Residents of Katunayake protest against proposed cement factory

By T.K.G.Kapila

Colombo, July 20 (Daily Mirror) - Residents of the area yesterday staged protest last morning against the proposed cement factory at the 18th Kilometer post on the Colombo- Katunayake road in close proximity to the International Airport.They pointed out that the Central Environment Authority had approved the building plan on December 12, 2020 for a tourist hotel and by the Urban Development Authority on December 25, 2025.

The single floor building was to occupy an area of 3,857sq.mtrs.The protestors said the original approval had now been change to construct a cement factory occupying an area of 12,925 sq.mtrs. They pointed out that the proposed cement factory would extend from the Colombo-Katunayake main highway to the lagoon.“ The Katunayake International Airport, several tourist hotels, three international schools, the Negombo lagoon providing livelihoods for thousands of fishermen, Liyanagemulla protected mangrove system, hostels of workers in the Free Trade Zone would face serious environmental issues due to cement dust and sound pollution.’’

‘’ This is a highly sensitive environmental zone with a dense population and a major tourism zone. Airport engineers have pointed out that the air pollution caused by cement dust from the factory in close proximity to the runway could affect aircraft engines and machinery and equipment in the airport. “ The protestors claim.About 1000 protestors including the Mahasangha, Catholic Priests fisher folk, environmentalists, representatives of civil society organizations, parents of children in International Schools, employees of tourist hotels,and the business community participated.