The Attorney General’s Department was given further time by Appeals Court to submit a report regarding the Government’s stance on Colombo Port City Project.

Justice Vijith Malalgoda gave AG Department until June 15 to submit the report, when a writ petition filed by Centre for Environmental Justice was considered this morning.

The petitioner, Centre for Environmental Justice, stated that Chinese Harbour Engineering Company has started the project to reclaim 575 acres of sea area without carrying out any proper Environmental Impact Assessment study.

When the petition was first considered on March 18, the Appeals Court directed the AG Department to submit the report on April 29.

However, the AG Department informed the Appeals Court that the notice was received only a few days ago, Centre for Environmental Justice Executive Director Hemantha Withanage told Asian Mirror.

Withanage also stated that the China Harbor Engineering Company had requested to be a party in the hearing of the petition, adding that the company could assist the procedure. However, the Appeals Court said that for the time being only the state response is sought by the court, Withanage added.

Further measures will be considered after state response is obtained, the court further stated.