Abstract:
Sri Lanka, a developing island in the Indian Ocean, is attempting to
effectively utilize the available natural resources. Though the Upper Kotmale Hydropower
Project planned by energy authorities was submitted for approval as the best
option, the project U'llS to affect several scenic waterfalls. After a critical evaluation of
various project alternatives, water and other professionals indicated that an option which
claimed to have almost no effect on waterfalls would probably be the best option. This
gave rise to a conflicting situation that resulted in a delay in project implementation.
Tl1e work presented is a discussion of the evaluation of environmental impact assessment,
highlighting the need to bridge the gap between energy, water and other
professionals.
