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Proposed Coke factory will reduce water resources: MP

24 February 2017 11:28 am - 23     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Coca Cola factory proposed to be established in Sri Lanka would further reduce the water resources which are already diminishing as a result of the drought, Parliamentarian Douglas Devananda charged.

Mr. Devananda told Parliament that Coca Cola was planning to shift the largest manufacturing plant owned by it in South Asia, which was initially situated in India, to Sri Lanka.

He therefore cautioned the government stating that the company has ran into trouble in India in addition to using up much of the water resources in the sub-continent.

The MP noted that at present Coca Cola was facing widespread criticism in India.

“There are around 57 Coca Cola plants currently operating in India and they too have come under fire from the Indian legal system for violating the stipulated water usage limits. Furthermore, there is a severe drought affecting Indians and Indian courts have banned the company from utilizing water from the Thamirabarani River,” he said.

“Sri Lanka too is facing a serious drought. Several districts have no water. When such conditions are prevailing in Sri Lanka, Coca Cola want to use our water resources to meet the market demands of their largest consumer market in the region: India. How can this be allowed?” he questioned.  (Yohan Perera, Ajith Siriwardana)


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  Comments - 23

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  • Nilan Friday, 24 February 2017 02:27 PM

    I'm glad that you survived all 11 assassination attempts by the LTTE. God bless you to stand up for issues that has a national interest.

    Maniya Sunday, 26 February 2017 10:55 AM

    Apparently, India rejected the request for 2 more factories due to the existing issues of depleting water resources by Coke factories. 18 villages within 100 sq Km area around one of the Indian Coke factories are in drought, due to the excessive use of water for bottling plants.

    seqi Sunday, 26 February 2017 07:28 AM

    better for coke to reallocate to USA to help Trumps dream to make his people great again....lol.... via DM Android App

    Konara Wanigasekara Saturday, 25 February 2017 05:15 PM

    The beautiful library was vanquished during the last UNP regime and rebuilt by the subsequent SLFP regime. Any way let us forget the by gones as it will never help. Let us unite and lead as a united Lanka.

    Rajeev Saturday, 25 February 2017 02:18 PM

    Yes we have millions of gallons going in to sea via Kelani and other rivers,. we cant divert them to other states, but can use for coca cola and earn profits,. with that profits find other source for drought area..

    Priyan Saturday, 25 February 2017 12:06 PM

    Isnt it great we can all drink coke instead of water

    Sameen Jan Saturday, 25 February 2017 08:01 AM

    The 2 litre bottle of Coke has about 50 spoons of sugar in it too-sure to kill plenty with daibetes.It has only water, sugar and a secret formula.Ban it totally.

    rajapathi Friday, 24 February 2017 05:33 PM

    NOOOOOOOO WAY,I do not think president and the prime minister agree such a decision to bring coca cola company to come to sri lankaWATER RESOURCES ARE MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN cheap MONEY COMES FROM COCA COAL COMPANY.

    Ajja Friday, 24 February 2017 05:20 PM

    There are 16 main rivers in Srilanka which are more than 100KM long just flowing in to the sea.If the rulers were wise enough we would have utilize those valuable water resources for bottling plants many years ago..

    Harry Friday, 24 February 2017 03:50 PM

    Indian Ocean is right round our island. Let them convert the sea water into freshwater and use such water for the factory

    Yehiya Friday, 24 February 2017 03:49 PM

    They can purify the sea water. law makers need more knowledge.

    Kadupol Jothywansa Friday, 24 February 2017 03:38 PM

    MR is using Duggy boy to interrupt Yahapalanaya's development programs.

    Banda Friday, 24 February 2017 12:22 PM

    Pump the water from the very end of the kelani or any other river... via DM Android App

    shihan Friday, 24 February 2017 02:25 PM

    Hop its not another Volkswagen story via DM iOS App

    Sonali Friday, 24 February 2017 02:12 PM

    If one googles about coca cola you can see the destruction they have made to the natural water resources in every country they operate.

    ceylon Friday, 24 February 2017 02:07 PM

    there is nothing only gain.when something gainsomething is loosing. via DM Android App

    gobbaya Friday, 24 February 2017 01:45 PM

    get them to put a desalination and RO plant and pump the water from the sea via DM Android App

    macbeth ronald Friday, 24 February 2017 01:47 PM

    Hello, Dougie, you can contribute immensely by not wasting water for your bath, etc, etc. Very patriotic, no ??

    ravin Friday, 24 February 2017 01:35 PM

    Please let environmental authorities to do a proper assessments without interference at all. After that we may see political impact without playing to anyone hand.

    Rishi Friday, 24 February 2017 01:22 PM

    Finally someone talking sense in parliament

    Lionel Friday, 24 February 2017 12:38 PM

    Out of 225 MPs in parliament, you are the only guy who had guts to speak this issue of national interest. Hats off Deva!

    rasheed Friday, 24 February 2017 12:36 PM

    There are not shifting to Sri Lanka because of water problem, it is because of the recent threat by Tamil Nadu to boycott Peppsi and Coco Cola if the Jallikattu is not approved.

    The Counselor Friday, 24 February 2017 12:30 PM

    You have a point. Respective ruling party, time for that legitimate and resourceful answer.


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