The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court today that the Cabinet has decided to withdraw the gazette notification issued by former Wildlife Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, which sought to release 168 hectares of the Vedithalathivu Reserve located within the Wilpattu Conservation Zone for the purpose of establishing a shrimp farm.
This announcement was made during the hearing of two fundamental rights petitions filed by the Wildlife Protection Association and the Environmental Justice Center. The petitions sought an order to invalidate the gazette notification, arguing that it posed a significant threat to environmental conservation efforts.
Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, informed the court that the Cabinet reached the decision to withdraw the gazette following a comprehensive review.
The case was heard before a three-judge bench comprising Justices S. Thurairaja, Yasantha Kodagoda, and Priyantha Fernando.
President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, representing the petitioners, welcomed the government’s decision to withdraw the gazette. However, he further requested the court to declare that the withdrawal was carried out under the provisions of the Wildlife and Flora Protection Ordinance.
In response, the Additional Solicitor General acknowledged the position and confirmed that the respondents were prepared to act accordingly.
The Supreme Court subsequently scheduled the case to be recalled on October 10, 2025, to review the progress of the matter and the implementation of the withdrawal decision.
