Environment Conservation Trust Executive Director Sajeewa Chamikara stated that legal action would be taken with the courts and Human Rights Commission for allowing the Coca-cola beverage factory in Kadawatha to continue its operations without taking any action for polluting water in the Kelani River.

Speaking to ‘Asian Mirror’ on Monday (21) Chamikara revealed that the alleged oil leakage in to the Kelani River had caused a loss of more than 160 million rupees to the government.

But the authorities including Central Environmental Authority, National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the Police have failed to take legal actions against the factory yet, he said and added that by doing so the authorities have violated the basic human right of access to safe drinking water of the general public.

Moreover, Chamikara said that he prepared a report that contains all relevant details and facts regarding the issue. He will release it to the media within this week, he revealed.

The Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) of the Coca-cola factory was suspended by the CEA last month after oil from the factory was leaked into the Kelani River. That forced the water supply to be restricted to Colombo, Kotte and Dehiwela-Mt Lavinia on two occasions during August.

However on August 31 the Authority decided to revoke the suspension temporary.