Abstract:
Environment and human activities are two significant interrelated components in any
society. Over the last decade, environmentalists began to evaluate how much human
activities impact upon the various components of the earth and the eco-system. Human
activities are so pervasive that they are capable of altering the environment in ways that
could change the viability of the very processes upon which human and non-human
species depend. In such a situation, the environmental impacts associated with large a
scale Development Project such as the "Colombo Port City" often raise many socioeconomic
and environmental concerns. Therefore, it is essential to address the long
term impacts on marine resources, and environmental harm that can occur due to the
launching of this project even on a revised technical plan of the experts. Although a
green light was given to the administration by the project officials on the assumptions
that they will bring massive financial returns to the country with thousands of
employment opportunities, the financial cost of this project cannot be easily met from
the country's foreign earnings if the project becomes a failure. Although the project
assumes substantial economic and social benefits to the country, the environmental
harm that may be caused by to this project might badly affect the economic and social
fabric of the people. However, it has become clear that unsustainable development
practices are themselves proving to be a main source of human rights violation and
environmental degradation. Through a qualitative method, the author intends to explore
how to satisfy the right to development of an ever expanding human population while
at the same time protecting the environment upon which all life depends. The paper
takes into account legal aspects as well. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to
identify the feasibility of balancing the right to a healthy environment and the state
policy for development of the country and to give recommendation to secure a safe
environment and to better livelihoods in a sustainable context.
