Granting of relief to the affected is continuing: AG

The Attorney General informed the Court of Appeal that steps would be taken to resume the granting of relief to the people affected by the Uma Oya Project.

A Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices Sisira J. De Abrew, Anil Gooneratne and Nalin Perera on Tuesday fixed for February 7 the hearing of the fundamental rights petition filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice and four Bandarawela residents including M.D.P. Manatunga, who were affected by the Uma Oya Project.

The Attorney General had in February informed the Supreme Court about the progress of the project, the compensation and general relief given to those affected by this project.

The SC on December 7 last year directed the Uva Province Director of Agriculture to complete the payment of compensation before February 28 and on September 14 directed the Uva Province Director of Agriculture to pay compensation to the affected farmers for their crop losses as a result of Uma Oya Project.

Ravindranath Dabare appeared for the petitioners while Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Rajaratnam appeared for the Attorney General and President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena with Rukshan Senadheera and Saranee Gunatilake appeared for the IntervenientPetitioner BASL Secretary Amal Randeniya.

The Attorney General had in February informed the Supreme Court about the progress of the project, the compensation and general relief given to those affected