National Environmental Act comes into force from today

JUK Tuesday, 21 July 2026 08:01 AM

Passing new environmental legislation is certainly a positive step and an important milestone. Strong laws are essential for protecting the environment, improving waste management, and safeguarding public health. However, the real measure of success lies in effective implementation. For example, how frequently is household garbage collected by the municipal authorities, particularly in the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia area? Likewise, roadside drains are often left uncleared for long periods, resulting in blockages, flooding, and unhygienic conditions. Another important issue is mosquito control. Regular mosquito fogging, which used to be carried out routinely in the past, is rarely seen nowadays. Enacting good laws is only the first step. Regular garbage collection, systematic cleaning of roadside drains, effective mosquito control, and consistent enforcement are what the public expects if these legislative changes are to make a real difference in people's daily lives.

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citizen Tuesday, 21 July 2026 09:58 AM

First of all hefty fines should be given to the people who throw garbage to the drains, specially those people once lived by canals and shifted to different areas they think it is normal to throw garbage to the drains. Also, once I reported to previous Dehiwala municipal council authority with video evidence and they did not even bother to do anything.

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Umar Perera Tuesday, 21 July 2026 11:56 AM

But for the tourists, all the forest reserves will be opened and new trails opened irrespective of environmental degradation. This is just green washing.

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