Accordingly, a committee of experts appointed by PUCSL in March 2016 including the fisheries and farmer community, representatives from Ceylon Electricity Board, Central Environmental Authority, North Western Provincial Environmental Authority, Department of Coast Conservation and Environmental Foundation (Guarantee) Limited to study the environmental impact of the thermal power plants in Sri Lanka had several discussions in depth in this regard.

The first discussion was held on 5thApril 2017 and the representatives of various communities and institutions discussed in depth on all the issues that the villagers voiced and at the second discussion held on 24th April 2017, the villagers submitted all their issues and concerns in writing to the Committee.

The committee was appointed and the discussions were held as the Supreme Court directed the PUCSL to take necessary steps to regularize the environmental damage of  Norochcholai coal power plant. The direction was given with regard to the ongoing Fundamental Rights Application pending at the Supreme Court on the environmental impact of the power plant, which PUCSL informed that it has already commenced the process to reduce the damage caused by the fly ash as well as the remaining coal in that area.

The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for 22nd May 2017 and the outcome of these discussions will be reported to the Supreme Court by PUCSL.