The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayathissa

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Environment, I table the answer.

¶ 02 (a) (i) There are 103 rivers in Sri Lanka. (ii) Names and locations are provided in Annex 01 (tabled, including map). (iii) Of the 103 rivers, many originate in the central highlands; others from surrounding ranges. They flow through forests at source but many become polluted when traversing urban areas. Causes include urbanization, industrial growth, illegal discharge of sewage and solid waste, illicit sand mining, unauthorized riverbank/water source constructions, and mangrove destruction. In rural areas, unregulated use of fertilizers and agrochemicals, disposal of containers and packaging into water sources, lack of sanitary facilities, and degradation of mangroves and riparian vegetation pollute watersheds and waterways. Deforestation in hill-country for agriculture and tourism accelerates soil erosion and siltation. (iv) Conservation, management, and water quality improvement responsibilities lie with the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Water Resources Board, Irrigation Department, and Mahaweli Authority. While short-term programs exist, long-term programs are lacking. The Ministry has implemented “Pivithuru Ganga” (Clean Rivers) as a principal program. (v) Under the National Environmental Act (NEA), the CEA undertakes: 1) Water quality analysis: - Since 2003, monthly monitoring at 12 stations on the Kelani Ganga, with joint work with NWSDB, including industry follow-ups and guidance. - Since 2017–19, quarterly monitoring of major water bodies: Maha Oya, Diyawanna Oya, Nilwala Ganga, Kalu Ganga, Menik Ganga, Mahaweli Ganga, Nuwara Wewa, Tissa Wewa, Attanagalu Oya, Deduru Oya, Kurunegala Wewa, Minneriya Wewa, Badulu Oya, Gregory Lake, and Bogambara Lake; reports are forwarded for action. Findings show pollution largely from domestic wastewater and solid waste; increased turbidity is observed, often due to runoff, especially in rainy periods. Aside from turbidity and organic load, other parameters are generally within acceptable ranges. The CEA lacks facilities to analyze residual pesticides/agrochemicals. Institutional coordination is weak and existing legal frameworks insufficiently robust.

¶ 03 2) Legal measures: - Environmental Protection Licensing (EPL) regulates industrial effluent discharges; Gazette No. 2264/18 of 27.01.2022 sets standards for effluent discharge; enforcement and legal action are taken against violators. - Under Gazette No. 772/22, prescribed projects must undergo EIA to minimize impacts on water bodies, riparian zones, and sensitive ecosystems. - Gazette No. 2264/17 of 27.01.2022 stipulates industrial effluent standards. - Gazette No. 2148/20 of 05.11.2019 sets ambient water quality standards; Provincial Councils and local authorities are to act to maintain river water quality within their jurisdictions.

¶ 04 Answer tabled.