Petition against proposed ground-mounted solar power plants fixed for May 12

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda 
The Fundamental Rights petition filed by the Electricity and Renewable Energy Consumers Association, seeking an interim order staying the proposed ground-mounted solar power projects, has been fixed for May 12 by the Supreme Court.

The subject matter of this petition is the installation of small-scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) plants in close proximity to the existing distribution substations (transformers) in rural areas. 

The petitioners had named the Power Minister, Ceylon Electricity Board, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka and several others as respondents.

The petitioners are seeking a declaration that the respondents are bound to achieve the renewable energy goals of Sri Lanka through solar power plants by utilising the rooftops, highway-mounted solar energy generating systems and other compatible systems, which are widely used by other countries, without damaging the environment and existing ecological system of the country, including the vegetation and forest cover. 

The petitioners stated that the proposed project would cause environmental degradation, with the clearing of lands and cutting down trees.

The petitioners are further seeking a declaration that there is an imminent infringement of the fundamental rights of the electricity consumers, small-scale solar industrialists and the public, which are guaranteed to them under Article 12(1), 14(g) and 14(h) of the Constitution.

Senior Counsel Ravindranath Dabare appeared for the petitioner.