Colombo (AsiaNews) - The Dipped Products Plc. Factory will be moved from Weliweriya elsewhere. The factory was charged with contaminating local waterways sparking peaceful protests which were bloodily suppressed by the army. This announcement was made yesterday Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, after a meeting with members of the local community, religious leaders and factory representatives. The people are satisfied with the agreement made.
The company - which
produces gloves - continues to deny its responsibility in polluting the rivers, and explains that the discharges of the building are
monitored on a regular basis by the National Building and Research Organization. However, citizens
of the villages that are located around the factory, including that of Weliweriya, hold the factory responsible for increased water
pollution.
After listening to all parties involved, the president ordered the relocation company and
instructed the Government Analyst's Department to conduct an appropriate investigation. If the report
proves the factory responsible, it will be closed with
immediate effect. Conversely, if it is proven that
the company has been operating within safety standards, a reasonable period of time will be granted for it to move.