The Attorney General has informed the Court of Appeal that a programme will be developed to address air pollution in Jaffna.

Deputy Solicitor General, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, made this statement today (6 March) during a hearing on a petition filed by Dr. Uma Sugi Nadarajah, a Jaffna resident. The petition seeks a court order directing the Minister of Environment and other authorities to introduce a plan to curb rising air pollution in the region.

The case was heard before a two-member bench comprising Acting President of the Court of Appeal Mohamed Lafar Tahir and Justice Sarath Dissanayake.

Previously, the court had instructed the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to conduct a month-long air quality survey in Jaffna and submit a report. The Attorney General presented the findings to the court.

Attorney-at-Law Ravindranath Dabare, representing the petitioner, pointed out that the report confirmed the presence of harmful air pollutants exceeding standard levels in the Jaffna peninsula.

The Deputy Solicitor General stated that the government is planning a nationwide air pollution control initiative, which includes Jaffna. However, he noted that substantial funding would be required, and efforts are underway to secure financial support from international institutions.

The court has directed all parties to report on the progress of these measures, with the next hearing scheduled for 5 July.

The petitioner argues that air quality in Jaffna has deteriorated due to harmful emissions from within the region and pollutants drifting from neighbouring countries such as India. Despite multiple complaints to authorities, no effective action has been taken. The petition calls for immediate intervention to restore air quality.