Environmental Safety First: Sri Lanka to Reassess Ambuluwawa Cable Car Project Before Restart
By Lions Roar Aotearoa (Diyatha News New Zealand) Environmental Bureau
GAMPOLA, SRI LANKA — Thursday, February 5, 2026 — The future of the highly anticipated Ambuluwawa Cable Car project hangs in the balance as the government prioritizes ecological preservation. Minister of Environment, Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, has announced that permission to resume the project will only be granted if it is strictly confirmed that no environmental damage will occur.
The project, which aims to transform the iconic Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex into a world-class tourist destination, was recently halted following several public complaints and concerns raised by environmental advocates.
1. On-Site Inspection by the Minister
Minister Patabendi made these remarks following a comprehensive inspection tour of the Ambuluwawa mountain range today. The Minister emphasized that while the government supports tourism development, it cannot come at the cost of the region’s unique biodiversity.
“We took steps to temporarily suspend the project due to the complaints received,” Dr. Patabendi explained to the media. “A final decision on whether to allow work to resume will depend entirely on the findings of a thorough environmental assessment.”
2. Claims of “Zero Environmental Impact”
Accompanying the Minister during the inspection was Member of Parliament Anuradha Jayaratne, a strong proponent of the project. Jayaratne countered the environmental concerns, asserting that the modern cable car system is designed to be eco-friendly.
“No environmental damage is caused by this project,” Jayaratne stated. He argued that the cable car would actually reduce the carbon footprint of the site by limiting the number of vehicles traveling up the narrow, winding roads to the summit.
3. The Significance of Ambuluwawa
The Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex is a sensitive ecological zone and a popular pilgrimage site, famous for its multi-religious center and the winding white tower that offers 300-degree views of the central highlands.
The proposed cable car project, which involves international collaboration, is expected to:
- Boost Tourism: Provide an easier ascent for elderly and international visitors.
- Economic Growth: Create jobs in the Gampola region.
- Ecological Risk: Critics fear the construction of towers and the clearing of forest patches could disrupt local wildlife and soil stability.
4. Next Steps for the Project
The Ministry of Environment is expected to appoint a technical committee to review the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Until the committee gives a “green light,” all construction activities at the site will remain suspended. For the residents of Gampola and the wider tourism sector, the wait for a final verdict continues.
