Water in Polathumodara River turns brown
Residents fear water could be contaminated
Perturbed by possibility that the water of the Polathumodara River in Weligama could be contaminated, area residents requested the authorities concerned to test the quality of water to determine whether it is suitable for human consumption.
They point out that the waters of the river have turned a brownish colour and fish were dying in their thousands. They say this is just not good enough as thee river is the main source of drinking water for the people of Weligama.
Meanwhile a team of Public Health Inspectors (PHIS) have been deployed by the Weligama Health Medical Officer (HMO) to inspect the quality of the water in the river after being informed of the possibility of contamination by the Chairman of Weligama Urban Council Rohan D.W. Jayawickrama. Accordingly Administrative PHI Nihal Hewage, and Weligama Urban PHIS A.P. Chaminda Kumara, Namal Nuwan Kumara, Ananda Senadeera, Kapila Keerthi Kaushalya visited the area and conducted an inspection.
PHI Pradeep Gamachchi said the water samples and several dead fish were sent to the Government Analyst for laboratory testing.
As these dead fish are sold to the public the Health Medical Office warned the people of the area not to consume fish purchased in the area.
Area residents suspect that some poisonous substance disposed by factories in the area may have contaminated the water.