An investigation is being held after a Sri Lankan lead extraction factory allegedly dumped waste illegally, The Nation reports.
The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is investigating allegations NICO Battery Manufacturers Ltd has dumped hazardous waste from the lead extraction process at areas in Puttalam, Sri Lanka.
The factory in Bingiriya, had previously manufactured batteries but is now involved in extracting lead from used batteries.
A tipper vehicle transporting lead waste from the Bingiriya factory was confiscated by Mundalama Police on March 16, the report states.
The report goes on to say investigations have revealed up to 10 container loads of hazardous waste had already been dumped in low lying areas in Puttalam, in disused gravel pits at Mundalama and Pallama areas
The company is denying the allegations, claiming its lead waste was exported to China, the report said.
A team of CEA officials are due to visit the affected areas in on May 18 as part of the investigation.
