The government yesterday (11) unveiled sweeping amendments to National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980. It had been last amended in 2002. Authorities described the latest amendments as one of the country’s most significant environmental legal reforms aimed at protecting ecosystems and ensuring sustainable development.

The proposed amendments were announced during a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information under the patronage of Dr. Dammika Patabendi and Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody.

Also present were Secretary to the Ministry of Environment K.R. Uduwawala, Environment Ministry Advisor Dr. Ravindra Kariyawasam, and Director General of the Central Environmental Authority Kapila Rajapaksha.

Speaking at the briefing, Minister Patabendi said the amendments were designed to breathe new life into environmental governance while aligning with the government’s policy vision of “A Sustainable Biosphere – A Green Life.”

“The environmental challenges confronting Sri Lanka today are far more complex than they were when this law was introduced in 1980,” Minister Patabendi said. “Therefore, we need a stronger and more modern legal framework capable of protecting ecosystems, ensuring environmental justice and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.”

The amended Bill, prepared with the participation of environmentalists, academics and other experts, has already been tabled in Parliament and is expected to be debated shortly.

One of the key features of the revised legislation is the legal strengthening of environmental responsibilities vested in local government authorities.

Under the new provisions, the Central Environmental Authority will have enhanced powers to take legal action against local authorities that fail to comply with environmental regulations and directives.

The legislation also empowers magistrates to impose substantial fines on institutions that ignore court orders aimed at rectifying environmental violations.

Minister Patabendi stressed that environmental protection could no longer remain secondary to economic development.

“Sustainable development must be based on scientific principles,” he said. “Development that destroys ecosystems is not development. Environmental conservation and economic progress must go hand in hand.”

The amendments further tighten controls over industries operating under Environmental Protection Licences (EPLs).

Authorities said industries that violate EPL conditions or fail to prevent serious industrial hazards could face suspension or cancellation of licences. The law also introduces provisions enabling temporary closure orders against industries operating in violation of environmental standards.

A major addition to the revised Act is the introduction of dedicated legal provisions governing hazardous waste and chemical management.

Under the new framework, the Environment Minister will have powers to enforce stricter regulations under the supervision of technical expert committees.

The Bill also criminalises the submission of false information in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA/IEE) and unauthorised alterations to approved development projects.

In another significant move, Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) will become mandatory in state policymaking, a measure authorities say will place scientific analysis at the centre of national development planning.

Minister Patabendi described the reforms as essential for ensuring long-term environmental security in the face of climate change and ecological degradation.

“We are introducing laws not only for the present generation but for the generations yet to come,” he said. “Protecting wetlands, forests, water resources and biodiversity is now an urgent national responsibility.”

The amended legislation also introduces the globally recognised concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which places responsibility on manufacturers for managing the full life cycle of their products, including post-consumer waste.

Environmentalists have long argued that Sri Lanka requires stronger legal mechanisms to address mounting waste management challenges, especially plastic pollution and hazardous waste disposal.

The revised Act additionally introduces a specialised legal framework for wetland conservation, reflecting growing concerns over the rapid degradation of sensitive ecosystems across the island.

Sri Lanka, recognised as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, possesses rich ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests and mangroves to wetlands and dry-zone forests.

Environmental experts say the proposed reforms could significantly strengthen conservation efforts if effectively implemented.

Minister Patabendi said the government hoped the new legal framework would help secure a greener and more sustainable future for the country.

“Our responsibility is to leave behind a living environment that future generations can inherit with pride,” he said.

By Ifham Nizam