News

Environmentalists punch holes in EIA on Muthurajawela land reclamation

Published

5 years ago

2021/07/22

by Rathindra Kuruwita

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on the Muthurajawela land reclamation activities for the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant had a number of holes and implementing the project would have devastating ecological, hydrological and socio-economic impacts, environmentalists said yesterday

They said that given that fact Sri Lanka, too, would stop using LNG by the 2040s, the entire project would be a waste of public funds.

Environmental Officer at the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Indika Rajapaksha said that the project required the filling of 47 hectares of land, 30 that belonged to the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation and 17 that belonged to the Wattala Divisional Secretariat.

“The project is to use 1.1 million cubic metres of sand from sea and the sand will be taken from a sand burrowing site that was used previously for the Port City Project. However, those who prepared the EIA do not know the current status of the site. We have already burrowed 60 million cubes of sand to the Port City from this site. These will definitely have an impact on the fish, corals and sea grass beds, which in turn will have a devastating impact on the fishermen in the area,” Rajapaksha said.

Meanwhile, filling up 47 hectares of marsh land would have a significant impact on the flood retention capacity of Muthurajawela, he said. The EIA erroneously stated that only 1% of the flood retention area would be reduced by the project, however the real number was close to 25%, Rajapaksha said.

“The EIA does a neat trick. When those who prepared the EIA, calculated the total flood retention area, they had also considered a lot of land in the Negombo lagoon. However, if we look at the flood retention area of Muthurajawela it’s only 207 hectares,” he said.

The CEJ Environmental Officer said that in 2020, Professor. Prasanthi Gunawardena of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura did an ecosystem survey of Muthurajawela marsh and estimated its annual value at Rs. 2.74 billion.

Meanwhile, independent energy expert Vidhura Ralapanawe said that the earliest LNG plants at the site will be built only in 2027. However, the policy of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration is to have 70% of power through renewable energy, he said. Moreover in August 2019, Sri Lanka had pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050.

“To meet either of these goals, we can’t have a fossil fuel plant after the one that will be built in 2024. However, the CEB says it plans to build two LNG plants in 2027 and 2033. These plants can’t be built, because it’s against policy. Recently, President Rajapaksa has insisted that he will not support the construction of fossil fuel plants and that he is quite serious about his renewable energy goals. So, what is even the point of filling the marsh land?,” Ralapanawe asked.

He said that if the government went ahead with the project, it would be another indication of the lack of communication between various branches of the government.

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Russian circumnavigation team arrive in Sri Lanka

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

The Russian circumnavigation team, the 5 Oceans Club, made a brief stop in Sri Lanka as part of their second global sailing expedition.

The six-member crew, visited the Russian House in Colombo, on Friday, (24th April) where they shared insights from their journey.

What makes this expedition particularly inspiring is the club’s commitment to inclusivity. They actively encourage children with limb disabilities to experience the ocean and participate in sailing as equals, fostering confidence and a deep connection with nature.

The team also spoke about a specialized sailing school based in Siberia—one of Russia’s most picturesque regions—where children with such challenges are trained and introduced to maritime life. During the session, they offered a glimpse into their daily life aboard the yacht and highlighted how they integrate elements of science into their explorations, making their journey both adventurous and educational.

The crew consists of, Dmitry Kuznetsov – (captain of the boat of the 5 Oceans Club), ⁠Vladimir Dudkin – (crew member), ⁠Dmitry Dudkin –(cabin boy), ⁠Ksenia Kuznetsova – (cabin boy), ⁠Natalia Shahinyan – (founder of the charity foundation “Life on the Move”), ⁠Sofia Sheremet -(ward of the foundation)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

8 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.