Environmental Safeguards
Commenting on National Policy
Strengthening Environmental Governance: Influencing national policy to protect nature, strengthen governance, and ensure sustainable development.
The Environmental Foundation (EFL) actively reviews and provides expert submissions on draft national policies, laws, and regulations to ensure that environmental concerns are integrated into Sri Lanka’s decision-making processes. Through this work, EFL helps strengthen governance, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable development at the national level.
Why it matters
Policy frameworks shape how natural resources are managed and protected. By engaging in public consultations and submitting evidence-based recommendations, EFL works to:
- Prevent environmental degradation through informed policy design.
- Promote sustainable development and climate resilience.
- Support transparency and accountability in national decision-making.
- Ensure legal and procedural compliance with environmental safeguards.
- Encourage public participation in shaping Sri Lanka’s environmental future.
EFL’s Contributions to Policy
Over the years, EFL’s submissions have helped influence several key national policy frameworks.
Featured Submissions:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Ensuring development without destruction – protecting nature, people, and the future.
What is an EIA?
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an internationally recognized and transparent process used to evaluate the potential environmental effects of proposed development projects before they are implemented. It helps identify, predict, and assess significant impacts, both positive and negative, on ecosystems, communities, and natural resources. The EIA process also recommends mitigation measures to minimize adverse effects and enhance environmental and social benefits, ensuring that development is both responsible and sustainable.
Why EIAs Matter
EIAs play a vital role in safeguarding the environment and supporting informed decision-making. Through scientific analysis and stakeholder input, the process ensures that development proceeds in harmony with nature and community well-being.
An effective EIA helps to:
- Prevent environmental degradation by identifying risks early in project planning.
- Promote sustainable development that balances economic growth with ecological integrity.
- Inform decision-makers with credible, science-based evidence.
- Protect public health and safety by addressing pollution, habitat loss, and resource depletion.
- Ensure legal compliance with national and international environmental standards.
- Encourage public participation and transparency, giving communities a voice in development decisions.
In Sri Lanka, the EIA process is a cornerstone of environmental governance, empowering authorities and citizens alike to uphold the principle of “development without destruction.”
Submission of comments
EFL commented on the following Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) reports:
Submission of comments to the Central Environment Authority on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the proposed IEGS Ground Mounted Solar Project in Sooriyawewa, Hambanthota District (22 August 2025)
(Link to comments – 1. EFL – EIA Comments – Proposed IEGS Ground Mounted Solar Project, Sooriyawewa, Hambanthota)
Submission of comments to the Central Environment Authority on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the proposed Mundeni Aru River Basin Development Project, Batticaloa and Ampara Districts (29 January 2025)
(Link to comments – 2. EFL – EIA comments – Proposed Mundeni Aru River Basin Development Project, Batticaloa & Ampara)
Submission of comments to the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management Department on the Supplementary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for proposed Reclamation under the Galle Port Development Project, Galle District (9 January 2025)
(Link to comments – 3. EFL – EIA comments – Proposed Galle Port Expansion)
Submission of comments to the Central Environment Authority on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the proposed 250MW Mannar Wind Power Project, Mannar District (Phase II) (3 June 2024)
(Link to comments – 4. EFL – EIA comments – Proposed 250MW Mannar Wind Power Project, Mannar)
Submission of comments to the Central Environment Authority on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the proposed Colombo North Port Development Project, Colombo District (10 February 2024)
(Link to comments – 5. EFL – EIA comments – Proposed Colombo North Port Development Project)
EFL commented on the following Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) reports:
Submission of comments to the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) report of the Proposed Coastal Aquaculture Development Programme of the Northern Province (17 April 2023)
(Link to comments – 6. EFL – SEA comments – Proposed Coastal Aquaculture Development Project)