'Mattresses container' is only garbage from other countries

Colombo (News 1st): Sri Lanka Customs opened five containers of the consignment which allegedly carried waste materials in the guise of mattresses. A custom official who is carrying out the investigations said that it has been confirmed that this is garbage which includes carpets, plastic and items like polythene, larvae, dead plants, fungus and other items like bird feathers had been found among them. He added that the customs officials believe that close to 102 containers of garbage have arrived on the island, out of which 94 containers have been discovered. Speaking to News 1st, Sri Lanka Customs says, that usually, the customs confiscate items when they arrive in the country without obtaining approval. However, since these waste materials are harmful to the country, Sri Lanka Customs said it will send these waste materials back to the countries of origin citing "Sri Lanka is not a garbage dump" The containers are currently at the Colombo International Container Terminals of the Colombo harbour. These containers were scheduled to be opened in the presence of media on Monday (July 8). However, citing security concerns, CICT did not permit the public opening of the containers. The Customs has informed the Central Environmental Authority about the arrival of these containers carrying waste. Director General of the Central Environmental Authority said that the Chemical and Hazardous Waste Management Unit of the CEA has also commenced investigations. The Director-General added that the authority will not permit waste materials to be imported into the country, due to the danger it may pose to the environment. He further noted that this stand will be maintained on this occasion as well.