Birds and planes can’t fly together

By Shelani Perera

Issues pertaining to the Bundala bird sanctuary are being raised over the plans to build a multi-billion rupee international airport in Weerawila and environmentalists are asking why the project was launched when the authorities were aware of the dangers to and from the bird sanctuary.

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is yet to approve the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on the proposed airport project in Weerawila, more than three months after the laying of the foundation stone for the project as environmental organizations continue their protest campaigns.

Environment Minister Champika Ranawaka told The Sunday Times the issue pertains to the Bundala bird sanctuary with the CEA currently studying the situation.

“Constructing an airport near a bird sanctuary could result in airport equipment being damaged. This has happened in other countries. The CEA is currently taking into consideration public views following which an alternative would be recommended. If the Civil Aviation Authority accepts it the CEA will give its EIA report. The alternative is not a change of location. We will identify the problem and suggest the alternative,” Mr. Ranawaka said.

Central Environmental Authority EIA Director Ms. Kanthi de Silva told The Sunday Times it is awaiting some vital information from the Civil Aviation Authority pertaining to the project.

“We held a meeting two weeks ago with the authorities and we are now awaiting the information mainly pertaining to wild life. Once the information is received the Technical Evaluation Committee will give its recommendation and then the CEA will give its verdict,” Ms. de Silva said.

The airport project is estimated to cost US$125 million. However, the foundation stone was laid several months ago. The project has run into problems mainly due to the environmental impact as it borders the Bundala National Park, the wetland in the country which has the richest bio-diversity.

Meanwhile several environmental organizations are to take legal action against the decision to construct an airport at Weerawila, stating it would destroy thousands of acres of fertile paddy lands at Wegawatta and some huge tanks.

They said this was an attempt to create a commercial, economic environment destroying our heritage that has strong roots in an agro-based civilization and had to be stopped at any cost.