Protest disrupts traffic on Puttalam-Colombo Road

Traffic on the Puttlam- Colombo Road, near Nallatharankattuwa in Anavuilundawa off Chilaw was disrupted for some hours yesterday due to a protest staged by the local community led by Ven.Wilpaththu Premananda Thera of the Rajamaha Vihara of the area, according to police head-quarters.

Over 700 people participated in the protest that was staged against a proposed factory of Rhino Company to manufacture asbestos roofing sheets on 47 acres, allegedly posing a health hazard to the local community.

Members of the community had already made representations to the authorities over likelihood of a health hazard, environmental pollution and water contamination. Discussions on this issue among all stakeholders has been fixed for March 3, according to the police headquarters.