A group of activists are staging an indefinite “satyagraha” until authorities provide them with a written assurance that disposal of waste at Meethotamulla in Kolonnawa will be halted.

Residents in the area this morning had held a protest in front of the land used for the dumping of waste collected from the city of Colombo, demanding authorities to provide a solution.

Later the ‘People’s Movement Against the Meethotamulla Garbage Dump’ launched a satyagraha near the garbage dump, a member of the organization Udul Premaratne said.

The former convener of the IUSF stated that they will continue with their satyagraha until relevant authorities provide them with a written assurance to halt the dumping of garbage at the location and also that the machinery used at the garbage dump should also be removed.

Premaratne charged that authorities have broken their previous promise to halt the disposal of waste at Meethotamulla and that they should immediately fulfill their obligations.

Around 700 metric tons of waste is disposed daily at the 16-acre garbage dump site in Meethotamulla threatening the homes and lives of the people living in the area.

The mountainous garbage dumps have slipped causing damages to a large number of houses while villagers also complain of health risks.

Villagers have continuously protested calling for the removal of the site, however claim their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.