Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's environmental litigation has not expanded in scope to include climate change specific litigation. The legal framework of Sri Lanka does not directly deal with climate change and the country is yet to enact its proposed National Climate Change Act. The Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka entrusts the State with the duty of protecting and preserving the environment. However, these duties are not enforceable in a court of law. Yet, it can be said that the existing scope of environmental litigation and public interest litigation in Sri Lanka deals with climate change related factors.

Cases

 * Sugathapala Mendis and another v Chandrika Kumarathunga and Others


 * Ravindra Gunawardane Kariyawasam v Central Environment Authority and Others


 * Environmental Foundation Limited v Anura Wijepala, Chairman Ceylon Electricity Board and 15 Others - The Environmental Foundation Ltd EFL) filed a fundamental rights application against the decision to install a coal power plant.The EFL highlighted the adverse effects of such a project on the environment including its contribution to climate change. In 2017, the case was withdrawn by the plaintiff on being notified that the government would not proceed with the project.


 * Air Pollution Case - The EFL filed a case in the Supreme Court alleging high levels of air pollution within the Colombo Metropolitan Area. The high levels of pollution was due to vehicular emissions. The Supreme Court directed to maintain and carry out proper emission monitoring mechanisms and to reduce the traffic congestion by monitoring the bus schedules and timetables.


 * Watte Gedara Wijebandara v Conservator General of Forest


 * Geethani Wijesinghe v Patali Champika Ranawake, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources

Resources

 * Case archive on Environmental Law maintained by the EFL

Organizations

 * Environmental Foundation Ltd
 * SLYCAN (Sri Lankan Youth Network on Climate Action Network)Trust