Fri, 29 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Govt. will send experts to Russia to study chrysotile fiber: minister

By

20 November 2017 10:05 am - 0     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

By Lahiru Pothmulla

Science, Technology and Research Minister Susil Premajayantha last week said the government will send a team of experts to Russia to study and gather information about chrysotile fiber (the main ingredient of popular roofing solution, asbestos) and its effect on human health. 


The Sri Lankan government has proposed to fully ban the usage of asbestos by 2024.


Speaking at the launch of two studies on chrysotile fiber use in Sri Lanka, where it was said chrysotile fiber has no negative impact on human health, the minister said the team will consist of representatives from different ministries and institutions. “They will have a study over there and gather information and then report back. Thereafter, we will report to the Ministry of Environment, which is responsible for enforcing some kind of restriction. 


“According to my knowledge, there are certain restrictions even at present. We will look into how we are going to use this raw material in the roofing industry without harming the humans,” he stressed.  

Premajayantha said the raw materials for the industry are being imported mainly from Russia and therefore, the subject has been taken up at several high level meetings.


“Recently I met the Russian Ambassador and his predecessor. This matter was also taken up. As a result, we met a delegation led by politicians of Russia and had discussions,” he said. 


He said his ministry is in the process of conducting extensive research to find out whether white Chrysotile fibre affects the health of people. 


“The Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) is conducting research and we may have to consult medical experts,” he said.


According to the minister about 1.8 million houses in the country use asbestos sheets for roofing. 
“General public mostly use them for roofing and ceiling purposes. Therefore we have to get the expert opinion and then report to the Ministry of Environment and especially the Central Environment Authority (CEA). Then we can get together and address the issue. I’m sure that there are solutions. With our inputs, we will come to a conclusion; not in a hurry but considering all the facts,” he said. 

 

 


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 0

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H