Illegal garbage dumping - Petition filed with the HRC against the Colombo Municipal Commissioner

Jun 09, 2017

A petition has been filed against the Colombo Municipal Commissioner and officials belonging to 11 state institutes for alleged illegal disposal of garbage in Muthurajawela. The petition has been filed by a civil society organization , the Sadaharitha Environment and Welfare Society.

On the approval of the Colombo Municipal Commissioner, the daily collection of Colombo garbage, which is nearly 800 tons, is being dumped in Muthurajawela affecting the ecosystem, the Sadaharitha Environment and Welfare Society complaints.

The garbage is currently being dumped over a land stretch of one kilometer having adverse effects on the environment and human habitation along the Negambo road, in Mahabage, Wattala, Nagoda, Kandana areas. The Society complaints that there is an unbearable stench spreading all over the area due to the garbage dump. These are now becoming infested with flies and mosquitos.

There is an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with dengue in these areas, the petitioners also state.

The darbage dump has worsened the destruction the Muthurajawela eco system is already facing. The society issuing a press release states that they have complained to the authorities on several occasions but received no response. They allege that this garbage disposal has not sought approval from Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, Central Environment Authority or any other relevant authority.

- Ashika Brahmana