09/05/2020- Garbage Common – SC/FR 152/17

This case was filed on 31st of May 2017 in the Supreme Court against violation of fundamental rights by uncontrolled garbage dumping by the government of Sri Lanka. Petitioners complained to the court about dumping of garbage all over the country and called for the formulation of a national policy. Specially, in this case Meethotamulla incident is cited as adverse impact. Petitioners further states to the court that unnecessary garbage dumping influences right to life, right to healthy environment and Future generation’s rights of the country.

As a result, it was agreed to prepare the new National Policy on waste management. All the relevant ministries, authorities and other relevant parties submitted their observations and comments. The final meeting was held on 20th of April 2018 in the Ministry of the Mahaweli Development and Environment. CEJ also participated to this meeting as a petitioner party. Matter was called on 16th of June 2018 for further progress. It is still Awaiting for cabinet approval as the Government changed. The case was fixed to evaluate the progress of obtaining the cabinet approval for the draft National Policy on Waste Management on 02^nd June, 2020.