1.) National Environmental Act (NEA)

According to the National Environmental Act (NEA), there exists a mandatory requirement to obtain the environmental clearance from the Central Environmental Authority or a Project Approving Agency (PAA) which authorized under the NEA for any kind of power plants. There are two classifications. Thermal Power Plants exceeding 25 MW and Hydro Power Plants exceeding 50 MW. The Environmental Impact Assessments(EIA) is a comprehensive study about the environmental impacts of the proposed project. Public comments are welcome at EIA stage for evaluation. Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is not as comprehensive as EIA and are not entertained public for comments. The Ministry of Environment designates the Ministry of Power & Energy as PAA as per the NEA. Therefore, the Ministry of Power & Energy has established an environment cell in the Planning Division to implement the requirements of NEA

2. Current activities of Ministry of Power & Energy as a Project Approving Agency

Environmental Clearance has been granted for the following Thermal Power Projects, Mini Hydro Power Projects and Transmission Line Projects, after evaluating the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study, and Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). At present post monitoring process is under way for some of the projects.

Power Plants

AES Kelanitissa Private Thermal Power Plant (163 MW) -Environmental clearance granted on 04/09/1999 (EIA study)

ACE Power Embilipitiya Private Thermal Power Plant (100 MW) - Environmental clearance granted on 31/12/2003 (EIA study)

Guruluwana Mini Hydro Power Project (IEE Study)- Environmental clearance granted on 01/11/2001(IEE study)

Nuge Dola Mini Hydro Power Project- Environmental clearance granted on 18/04/2006 (IEE study)


Transmission Line Projects

New Galle Transmission Line Project (Ambalangoda/Galle)-IEE Study is in Progress

Puttalam-Veyangoda 220 kV Transmission Line Project- Extension of the Env. Clearance granted on 20.02.2006

Ukuwela-Pallekele 132 kV Transmission Line Project- Extension of the Env. Clearance granted on 01.11.2006

Kerewalapitiya-Kotugoda 220 kV Transmission Line Project- Extension of the Env. Clearance granted on 16.08.2006

orana-Paragasthota 132 kV Transmission Line Project- construction completed

3. Initial Environment Examination (IEE) process is under way for the following projects

Kosgama & Thawalantenna Mini Hydro Projects- TOR for Both Projects has been issued

4. Ministry of Power & Energy represents as a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) Member for the following projects

Kerewalapitiya 300 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant

Moragolla Hydro Power Projects

Uma Oya Multi Purpose Project

Rajjammanna Mini Hydro Power Project