MEPA urges public to stop discarding flood debris into environment

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has issued an urgent appeal to the public to stop discarding flood-related waste, especially plastics, mattresses, broken furniture and clothing, into the environment, particularly near waterways and wetlands. MEPA Chairman Samantha Gunasekara said the agency has observed significant dumping of non-degradable items on roads in flood-affected areas such as Chilaw, Puttalam, Kalpitiya and several northern districts. “Many residents affected by recent floods are improperly disposing of damaged household items and relief materials, including plastic water bottles,” Gunasekara said. “This poses a serious threat to marine and inland ecosystems.” He noted that the recent drinking…

Read the full article →