Nationwide Air Quality Program in the Works

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Attorney General informed the Court of Appeal today that a program will be formulated to maintain air quality across the island, including the Jaffna district. 

This was revealed during the reconsideration of a petition filed by Dr. Umasugi Nadarajah, a resident of Jaffna, seeking a directive for the Minister of Environment and other respondents to implement measures to curb rising air pollution in the region.

The case was heard before the Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohamed Lafar Tahir and Justice Sarath Dissanayake.

On December 17, 2024 the court had instructed the Central Environmental Authority to conduct a month-long air quality survey in Jaffna and submit its findings. 

In compliance, the Attorney General presented the report to the court today.

Attorney Ravindranath Dabare, representing the petitioner, stated that the survey indicated air pollution levels in Jaffna exceeded standard safety limits.

The Deputy Solicitor General, appearing for the Attorney General, assured the court that the government has initiated plans to mitigate air pollution nationwide, including in the Jaffna peninsula.

He further noted that substantial funding has been secured from foreign institutions and organizations to support the initiative.

Taking these submissions into account, the court directed the relevant parties to submit a progress report on the next hearing date.

The petition is scheduled to be taken up again on July 5.