In a move to intensify efforts against environmental misconduct, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to review and amend the fixed penalty provisions under the Environment Protection Act (EPA) 2016. This was confirmed during an exclusive interview held 15th April with the Ministry’s Senior Legal Officer, Ms. Sharon Gerry, who provided clarity on the implications of this cabinet decision and how it is expected to serve as a stronger deterrent against public misbehavior, particularly in relation to illegal waste dumping.
According to Ms. Gerry, the amendment is necessary as illegal dumping continues to pose a serious challenge for the Ministry, not only in public areas but also increasingly on private properties—an area previously not covered by fixed penalty notices. She explained that while the EPA currently allows for court-imposed penalties of up to SCR 100,000 or two years of imprisonment, such cases often take considerable time to process. In contrast, fixed penalties offer a more immediate enforcement mechanism.
Under the revised proposal:
The fixed penalty notice amount will increase from SCR 500 to SCR 2,000, aligning it with similar fixed penalties, under other laws such as the Lighting of Fires (Restriction) Act and road transport offences.
- The scope of the fixed penalty will expand to include additional offences under Sections 34(2), 35(2), and 69 of the Environment Protection Act.
- Fixed penalties may now apply to illegal dumping on private properties, closing a previous loophole that made it harder to hold offenders accountable.
Ms. Gerry emphasized that these changes are not only about increasing fines, but about promoting greater accountability and civic responsibility. “We want to encourage members of the public to adopt better waste disposal habits, while ensuring that enforcement remains fair and efficient,” she said.
The Ministry is confident that these revisions will not only curb instances of illegal dumping but will also ease the pressure on the judicial system by reducing the number of environmental offences that require full court proceedings.
This Cabinet-approved review of the EPA reflects the government’s continued commitment to improving environmental protection through practical legal measures and increased public compliance.