SC extends interim order suspending Pavithra’s gazette on Wedithalathive Nature Reserve

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Supreme Court yesterday further extended its interim order suspending the operation of the Extraordinary Gazette issued by former Wildlife Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, which modified the boundaries of the Wedithalathive Nature Reserve for an aquaculture project. This interim order will be effective until October 10, 2025.   

At a previous occasion, the Attorney General had informed the Supreme Court that the new government intends to review the Extraordinary Gazette notification issued by former Wildlife Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.   

President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardana, appearing for the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, informed the court that the Cabinet of Ministers had recently decided to reverse the impugned gazette issued by former Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi. He further stated that this was a welcome move, adding that under Section 2 of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, the Minister is now required to revoke the said gazette and follow the necessary formalities prescribed by the ordinance.   

Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena, PC, appearing for the Attorney General, informed the Court that the Cabinet of Ministers had decided on 7th July 2025 to revoke Gazette No. 2383/05. She further stated that a new gazette rescinding the earlier one would be issued in due course.   

The petitions were fixed for October 10 by Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices S. Thurairaja, Yasantha Kodagoda and K. Priyantha Fernando in order to ascertain compliance with the said undertaking given by the Attorney General.   

The petitioners are challenging the unlawful acts of the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation by Extraordinary Gazette bearing No. 2383/05 and dated 6th May 2024.   

The Petitioners stated that this Gazette issued by the subject Minister noted that the area specified in the appendix of the gazette will no longer be designated as part of the Wedithalathive Nature Reserve.   

President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardana with Dilumi de Alwis and Rukshan Senadheera for Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka. Counsel Nilshantha Sirimanne with Deshara Goonetilleke appeared for Environment Foundation (Guarantee) Ltd.