How vehicle emission tests are cleaning the air you breathe

Although often seen as a chore by many Sri Lankans, the Vehicular Emission Test (VET) was introduced to combat the rising threat of air pollution, particularly from vehicles.

- By SAFRAH FAZAL

Two studies in the 1990s identified vehicle emissions as a major contributor to poor air quality in the country. As a result, the government implemented stricter regulations on vehicle import specifications and fuel standards, while mandating annual emissions testing for all vehicles. This has largely contributed to Sri Lankans breathing the least polluted air compared to most of its South Asian neighbours. In commemoration of World Environment Day, the Daily Mirror sat with Dilhan Epa, Technical Manager of Drive Green, one of the authorised vehicle emission testing providers in Sri Lanka, to learn more about their role in helping Sri Lankans breathe cleaner air.

Following are excerpts of the interview:

Reflecting on World Environment Day, what can you say about Sri Lanka's efforts to address air pollution, particularly in combating harmful vehicular emissions?

Although this year's World Environment Day theme focuses on ending plastic pollution - which isn't directly related to our scope - we must stress that we continue to strive towards minimising air pollution.

Globally, air pollution is responsible for nearly seven million deaths annually. Of these, around three million are linked to household air pollution, which is caused by practices such as wood-fire cooking and burning of garbage. The remaining deaths are due to ambient air pollution, which includes vehicle emissions and industrial smoke among others.

Through the VET, our goal is to help people breathe cleaner air. Ideally, a petrol vehicle in good condition only emits water vapour and carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, a vehicle that fails the test usually releases toxic gases like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, which are harmful to people and the environment.