Stern action against 'bad' industries

Stern action will be taken against industries which threaten the environment, Central Environment Authority (CEA) Chairman Charitha Herath said.

More than 100 cases have been filed against industries which operate without the Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) in the Western Province last year.

A large number of cases were also filed in 2009 and those guilty were fined. The Authority ordered some industries to be closed while some were warned, Herath said.

A CEA survey on industries all over the country has revealed that some are operating without obtaining EPL.

"This is a major issue as these industries cause a huge damage to the environment," he said.