• Environment Minister awaits CEA survey report

By Sarah Hannan The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) identified at least 3,000 factories that are responsible for releasing pollutants into the Kelani River, The Morning learnt. Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera said: “A survey was conducted by 13 teams of the CEA since 19 October. I have instructed the CEA Chairman to conduct a survey through those groups and submit a detailed report of the findings, so that we could take action immediately.” [caption id="attachment_99644" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Kelani River[/caption] Preliminary investigation findings revealed that these factories were dumping untreated pollutant wastewater directly into the Kelani River. The Ministry of Environment is preparing to take legal action against the 3,000 factories built on both sides of the river, extending from Kaduwela to the Peliyagoda Bridge. It was found that many of these factories had not conducted environmental impact assessments (EIAs) prior to construction and had failed to comply with the regulations issued to them by the respective municipal council on wastewater management. A total of 7,000 factories are located in the stretch from Kaduwela to the Peliyagoda Bridge, out of which 3,000 factories will face legal action once the full report is handed over to the Ministry of Environment.