Long-Term Chromium Contamination of Kelani River by Major Brewery?

 An investigation has uncovered internal documents indicating that Lion Brewery PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent beverage manufacturers, may have knowingly discharged hazardous levels of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) into the Kelani River over a period of several years.

The Kelani River is a vital water source for millions in Sri Lanka’s Western Province. Communities living downstream in areas such as Biyagama have long raised concerns about possible industrial pollution, particularly near the Lion Brewery production facility. Until now, however, those concerns were largely dismissed by authorities and the company.

A months-long investigation , involving the review of leaked internal emails, laboratory testing data, environmental assessments, and multiple whistleblower testimonies, suggests that Lion Brewery was aware of Cr(VI) contamination as early as 2012 and took steps to avoid detection by regulatory bodies.

Chromium-6 Detected in Company Tests

Hexavalent chromium is a carcinogenic compound recognised by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen. Internal records reviewed during the investigation show repeated instances between 2011 and 2017 in which the brewery’s own laboratory detected Cr(VI) levels in effluent samples well above the permissible limit of 0.05 mg/L set by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA).

In one case, an internal email dated 12 February 2012 from the company’s Environmental Compliance Manager warned of a recorded level of 0.26 mg/L. The reply from a senior manager instructed that “formal samples sent to the CEA” should remain compliant and advised postponing external audits if necessary.

Whistleblowers, including a former environmental engineer at the plant, allege that some effluent samples were manipulated or diluted before being submitted for official review. Multiple emails support claims of efforts to manage compliance documentation strategically, especially during high-output production cycles.

Regulator Inaction and Alleged Pressure

Despite receiving complaints and petitions from local residents over the years, the CEA reportedly took no public action. A former senior CEA official told this newspaper, under the condition of anonymity, that the agency faced political and financial pressure not to pursue enforcement action.

“Lion Brewery is a key revenue contributor,” the official said. “There was a reluctance to investigate issues that could have wider economic or political consequences.”

Between 2013 and 2018, at least three internal CEA reports flagged the presence of toxic heavy metals in waste samples linked to industrial sites near Biyagama. None were released to the public or followed up with enforcement.

Community Health Impacts

A 2018 health study conducted by volunteers from the University of Kelaniya found higher-than-average rates of skin lesions, respiratory illness, and chronic kidney disease in communities within a 3-kilometre radius of the brewery. Some families reported multiple members suffering long-term health effects, though direct causation was not conclusively established in the survey.

Residents have increasingly turned to bottled water or alternative sources, citing concerns about contamination in wells and surface water. Local activists argue that the community has borne the cost of industrial expansion without adequate environmental oversight.

Company Response and Investor Disclosures

Lion Brewery, in a statement, denied any wrongdoing. “Our operations are compliant with national environmental standards and independently audited,” the statement said. “We reject any insinuation of cover-up or wrongdoing. Our commitment to sustainability and community well-being remains absolute.”

However, internal investor communications dating back to 2016, also obtained during the investigation, reference concerns about “growing public scrutiny” and possible legal risks related to the Kelani River discharge. One briefing note warned of potential reputational and regulatory consequences in foreign markets.

Legal and Regulatory Implications

Legal experts suggest the evidence may support a case for environmental negligence. Prof. D.M. Wijeratne, a specialist in environmental law, said, “If there is proof that a company knowingly discharged toxic substances and failed to report or mitigate the risk, both civil and criminal liability could arise.”

Currently, Sri Lanka lacks a formal class-action mechanism, but public interest litigation is an emerging avenue for environmental cases.

Broader Concerns

Environmental advocates suggest the case reflects wider systemic issues. The Biyagama industrial zone includes numerous manufacturing facilities with limited public transparency. Former officials and activists have raised concerns about weak enforcement, regulatory capture, and lack of accountability.

“This is not an isolated incident,” said Chathurika Senanayake, a former CEA officer now working in environmental advocacy. “The broader issue is how we monitor and manage industrial waste in a way that protects both the environment and public health.”

Looking Ahead

The current administration has pledged to review environmental oversight frameworks and increase transparency. Whether those promises lead to concrete action remains to be seen.

For the communities along the Kelani River, questions remain unanswered — about accountability, about long-term health impacts, and about the safety of the water many still rely on every day.