Wannila Aththo’s writ petition fixed for argument

The writ petition filed by Uruwarige Wannila Aththo, the leader of the indigenous population known as 'Veddas', challenging the clearing of the lands at Pollebedda-Rambakenoya was today fixed for argument by the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justice Sobhitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola fixed the petition for argument on September 7.

The Court of Appeal had earlier issued notices on several respondents including Mahaweli Development Authority regarding this writ petition.

Wannila Aththo and Center for Environmental Justice had filed this writ petition challenging the clearing of the lands at Pollebedda-Rambaken Oya area for a Proposed Agricultural and Livestock Development Project.

The petitioners are seeking an order staying the validity of approvals granted to Mahaweli Authority to clear the relevant lands for the proposed Agriculture, Livestock Development Project.

Senior Counsel Ravindranath Dabare appeared for the petitioner. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)