The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development has directed relevant authorities to take urgent steps to control water pollution in and around the Diyawanna Oya and the Parliament complex.
The committee instructed officials to obtain Cabinet approval and expedite the implementation of a national-level action plan prepared to address the issue.
The directive was issued when the committee, chaired by Member of Parliament Ajith P. Perera, considered the final report of a task force appointed to investigate the discoloration of the Diyawanna Oya.
According to the report, domestic wastewater and commercial and industrial effluents discharged into waterways around the Diyawanna Oya and Parliament have been identified as major sources of pollution.
The proposed action plan includes short-, medium- and long-term measures to address the problem.
These measures include identifying and controlling points where waste is directly discharged into waterways, preventing solid waste from entering water bodies, establishing wastewater treatment systems and continuously monitoring water quality.
The committee also stressed the need to improve sanitation facilities in low-income settlements and take strict legal action against individuals and institutions that illegally dispose of waste.
It further called for stronger coordination among relevant government agencies to ensure effective implementation of the proposed measures.
The committee emphasized that the programme should be treated as a national priority and urged authorities to secure Cabinet approval and begin implementation without delay.
