Sept 15, Colombo: It is reported that more people succumb to kidney related diseases than terrorist activities in Sri Lanka.

Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Patali Champika Ranawaka said this was due to the addition of heavy metals, generated from electronic equipment waste to the soil.

He pointed out that the increase of kidney diseases in the Anuradhapura district in North Central province is due to the accumulation of heavy metal in the soil of this area.

Environment Minister cited the “Minamata” disease in Japan with an 86% mortality rate and caused by severe mercury poisoning as a classic example of the negative effect of the electronic revolution.