Charcoal plant chugs along as police fail to check assault on journalist

Though the existence of an unauthorized coconut shell charcoal producing plant in the Weliweriya has been exposed by the media, action to arrest the pollution or on the plant is yet forthcoming.

Residents in the area claim that the charcoal producing plant is causing immense hardships to them and was causing pollution. Last week, a radio journalist who had exposed this existence opf this factory had been brutally assaulted.

Radio journalist Mahasen Rubesinghe of Neth FM who reported the news was assaulted last Wednesday following the radio exposure.

Mr. Rubesinghe of Amberaluwa of Weliweriya South who had received blows to his head and neck regions was admitted to the Gampaha Hospital and later transferred to the National Hospital in Colombo where he is still receiving treatment.

Mr. Rubesinghe claims that though he lodged a complaint with Police, they had not recorded it.

However, when Adaderana inquired from the Weliweriya Police regarding the incident and any follow up actions, Police claimed that the suspect who had allegedly assaulted Mr. Rubesinghe is still absconding.

Police also maintained that several complaints have been lodged by residents of the area against the charcoal manufacturing plant. They also added that necessary steps are being taken to inquire into the assault incident and the complaints on pollution of the area.