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 water shortage has led to the widespread distribution of bottled water, exacerbating plastic waste. MEPA is calling on both the public and donors to ensure plastic waste and other debris are not discarded into rivers, canals, or wetlands and instead are directed towards recycling.

MEPA warned that indiscriminate dumping could lead to further environmental disasters if waste continues to be washed into the ocean via inland waterways. The agency has already launched cleanup operations along rivers and coastlines and is seeking cooperation from government institutions and residents.

The authority stressed that while providing support to disaster-affected communities remains a priority, protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. (Newswire)

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