CEA warns polluters of 13 teams coming to inspect effluents released to Kelani River

by Ifham Nizam

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) would deploy 13 teams today to inspect industrial effluents released to the Kelani River in all areas in the Colombo and Gampaha Districts, said CEA Chairman S. Amarasinghe, yesterday.

Earlier Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera told CEA officials that more than 4,000 factories, located between Kaduwela and Peliyagoda, functioned without adhering to environmental standards. Only some 3,000 factories operated with CEA approval.

Amaraweera has also requested the Attorney General to amend the Environmental Act to enhance penalties for those who caused harm to the environment.

The Ministry of Environment has also taken steps to introduce three direct telephone numbers and a mobile phone number to help the public immediately convey information about any instances of environmental damage.

The public is requested to contact the Ministry of Environment on 1991, Central Environmental Authority on 1981, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau on 1921, or to contact the Minister himself on 0707555666 by sending a WhatsApp message, text message, or video.