Private firm to compensate Chunnakam residents

The Supreme Court today ordered a private firm to pay a sum of Rs.20 million to area residents of Chunnakam, Jaffna for maintaining a power plant in a manner that causes environmental damage.

The order was issued after taking into consideration a fundamental rights petition filed against the firm.

The petition was examined before Judges Priyantha Jayawardene, Prasanna Jayawardene and LTB Dehideniya.

The petition claims that the fuel and grease emanating from the thermal power plant were diluting well water in Chunnakam.

The petition was filed in 2015 by the Chairman of the Center for Environment and Nature Study Dr. Ravindra Kariyawasam claiming the fundamental rights of the residents was being violated.

According to the order all affected families should be compensated Rs.40,000 each.

The Supreme Court also ordered the National Water Supply and Drainage Board to monitor the prevalent situation.

Operations of the thermal power plant halted in 2016 with necessary criteria issued to be met in order to function once again.

The approval was granted today to continue operations of the plant after due guidelines were met.