The Supreme Court has extended the interim injunction preventing the implementation of a gove ment gazette that sought to release 168 acres from the Vedithalativu Reserve Forest Zone near Wilpattu for a shrimp farming project.

The case, heard today (12) by a bench comprising Justices S. Thurairaja, A.H.M.D. Nawaz, and Janak de Silva, ordered the injunction to remain in effect until July 29.

Deputy Solicitor General Fazli Rasik, representing the Atto ey General, informed the court that the new gove ment is reviewing the gazette. He requested time to report on the next steps, and the case will be called again on July 29.

The petitions, filed by groups including the Wildlife Protection Association and the Environmental Justice Center, name several respondents, including a former wildlife minister. The court’s decision maintains protections for the forest zone while legal proceedings continue.