{
  "id": 4087322,
  "title": "Bill to give Central Highlands authority wider powers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/bill-to-give-central-highlands-authority-wider-powers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T23:45:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/bill-to-give-central-highlands-authority-wider-powers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced plans to introduce the Central Highlands Protection Authority Bill in Parliament within the next year. The legislation aims to equip the Authority with the necessary powers to safeguard the vulnerable ecosystem of the Central Highlands. Dissanayake, speaking at the ceremonial handover of the 'Navodayapuram' housing project in Bandarawela, highlighted the need for immediate action to prevent further environmental damage caused by landslides, drying up of springs, and siltation of rivers and streams. He emphasized the Central Highlands as the \"heart of Sri Lanka,\" noting the region's rapid deterioration. Upon the passage of the proposed Bill, the Authority will be granted comprehensive authority to protect the area. Furthermore, the government is working on ensuring equal rights for the Malaiyaha Tamil community when new agreements with plantation companies are renewed after 2042. The Cabinet is also addressing the issue of Sri Lankans who fled to India during the war by removing barriers that prevent their return. The 'Navodayapuram' housing development, built for families affected by the 2023 Poonagala-Kabaragala Mountain landslide, was officially handed over at the ceremony attended by President Dissanayake.",
  "summary": "President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said steps were being taken to present the Central Highlands Protection Authority Bill in Parliament by the end of this year, or early next year, giving the Authority the powers needed to protect the fragile ecosystem. The President was speaking yesterday (28) at the ceremonial handover of the ‘Navodayapuram’ housing project […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}