Ministry calls for report to probe environmental impact of Kerawalapitiya garbage dump fire

The Ministry of Environment in Sri Lanka has initiated a call for a detailed report to examine the fire that occurred at the Kerawalapitiya garbage dump and its environmental effects. The fire started on February 25 at the waste disposal site located on reclaimed wetlands in the Kerawalapitiya area. This incident has significantly harmed the local environment and affected the residents' lives. There is particular concern about the buildup of combustible gases, like methane, which results from natural pressure and biological processes related to wetland waste disposal. Deputy Minister of Environment, Anton Jayakody, who is also acting as the Minister, has sent a letter to the Ministry's Secretary requesting a report that focuses on several important areas: 1. **Methane Emission and Control**: Seek advice from the National Ozone Unit and the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) about their technical knowledge regarding the ongoing spread of the fire due to methane gas trapped in the wetlands and its effects on the ozone layer and atmosphere. 2. **Recycling Program Review**: The new government is working on a scientific waste recycling program. The investigation aims to find the causes of this fire and whether there were any mistakes or failures in administration or technical areas that led to the incident. 3. **Environmental Restoration**: Get a thorough evaluation of what is needed to restore the wetland ecosystem that was damaged or destroyed by the fire. The Deputy Minister has also instructed the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment to expedite this report and ensure that the public is updated on the findings and any actions taken.