Trash piles up along Mahaweli River banks, as water retreats following heavy rain

According to reports, the plastic bottles and other solid waste, caught in the flow of the river, have emerged along the sides of the banks following days of heavy rainfall.

"We use the water from the river to drink and cook our meal. Authorities have turned a blind eye to the pollution, though they claim to protect the environment," said one local resident.

Locals warn, the garbage will eventually flow downstream and enter the Victoria Reservoir, adding the trash should be removed by the local authorities.