The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, since Hon. D.V. Chanaka mentioned my name, I wish to add a clarification. The chemical introduced for water purification is not a massive rocket-technology chemical. The main source of lime is limestone. Globally, two types of limestone are used: coral-based limestone and quarried limestone. Limestone is calcium carbonate. Typically, in kilns or furnaces, limestone is calcined to calcium oxide, and then slaked with water to become calcium hydroxide. It is calcium hydroxide that is used to purify water. Naturally, limestone or calcium carbonate does not contain heavy metals. Nor does the production process introduce heavy metals. However, contamination from other sources may add heavy metals. But for calcium hydroxide, nowhere in the specifications does it state to check for heavy metals. I do not know if lime is being imported through irregular methods. Generally, the “lime” we use—even the chewing lime—should not contain heavy metals. Whether sourced from the sea or quarried, heavy metals do not get added. Surface soils usually have low heavy metals. However, Hon. D.V. Chanaka has presented reports claiming heavy metals in lime. If so, that is serious and should be investigated. Generally, such content should not be present.