Court orders investigation into fish waste fertiliser plant

A full investigation and report regarding a fertiliser production process using fish waste from the Peliyagoda Manning Market must be submitted to the court, Colombo Additional Magistrate H.D.D.J. Premaratne ordered the Peliyagoda Public Health Inspector.

Residents living near the market reported suffering due to the operations.

The court issued this directive after considering a complaint filed by residents with the Public Health Inspector (PHI) alleging that the private company's fertiliser manufacturing process creates a severe stench and environmental pollution.

Investigating officers informed the court that the private entity uses leftover fish from the Manning Market for production, and the resulting odour has become a significant public nuisance.

The private company appeared in court and stated that, according to a report issued by the ITI (Industrial Technology Institute), the odour parameters emitted into the environment fall within recommended levels.

After considering the submitted facts, the Magistrate ordered a thorough review of all documents, including those provided by the private firm, and directed officials to report back on June 3.