Kolonnawa residents resort to sathyagraha over garbage dump hazards

A tense situation developed in Meethotamulla, Kolonnawa yesterday due to a protest staged to demand the immediate removal of the 16-acre garbage dump site in the area.

A massive crowd had gathered before the gates of the Meethotamulla garbage dump site, chanting slogans and urging the authorities to immediately put a stop to dumping garbage at the site.

The protest was organised by a group calling themselves the ‘People’s Movement against the Meethotamulla Garbage Dump’ that claims eight villages in the area have been severely affected due to the garbage that is being dumped at the site daily.

“Close to 90% of the villagers suffer from various contagious diseases and the residents are not even able to obtain clean water due to the waste mixing into the local water sources,” the protestors said.

Meanwhile, Rahula Vidyalaya, a school located close to the garbage dump site, had to be closed about three months ago as a result of the adverse impacts of the garbage dump site.

Security has been tightened in the area and a large number of police personnel have been dispatched near the garbage dump site at present.

The protestors stated that they had staged a similar protest three months ago urging the removal of the site but the authorities have remained inactive concerning their pleas. Speaking further, they added that protests will continue until an effective solution is granted concerning their grievances.

The protestors blocked the road leading to the garbage dump site and have commenced a continuous sathyagraha campaign to win their demands.