January 15, Colombo (LNW): Environment Minister Dammika Patabedi has said he was troubled by the decision of China-based Amber Adventures (Private) Limited to abandon the proposed Ambuluwawa cable car project, adding that he has directed officials to examine the circumstances, as the Government does not wish to see investors exit the country.
Speaking on the issue, the Minister explained that the Environment Ministry itself has no contractual arrangement with the company, as the project falls under the purview of the Board of Investment.
Nevertheless, he said the Government is keen to understand the factors that led to the company’s withdrawal, particularly given the importance of maintaining investor confidence.
According to the Minister, construction work within the Ambuluwawa Environmental Zone had been halted following objections raised by environmental groups after the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. He noted that, in the aftermath of the disaster, construction activities in areas considered vulnerable were suspended nationwide until safety and stability assessments could be completed.
He said that in the case of Ambuluwawa, complaints were received alleging that certain works had continued without the required clearance from the National Building Research Organisation. In response, the Ministry instructed the Central Environmental Authority to investigate the matter. Acting on these instructions, the CEA ordered an immediate stop to all construction in the zone, pending a comprehensive technical review by experts.
The Minister stressed that construction could resume if and when the relevant specialists give approval, underscoring that environmental protection and public safety remain paramount. At the same time, he acknowledged the need for clear and consistent regulatory processes to avoid misunderstandings with investors.
Following the suspension, Amber Adventures formally announced its withdrawal from what was to be Sri Lanka’s first cable car venture. The company cited regulatory hurdles and what it described as arbitrary actions by state authorities as the reasons for its decision, bringing the high-profile project at Ambuluwawa to an abrupt halt.
