The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is established under the provisions of an act of the parliament of Sri Lanka. The CEA is granted with a wide set of regulatory powers under the National Environment Acts.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has the overall responsibility in the affairs of the CEA with the objective of integrating environmental considerations in the development process of the country.

For legal compliance of any building or facility, discharge of waste water in to the environment is required to be complied with the guidelines stipulated by the CEA.