Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi said in Parliament today that he is unable to answer questions on the issue as there is still no evidence that small coal mines are causing adverse effects on the environment or the people.
He said this in response to a question asked by Member of Parliament Hector Appuhami.
Norochcholai Lakvijaya This was when MP Hector Appuhami requested the Minister of Environment to clarify the measures being taken regarding the possible harm to the people around Kalpitiya due to the burning of the coal brought for the power plant due to its poor quality.
Elaborating further, the Minister said:
“If such a situation is confirmed, I can answer it. Apart from that, I am not in a position to answer a question about a situation that you are thinking about. I will answer it once it is proven with evidence that such a problem is caused by the use of poor quality coal,” the Minister of Environment said.