14.7.2008

ImageTwo centers set up in Kiribathgoda and Miriswatta, Gampaha to test vehicle emission under the 'Haritha Riya' programme will commence operation from today (15), a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport told www.news.lk.

Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport has embarked on this new programme to preserve and protect the environment by implementing a vibrant law enforcement body backed by a national policy to ensure a safer environment.

The Government has allocated Rs. 88 million to setup four testing centers.

Revenue license would not be issued to vehicles which do not comply with the environmental standards on vehicle emissions, Ministerial sources said.

Obtaining an emission test certificate will cost less than 500 rupees for a small vehicle while bigger ones will be charged 500 - 1,000 rupees.

Vehicle owners will be required to come to the testing centre, obtain the certificate and take it to the revenue authorities for renewal of their revenue licenses.

This move is part of the efforts to improve the air quality in the island, especially in Colombo, where pollution levels are high owing to a concentration of vehicles.

Vehicle emissions -carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons – contribute to the formation of photochemical smog, acid deposition and elevated CO levels and these pollutants cause respiratory problems, increase toxicity and mortality, and the effects are more severe in urban areas where vehicle use is higher.