NO REMEDIAL SOLUTIONS FOR MEETHOTAMULLA GARBAGE DISASTER VICTIMS

1st Anniversary of Meethotamulla garbage disaster

It has been a year since the collapse of the Meethotamulla garbage dump. Due to the tragedy 32 lives

were lost

Commemorating the victims of the Meethotamulla garbage disaster, Attorney and Activist Nuwan Bopage charged that various parties are using miserly tactics to delay granting due compensation for the land value to the residents affected by the collapse of the garbage dump.

He said that several companies and the Government took steps to promote more environmentallyfriendly consumption habits and alternative dumping sites have been set up to carry out the better waste management. “However, these conditions and changes have sidelined victims of the Meethotamulla tragedy as they look for solutions for better waste management in the country,” he said.

“It has been a year since the collapse of the Meethotamulla garbage dump. Due to the tragedy 32 lives were lost and nearly 60 houses were destroyed,” he said. Bopage claimed that authorities only looked at financing and implementing beautification projects in Colombo while turning a deaf ear to concerns and demands by victims of the tragedy demanding for justice.

He alleged that the cabinet paper approving the payment of compensation for the land value was approved, but officials were delaying the payment.

“Many of the residents here posses deeds and have lived in the area for generations.

They have no intention of moving to a different location in the city. If nothing happens soon we are going to take some strict action against the matter,” he said. Residents commemorated the first anniversary of the disaster last week.