Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP D.V. Chanaka claimed in Parliament today that consignments of hydrated lime imported for water treatment contain carcinogenic levels of chromium.
Hydrated lime, a calcium compound used for water and wastewater treatment, is subject to a strict testing process in Sri Lanka.
According to MP Chanaka, Water Board engineers are required to inspect samples at the source country and test the chromium content before importation.
Additionally, samples are tested at an ISO-standardized lab in Sri Lanka to ensure the chromium level does not exceed 10 milligrams per kilogram, the MP said.
Chanaka alleged that in the past two weeks, 27 containers carrying 550 metric tonnes of hydrated lime arrived in Sri Lanka with chromium levels above the safety limit.
He said that tests conducted at both the import site and a Sri Lankan laboratory found a chromium content of 14 mg per kilogram, exceeding the 10 mg safety threshold.
The MP questioned how the shipments were cleared despite exceeding the limit. He further alleged that after the designated lab confirmed the excessive chromium content, the Water Board had the samples tested at a private lab, which reported the same result.
Following this, he claimed the Water Board demanded the Sri Lanka Standards Institution to increase the permissible limit to 14 mg per kilogram.
Chanaka warned that the presence of carcinogenic levels of chromium in water treatment chemicals poses a significant health risk to the public, warning of possible risks of developing cancer and kidney disease.
“Who wants to give our people cancer and kidney disease? Who is behind this? Some of these containers are now at the Ratmalana treatment plant while some are at Galle and Ambatale,” he said.
Responding to the MP’s claims, Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that he would investigate the issue and provide a response. (Newswire)
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