CEA, police step up crackdown on illegal plastic burning
By Ifham Nizam The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the Sri Lanka Police will join hands to launch a countrywide crackdown on the open burning of plastic and polythene waste under a new joint enforcement mechanism, backed by tougher penalties introduced through amendments to the National Environmental Act. The move comes amid continuing reports of […]
The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and Sri Lanka Police are collaborating on a nationwide effort to combat the illegal burning of plastic and polythene waste. This new joint enforcement strategy, bolstered by stricter penalties under the National Environmental Act, aims to curb the practice following numerous reports of open burning in residential regions, despite the ban since 2017.
Environmental authorities warn that burning plastic releases harmful pollutants like dioxins, furans, and volatile organic compounds, which endanger public health, especially for nearby residents.
The Inspector General of Police has formed a committee, led by three Deputy Inspectors General of Police, to collaborate with CEA and Ministry of Environment officials. This committee will oversee coordinated inspections, raids, and legal proceedings against violators. The finalized framework will facilitate effective enforcement to deter offenders from engaging in this illegal activity.
CEA Director General Kapila Mahesh Rajapaksha emphasized the significance of the strengthened provisions in the National Environmental Act, which introduce harsher penalties. He stressed that law enforcement must be paired with a functional waste management system, as many individuals resort to burning waste due to the lack of adequate collection and disposal methods in certain areas.
Rajapaksha highlighted that addressing the root cause of the issue requires a comprehensive waste management strategy, alongside strict law enforcement.
The National Steering Committee, consisting of Secretaries from the Ministries of Local Government, Environment, and Urban Development, is working on a detailed plan to bolster municipal waste collection and implement environmentally responsible disposal methods throughout Sri Lanka. This initiative aligns with the Clean Sri Lanka program and the Pivithuru Purawara National Waste Management Programme, which seek to enhance waste management services across the island.
The public is encouraged to contribute by reporting instances of unlawful plastic burning to the appropriate authorities. Rajapaksha urged citizens to actively participate in protecting the environment, stating that environmental conservation is a collective responsibility.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
