The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has raised concerns over the environmental impact of lead-acid battery recycling in Sri Lanka, revealing that more than 5,000 metric tonnes of sulfuric acid are estimated to be released into the environment annually without proper disposal procedures.
In a statement issued on Saturday (24), the CEJ said that the release of sulfuric acid from used batteries into the soil and environment remains a major concern in Sri Lanka.
According to the organisation, waste generated during the battery recycling process, including slag and discarded acid, contains toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic.
The CEJ further revealed that more than 2,000 formal and informal lead-smelting sites operate across Sri Lanka, with inadequate environmental protection measures.
It noted that the lack of proper monitoring and regulation of battery acid and waste disposal, particularly when issuing environmental licences, remains a major concern.
The organisation stressed the need to establish a systematic mechanism for collecting and recycling battery acid and waste, while strictly enforcing existing environmental laws.
These concerns were highlighted during an online awareness programme led by CEJ Chairman Hemantha Withanage, with presentations delivered by Alda Dubey of India’s Toxics Link and Sudesh Nandasiri of Ceylon Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd.
Meanwhile, the CEJ conducted several awareness programmes in Sri Lanka from October 18 to 24, as part of the Global Week of Action on Lead Poisoning Prevention, organised under the theme “From Detection to Prevention.”
The programmes included awareness sessions for schoolchildren and waste disposal workers of the Kolonnawa Municipal Council on electronic waste and lead exposure risks, along with public awareness campaigns through digital media.
The CEJ also highlighted the serious health risks associated with lead exposure, particularly among children, noting that no level of exposure is considered safe.
The organisation called for collective efforts to strengthen environmental protection and safeguard public health, particularly that of children, against lead poisoning. (Newswire)
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