It would take 16 years to move the waste at Meethotamulla - Ranwela
July 16, 2017 07:21 pm
Environmentalist Nayanaka Ranwela stated that if the waste generated by the people was left to be managed by the people as well, then a government is not required.
He further added that the government does not fully understand the extent of the problem.
The statements were brought out during a media briefing titled ‘ Nikasala Ratak Kara’, held yesterday (15), at the auditorium of the National Library and Documentation Services Board.
He went onto say that the government is having trouble separating and disposing the waste, while the environmentally friendly waste containment plan proposed by Champika Ranawaka in fact is not environmentally friendly.
Ranwela highlighted that although a proposal was made to move the excess garbage found at Meethotamulla to Aruwakkalu, the feasibility of the plan of action has not been assessed. Furthermore, the proposition in fact violates some of the basic guidelines that a proposed site for waste dumping should comply with.
He stated that the waste container that was to be built in Wilpattu, would destroy the species richness in that area, while affecting its archaeological value, given that the said place is known for it’s archaeological significance.
Furthermore , he went onto say that a proposal submitted by Gotabaya Rajapakse during the previous government to help the waste management situation lacked technical understanding and practicality.
Ranwela added that if the 3,000,000 tons of waste found in Meethotamulla was to be transported via train to the proposed waste container, it would take 16 years to do so due to the 500 ton capacity a train can carry.
He went onto say that Gotabaya Rajapakse cannot be the only person blamed for the catastrophical situation that occurred in Meethotamulla, and that all the politicians involved in the area had played their own part in the worsening situation.
Ranwela concluded by stating that the waste mound has benefited many politicians personally, and is a hot sport for political corruption.
