Mountains of Filth -- A Plea for Action, and Restore chute facility

Every time I visit Masjidul Munawwara mosque at 169/10, M.J.M. Lafeer Mawatha, Colombo 12, I am disheartened by the sight of uncollected garbage piling up behind the wall of Kotahena Junior Sinhala School, No. 200, Maha Vidyalaya Mawatha. This location is not only in close proximity to the mosque but also directly in front of New Bazaar Early Childhood Development Centre and Ayurvedic Clinic, Department of Indigenous Medicine operated by the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

The waste, comprising both biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials, appears to be dumped indiscriminately by certain residents of the Armour Street flats, passers-by, and even from vehicles travelling through the area. It poses a serious public health risk. Rain could turn this into a breeding ground for mosquitoes—and it creates an unsightly environment in what should be a clean, dignified public space.

I request the CMC to take swift action to clear this area and implement regular monitoring to prevent further dumping. It is also my hope that the newly appointed  Mayoress, Ms. Vrai Cally Balthazaar, will prioritise such issues in keeping with the national vision for a “Clean Sri Lanka.”

I also wish to request her to consider restoring the (garbage) chute facility at the Armour Street flats—and in other similar housing schemes—as a measure to reduce the improper disposal of garbage.

Mohamed Zahran

Colombo