Legal Battle for Mannar’s Migratory Birds To Take Flight

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Supreme Court has decided to examine the fundamental rights petitions that challenge a gazette notification that would declassify a portion of the Vidithalathivu Nature Reserve in Mannar.

The gazette was issued by Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation, Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi.

The case, brought forth by a group including the Centre for Environmental Justice, was taken up in the presence of Justices Prithi Padman Surasena and Shiran Gunaratne of the Supreme Court.

The petitioners argue that Sri Lanka serves as a pivotal global sanctuary for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway, with approximately one million birds seeking refuge in this region each winter.

The petition underscores the critical nature of this migratory path and warns that any disruption could pose a substantial threat to the avian migratory patterns. 

It further contends that the selection of Mannar for a wind power plant project lacks scientific justification and appears to be influenced by political and external considerations, overlooking the area's ecological sensitivity.

Citing violations of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, the petitioners assert that the proposed action would severely compromise the well-being of migratory birds and aquatic life frequenting the forest zone.

They urge the Supreme Court to annul the contentious gazette notification, highlighting the potential for significant ecological damage.

The hearing of this petition is slated for November 12th.