Writ Petition against the removal of endangered plant species “Pandu Karanda” tree dismissed by the Court of Appeal

A writ petition filed seeking an order preventing the decision taken by authorities to remove the controversial ‘Pandu Karanda’ tree for the construction of the Central expressway between Kadawatha and Meerigama waso today dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

The petitioner, Y.P.J. Warnakulasuriya, a resident of Bemmulla in Gampaha had filed this petition seeking a writ of prohibition preventing Director General of Wildlife Department and the Chairman of Urban Development Authority (RDA) from removing a ‘Pandu Karanda’ tree under the Binomial name Crudia zeylanica from the place it has been planted.

The Court of Appeal observed that it has been established by the respondents to effect the said Tree is not the only plant species available in the country and the RDA is taking measures to relocate the same.

The court rejected the application for issuance of notice on the respondents citing that the Court is not satisfied that there is an arguable ground for judicial review which has a realistic prospect of success.

The Petitioner claims that the said Tree is an endangered plant species and the respondents are taking steps to remove this Tree paving way for the construction of the Central expressway between Kadawatha and Meerigama without changing the right of way of the relevant portion of the said expressway.

The petitioner stated that the respondents have violated the responsibility vested under Article 4(d), 27(2) and 28(f) of the Constitution.