By: Staff Writer
February 09, Colombo (LNW): Serious questions surrounding environmental compliance, land ownership, and regulatory integrity have placed Sri Lanka’s first cable car project at Ambuluwawa under an intense spotlight, exposing alleged procedural violations and governance failures that span multiple State institutions. What began as a tourism infrastructure initiative has now evolved into a contentious national issue involving environmental protection, investor confidence, and public accountability.
Concerns resurfaced sharply following a joint inspection led by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi on February 4, prompted by complaints from environmental organisations and members of the Gampola Pradeshiya Sabha. These complaints intensified after environmental damage reportedly emerged in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Construction activities at the site have since been temporarily suspended, pending a final determination by authorities.
During discussions at the Gampola Udapalatha Divisional Secretariat, officials acknowledged that the approval process under previous administrations may have breached several provisions of the National Environmental Act. It was revealed that mandatory public disclosures including Gazette notifications and newspaper advertisements had not been issued after environmental clearance was granted. Equally troubling were claims that opportunities for public consultation were actively blocked, undermining transparency and public participation.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation informed the Minister that portions of the project involved unauthorised construction on land belonging to the Department. Officials further disclosed that survey requests submitted repeatedly by the Divisional Secretariat to demarcate Wildlife Department land had gone unaddressed by the Survey Department for years, creating uncertainty over land boundaries and legal ownership.
Environmental activists have raised alarms over the ecological sensitivity of the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex. Research cited by environmentalist Melani Gunathilaka records 428 species of flora and fauna within the area, including 69 endemic species, 58 nationally threatened species, and three classified as critically endangered. Critics argue that a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should have been mandatory, rather than the preliminary environmental study that was conducted.
Adding another layer to the controversy, the Young Journalists’ Association has lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), alleging that the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) bypassed due process to favour the project, resulting in financial losses to the State.
Minister Patabendi has stated that while the Government remains open to investment, it will not compromise environmental safety, public welfare, or legal compliance. An expert committee has been appointed to examine all allegations, with its recommendations expected to determine whether the project will proceed or be permanently halted.
As investigations deepen, the Ambuluwawa cable car project stands as a test case for Sri Lanka’s environmental governance and a reflection of how the State balances development ambitions with ecological responsibility and rule of law.
