Let scientists solve pressing issues - Champika

Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Champika Ranawaka today called on politicians and other parties to let scientists find solutions to pressing issues such as garbage disposal and not allow "uneducated persons" to mislead the people. 

By Sandun Jayawardana

Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the Expenditure Head of his Ministry, Mr Ranawaka mounted an impassioned defence of the controversial Aruwakkalu sanitary landfill project. 

He pointed out that the Aruwakkalu project was facing similar resistance as the one faced by the Norochcholai coal power plant when it was under consideration in 1996.

"Some religious leaders mobilized people against Norochcholai claiming that the Thalawila Church will be washed away. They said the Sri Maha Bodhi will die. One person was killed in a shooting at a protest in 1997. We had power cuts for 15 years because Norochcholai was not built. We suffered a loss of Rs 157 billion. Those religious leaders who marched against Norochcholai then should accept responsibility for this," he charged. 

Mr Ranawaka insisted that the Aruwakkalu project was for the benefit of all communities including those in the Puttalam district, adding that all local government authorities in the district could also send their garbage to the sanitary landfill once it's completed.

He pointed out that 33 lives were lost in the Meethotamulla garbage mound collapsed while garbage mountains are rising in towns around the country. 

The Minister insisted it was time for politicians to drop the "we don't want Colombo's garbage" slogan and end such cheap politics.