Today marks one year since Meethotamulla tragedy

COLOMBO (News 1st) - It's been exactly a year since the Meethotamulla garbage dump claimed lives of 32 people. Even a year after the disaster, there are questions that remain unanswered. Two years ago, the people affected by the Meethotamulla garbage dump took to the streets demanding a solution to the issue. Social activists including Keerthiratne Perera took the leadership on this matter. Keerthiratne and one of his grand-children survived this tragedy. However, his wife, children and other grandchildren were not so fortunate. At a time when the entire country is celebrating the dawn of the new year, Keerthiratne and his only surviving grandson marked this day remembering their lost loved ones. Keerthiratne Perera said:

"...For over a period of time we've been telling the authorities a disaster is about to happen. However, those pleas only fell on deaf ears. Take a look at how things like this are managed overseas. Garbage is a resource. We urged authorities to use the resource in a manner that would benefit the country. However, they used this situation to line up the pockets of a few. That is why our lives were struck with tragedy..."