🚀 go-pugleaf

Sulphuric Acid Factory in Sri Lanka ordered to close down

by the Mihikatha Institute

Colombo -- A leading Sri Lankan sulphuric acid manufacturing company,
which was causing a public nuisance,  was ordered to close down recently
following a community campaign, backed by legal action.

The Singa Lanka Standard Chemicals Limited, was established in 1984 in
the village of Ranala, located 35 kilometres north-east of Colombo, the
commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Some 500 people live in the vicinity of
the factory.  Using a variety of communication techniques,  the village
community launched a campaign to  highlight air, water and noise
pollution and threats to health caused by the factory.

The community campaign received support from the Mihikatha Institute, a
leading environmental movement in Sri Lanka, dedicated to advocacy,
communication and legal action.

Mihikatha provided communication support and also took up the matter
behalf of community to the District Magistrate's court in the area.

After listening to arguments from both sides, the District Magistrate
ruled that the sulphuric acid factory was a public nuisance and that it
had affected the health of the residents in the vicinity of the factory.
Accordingly the Magistrate ordered that the factory be closed down.

Commenting on the court decision, Mr. T. Sirisena, a community leader
who played a major part in the campaign, said: "We are glad that we have
now received permanent relief from environment pollution by the court."

After listening to the court verdict, Shanthilatha, a housewife, who
also participated in the campaign said: "I have been sick since 1985,
after the setting up of the factory.  The residents around the area of
the factory decided to get together and seek redress."

"I am very happy and I can start a new life.  Ever since the factory
started its operations I have had difficulty in breathing due to the
smoke emitted by the factory.  We are very poor and I cannot afford the
medical fees to always go to the doctor."

Attorney-at-Law, Surein Peiris, director of Mihikatha's legal aid
programme, spearheaded legal action of behalf of the Ranala residents.
Commenting on the case,  he said: " This case shows the combined
effectiveness of communication and legal action. Community groups can
mobilise themselves and use the law to redress their grievances," he
added.

For more information on the issue, contact:

Mihikatha Institute
11 Sri Saranankara Road
Dehiwala
Sri Lanka

Tel: 00 94 1 738072
Fax: 00 94 1 500544
Email: mihikata@sri.lanka.net
     dondes@mihikata.demon.co.uk