In a significant win for environmental conservation, the government has officially rescinded the May 2024 extraordinary gazette that had altered the boundaries of the Wedithalathivu Nature Reserve, the Supreme Court was informed this week.
On January 19, the Attorney General notified a three-judge bench—comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Janak De Silva, and Justice Gihan Kulatunga—that the contested gazette had been formally revoked through Gazette No. 2463/47 dated November 21, 2025.
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) had filed a fundamental rights application in June 2024, challenging the legality of the 2024 gazette, which earmarked portions of the Wedithalathivu Nature Reserve for aquaculture activities. The petition highlighted environmental concerns and procedural irregularities, emphasizing the ecological significance of the reserve’s mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds, which play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and local communities.
On June 27, 2024, the Supreme Court had issued an interim order staying the implementation of the impugned gazette and directed all respondents to maintain the status quo. During subsequent proceedings, the Attorney General, representing the State, informed the Court that the Cabinet had resolved to revoke the gazette.
Following the Attorney General’s confirmation to the Supreme Court on Monday that the gazette had been rescinded, the petitioner withdrew the fundamental rights application, as the relief sought had been achieved.
WNPS was represented by President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena, along with Attorneys-at-Law Dilumi de Alwis, Revan Weerasinghe, and Rukshan Senadheera, instructed by S W Amila Kumara. Senior State Counsel Sabrina Ahmed, with Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena, appeared on behalf of the Attorney General.
