(UTV | COLOMBO) – Former Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva says an environmental impact assessment was not done prior to carrying out the artificial sand nutrition project with an expense of Rs.890 million, in order to minimize erosion at the Mount Lavinia beach.
In a Facebook post, the Former MP said more information pertaining to the project will be revealed in future.
Former MP de Silva noted the Mount Lavinia beach is facing grave environmental issues at present, while stating that the matter must be looked into as the public tax money had been used for the project.
He also further stated the proposal for the project was put forward by the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management and carried out by the same Department, adding that projects cannot be carried out in such a manner.
The former MP stressed the opinions and sentiments of the residents in surrounding areas must be considered when carrying out such a project pertaining to the social and environmental issues.
He added however the project was carried out discreetly during curfew imposed in the country due to the coronavirus outbreak, while also stating the project could lead to a serious crisis.
The main aim of the project carried out by an international organization under the supervision of the Coast Conservation Department, was to prevent erosion at beach.
Accordingly, the artificial sand nutrition project at the Mount Lavinia beach commenced on the 16th of April.
However, the newly added sand had been washed away within one and a half months.
The Coast Conservation Department said however no erosion had occurred, adding that the project was planned for a certain amount of the sand to be washed away.
Director General of the Department Prabath Chandrakeerthi also rejected charges claiming the project caused damage to the environment.