• Environment Ministry report called 

Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody yesterday (26) called for an urgent report on the fire that broke out at the Kerawalapitiya garbage dump, citing serious environmental concerns and the impact on nearby communities. 

In a letter addressed to the Environment Ministry Secretary, he requested an immediate assessment of the incident, noting the fire affected the surrounding ecological system and disrupted the lives of residents. 

He stressed the need to examine environmental pressure and biological processes linked to waste disposal in swamp ecosystems. He instructed officials to inform the National Ozone Unit and the Central Environmental Authority about the spread of the fire caused by methane gas trapped within the swamp and to obtain technical assistance on its atmospheric impact. 

He also called for an investigation into possible administrative or technical shortcomings that may have led to the incident, particularly as the Government moves forward with a scientific waste recycling programme. In addition, he requested recommendations on restoring the damaged wetland system.

The fire broke out at the Kerawalapitiya garbage dumping yard near the highway entrance and two firefighting trucks were dispatched to control the blaze.