Gas emission tests from July 15

Vehicle gas emission tests will come into effect from 15 of this month onward, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Champika Ranawaka said.
Revenue licenses would not be issued to vehicles which do not comply with environmental standards on vehicle emissions, the Minister added.
Obtaining an emission test certificate will cost less than 500 rupees for a small vehicle while bigger ones will be charged Rs 500 - 1,000. 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.
A centre to test vehicle gas emissions has been set up close to the Fort Railway Station.
The Ministry has taken steps to establish four new testing centres by the end of this year at a cost of Rs 88 million to purchase related equipment for testing.
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. The effects are more severe in urban areas where vehicle use is higher.