UK reiterates support to clear illegal waste issue

The British High Commission said that the Environment Agency in the UK is in close contact with their Sri Lankan counterparts to ensure the controversial cargo of waste is properly disposed of, but is not able to provide information due to the pending legal investigations.

A British High Commission spokesman told the Sunday Times that The UK is committed to tackling illegal waste exports.

“We are working with the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure the waste is appropriately disposed of. That could include return to its country of origin. Those found to be exporting waste illegally can face a two- year jail term and an unlimited fine,” the official said.

Meanwhile, last month, Britain had agreed to take back 42 containers of plastic waste illegally exported to Malaysia. Accordingly, this decision was made after a visit by UK environment officials.

Deputy Director of Customs, Aqthar Hassen said that the Attorney General has been informed of 21 other waste containers found on the same premises where the previous 232 waste containers reportedly loaded with waste from the UK were found.

The Attorney General will be filing a motion to check the waste containers.

The Centre for Environmental Justice said that they will be filing objections to court on the 9th of this month.

“We are also hopeful about the report that the Government Analyst is expected to submit to the court,” Managing Director Dilena Pathragoda said.