Introduction

The powers to regulate activities that may have any adverse impact on the environment have been delegated to the Minister in charge of the Environment and the Central Environmental Authority by the National Environment Act No. 47 of 1980.

According to the orders made by the Minister in charge of the Environment, the powers to issue environmental protection permits in relation to 25 industries out of the powers delegated to the Central Environmental Authority to issue environmental protection permits have been further delegated to the Pradeshiya Sabhas.

Only 25 industries are issued by the Pradeshiya Sabha. In case of any industry that does not fall under those industries, an application must be made to the Central Environmental Authority to obtain environmental protection permits.