A
group of activists are staging an indefinite “satyagraha” until
authorities provide them with a written assurance that disposal of waste
at Meethotamulla in Kolonnawa will be halted.
Residents in the area Saturday morning
had held a protest in front of the land used for the dumping of waste
collected from the city of Colombo, demanding authorities to provide a
solution.
Later the ‘People’s Movement Against the
Meethotamulla Garbage Dump’ launched a satyagraha near the garbage
dump, a member of the organization Udul Premaratne said.
The former convener of the IUSF said
that they will continue with their satyagraha until relevant authorities
provide them with a written assurance to halt the dumping of garbage at
the location and also that the machinery used at the garbage dump
should also be removed.
Premaratne charged that authorities have
broken their previous promise to halt the disposal of waste at
Meethotamulla and that they should immediately fulfill their
obligations.
Around 700 metric tons of waste is
disposed daily at the 16-acre garbage dump site in Meethotamulla
threatening the homes and lives of the people living in the area.
The mountainous garbage dumps have
slipped causing damages to a large number of houses while villagers also
complain of health risks.
Villagers have continuously protested calling for the removal of the site, however claim their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
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