SC rules Colombo and Kolonnawa councils responsible over Meethotamulla tragedy

On March 31, 2026, the Supreme Court determined that the Colombo Municipal Council and the Kolonnawa Urban Council violated the fundamental rights of local residents by dumping waste illegally on a site known as “Pothuvil Kumbura” in Meethotamulla. This ruling came from a petition filed by a group of affected residents, including lawyer Nuwan Bopage, according to a report by Ada Derana. The case was presented before a three-judge panel, which included Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, and Justice Priyantha Fernando. Justice Yasantha Kodagoda explained that the Colombo Municipal Council had taken actions to dump garbage at the Meethotamulla Pothuvil Kumbura location. The ruling highlighted that this illegal waste disposal led to a significant disaster in 2017 when the garbage mound collapsed. From 2009 to 2017, the councils' actions violated the fundamental human rights of the residents, as protected under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. The Urban Development Authority also infringed on these rights by permitting dumping on approximately two acres in the area. Additionally, the judgment indicated that the Western Province Waste Management Authority failed to meet its constitutional duties concerning the illegal waste dumping, thereby violating residents' fundamental rights. However, since the authorities have already compensated those affected by the disaster with over Rs. 908 million, the Court decided against ordering any further compensation. The judges stressed that the disaster occurred due to the negligence of the respondents, including the Colombo Municipal Council, and stated they should acknowledge these failures and take steps to prevent a recurrence. Finally, the ruling noted that Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Priyantha Fernando disagreed with certain points made by Justice Yasantha Kodagoda in paragraph 116 of the judgment.