Gazette notification will violate their rights and those of the residents of 15 Grama Niladhari Divisions in the Divisional Secretariat of Negombo in the Gampaha district.

The petitioners have states that as a result of the Gazette by the President there will be a restriction on the day-to-day activities of the residents of the area, religious activities in the area and livelihoods of the people.