The Karadiyana garbage dump is still burning

Although the fire that erupted on April 10th at the Karadiyana Waste Management Centre's garbage dump in Piliyandala has now been brought under control, residents are severely affected by the continuous smoke emanating from it. The Sri Lanka Air Force Fire Fighting Unit, Moratuwa Fire Service, and Piliyandala Police had jointly taken steps to prevent the spread of the fire by digging a trench through the garbage dump and separating the waste.

However, plumes of smoke and waste still emerging from under the ashes of the garbage dump are severely impacting several surrounding villages.

In light of this situation, the lives of residents in the villages of Karadiyana, Battiyawatta, Duwawatta, Meddowita, and Thumbowila are facing a serious threat. Due to the toxic smoke and waste emanating from the garbage dump mixing with local water sources, such as wells, the water has become completely unusable. As a result, the health of young children, elderly individuals, pregnant mothers, and those suffering from respiratory illnesses and asthma is already at severe risk, with reports indicating that the condition of some patients has worsened.

A large number of low-income families residing in the village of Karadiyana, in particular, are severely affected by this environmental problem. Household appliances, kitchens, and even clothing have suffered significant damage from this smoke. Furthermore, the accumulation of waste has clogged drainage canals, creating problems with water runoff, and the constant need to wear face masks has become a great burden for residents. With the heavy rainfall experienced in the area in recent days, a strong foul odor emanating from the garbage dump has further exacerbated the tragic situation.

As smoke is still observed emanating from several points on the garbage dump, residents live in constant fear that another fire will erupt. Although residents have taken steps to inform the relevant authorities about this health and environmental threat to their villages, they further state that no proper intervention or systematic solution program has been launched to date.