News Today: National Mineral Policy must align with legal and environmental standards.

The Environmental Justice Center has raised concerns about Sri Lanka’s National Mineral Policy, emphasizing its need for alignment with the country’s current legal and environmental standards. Dr. Ravindranath Dabare, Senior Adviser at the Center, discussed these issues during the “National Dialogue on the Mineral Policy of Sri Lanka.” He pointed out that the policy lacks specific regulations to address key limitations, making it less effective in protecting natural resources and aligning with recent legal rulings.

Dr. Dabare questioned the feasibility of the policy, highlighting contradictions between its objectives and its current application. He urged policymakers to amend sections that conflict with recent court decisions and to update the policy to reflect Sri Lanka’s legal framework. He added that some aspects of the policy appear overly commercial, conflicting with the environmental priorities outlined in its introduction.

He also emphasized the importance of balancing the policy’s commercial focus with sustainable environmental practices to protect natural resources. This recommendation aligns with the Environmental Justice Center’s broader advocacy for policies that prioritize environmental protection over mere economic gain.

The Center’s call for revisions aims to address these legal and environmental inconsistencies, ensuring that the National Mineral Policy supports sustainable development goals. Amending the policy could help it function as a regulatory framework aligned with court rulings, promoting accountability and environmental justice.