Filing a writ application before Court of Appeal, fishermen of Puttalam sought an order to prevent the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) from installing a power transmission line across the Puttalam lagoon.

The petitioners representing the Valarpirai Fisheries Co-operative Society of Puttalam have requested the Court of Appeal to revise the decision taken by the CEB to extend the power transmission line from the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant at Norochcholai across the Puttalam lagoon without following the procedure laid down by the National Environmental Act.

They stated that approximately 1500-2000 number of fishing families across the lagoon would be adversely affected due to the decision made by the CEB. They also added that the power transmission line would cause a severe damage to the environment of the lagoon.

According to petitioners, six pylons would have to be erected in the lagoon if the power was to be delivered to Anuradhapura through the power transmission line coming from the Norochcholai coal power plant.

The CEB's decision to install the transmission line came under heavy resistance from fisherman in the area who vehemently opposed the move.