By: Anjalee Udawatta & Lakshitha Edirisinghe The EIA identified key issues associated with the project. Several scenic waterfalls were threatened due to the reduction of water flow. Image source: olivelankaholidays.com A crucial component of Sri Lanka’s natural scenic beauty is the cascading waterfalls emanating from the central hills. While serving as major tourist attractions, these waterfalls also support the livelihoods of surrounding communities while being a safe haven for several faunal species. The dire need to protect
The proliferation of lucrative yet often ill-planned and destructive mini hydro power plants in the wet zone region has been a serious environmental and social concern, as these projects can destroy endemically rich and biodiverse habitats in fragmented forest patches, while causing problems with the water supply for neighbouring settlements. EFL investigated many cases of destructive mini hydropower plants, including a project on the Koskulana River, bordering Sinharaja Forest Reserve which eventually led to litigation against the project developers. In
As the global community begins to recognize the severity of the challenge posed by climate change, the shift to low carbon economies is seen as a step that can no longer be delayed. Countries are investing in renewable energy and looking to wind, solar and to lower carbon emissions, while reducing investment in fossil fuels. Coal is a fuel that is not is not only responsible for a majority of climate change causing emissions but also leads to smog, acid
