The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has directed the developer of the Ambuluwawa cable car project to repair environmental damage linked to the project, following observations and reports submitted by both civil society groups and State institutions.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (13), CEA Director General Kapila Mahesh Rajapaksha said that the project remains suspended, but that the developer has been instructed to dismantle any remaining structures that pose a threat to the environment and to restore other harm caused during construction. 

“They had informed us that they cannot enter the premises as the CEA has ordered them not to, hence we gave permission for them to enter the premises for these repairs only. They are not allowed to proceed with any of the constructions,” he said. Rajapaksha added that he had sent a letter on Tuesday (12) requesting an update on the progress of the restoration work. Decisions on whether the project will be allowed to resume will be made only after reviewing the outcome of these remedial measures, he noted.

The Ambuluwawa cable car project, led by a Chinese company, was initially cleared to begin after the CEA conducted an environmental impact assessment in February. However, after repeated complaints from local residents and environmental activists, a further joint assessment was carried out. Based on its findings, the project proponent was ordered to halt all construction activities immediately.