CEA refers coal pollution complaint to Parliamentary committee review

Colombo, June 2 (Daily Mirror) - The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has responded to a request by President of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, saying that matters related to the alleged environmental impact of coal imported under a disputed tender are already under review by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.

In its reply, the CEA said that the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee is currently conducting investigations into the issue and said it would be appropriate to proceed in line with the committee’s findings and decisions.

The authority further pointed out that environmental regulation in the area surrounding the Norochcholai Power Plant falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant Provincial Environmental Authority, particularly in relation to pollution control and monitoring.

Dr. Sanjeewa had requested the CEA to carry out a feasibility study and submit a report on whether coal imported through the contested tender is causing environmental harm.

He has also previously presented evidence before a Presidential Commission on coal tenders, warning that emissions from burning low-quality coal may include hazardous substances such as mercury, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides, which could pose risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems.