GARBAGE PROBLEM WOULD CAUSE SERIOUS HEALTH HAZARD

Jaela Parish Priest and Deanery of Thudella Rev.fr. Priya Jayamanna said shifting Meethotumulla garbage dumping ground to Ekala in Jaela would not serve any purpose to resolve the garbage problem and that it would only cause extensive environmental damage instead. He told the media yesterday at the Jaela Church of the Mother of Sorrow that it would not be possible to suppress the escalating public protests against it.

Rev.fr. Jayamanna pointed out that the Catholic Church including Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Rajith had expressed their displeasure against the move.

“Dumping of garbage in the area that goes under water when Attanagaluoya and Dandugamaoya rivers overflow would result in a serious health hazard affecting a large population in several villages. Flow of filthy water flowing down the dumping ground would pollute the garden wells and other water resources in the Jaela, Kotugoda, Seeduwa, Udugampola, Suduwella,

shifting Meethotumulla garbage dumping ground to Ekala in Jaela would not serve any purpose to resolve the garbage problem and that it would only cause extensive environmental damage instead

Parana Ambalama, Dandugama and Katunayake areas. Environmental damage caused to the Negombo Lagoon would result in the loss of livelihood to thousands of fishermen. Transport of garbage by lorries along the Colombo-negombo main raid would cause serious obstructions to traffic.” He said.

He warned that any possible public uprising against it would end up in serious consequences. He said he was hopeful that the authorities would resort to an alternative mechanism to dispose of garbage in the Meethotumulla dumping ground.

Kanuwana Parish Priest Rev.fr. Noel Nonis, Principal of the Tudella Christ Church College Rev.fr. Gihan Rodrigo and Br.asanka Mendis were present at the press conference.