41. Interpretation

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

“development project” means any activity whether public or private which would generate production, income, employment or which would improve the economic, social, cultural or environmental conditions of any designated area;

“environmental impact assessment report” shall have the same meaning as is assigned to it by the National

Environmental Act, No. 47 of 1980;

“local authority” means any Municipal Council, Urban

Council, Pradeshiya Sabha and includes any

Authority created and established by or under any law to exercise, perform and discharge the powers, duties and functions corresponding to or similar to the powers, duties and functions exercised, performed and discharged by any such Council or

Sabha.