National Environmental (Amendment) Act becomes law

The National Environmental (Amendment) Bill became law today after Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate for the legislation passed by Parliament.

With the Speaker's endorsement on Tuesday (21), the legislation came into force as the National Environmental (Amendment) Act, No. 15 of 2026.

The amendment introduces a strengthened legal framework for environmental protection, management and enhancement, while also seeking to modernise regulatory mechanisms governing environmental conservation and waste management.

Parliament was informed that the amendment had been brought forward in recognition of the fact that the existing legal framework was no longer sufficient to address emerging environmental and institutional challenges.

The new law updates the provisions of the National Environmental Act, No. 47 of 1980, which had previously been amended by Acts No. 56 of 1988 and No. 53 of 2000.

According to the Government, the legislation is aimed at improving environmental governance, strengthening oversight of waste disposal, and enhancing mechanisms for the protection of natural resources and ecosystems.

The enactment of the law is expected to bolster the country's environmental regulatory framework at a time when concerns over waste management, pollution and environmental sustainability have gained increasing prominence.