^{Photograph: Colombo Gazette}

British authorities announced they would launch an investigation after human waste was reported to be part of a tranche of hazardous waste exported to Sri Lanka and discovered in over 100 containers at Colombo port this week.

Some of the 111 containers date as having arrived far back as 2017, and reportedly contain body parts and syringes, mixed with mattresses and other plastics. The containers had apparently been disguised to make it seem as if they held recyclable metals.

Protestors, including at least one Buddhist monk, gathered outside the British High Commission in Colombo with signs in Sinhalese and English denouncing the UK for reportedly allowing the waste to be transported.

“UK is polluting world’s No. 1 travel destination,” read one sign.

The U.K.’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it was “committed to tackling illegal waste exports, which is why individuals found to be exporting incorrectly described waste can face a two-year jail term or an unlimited fine”.

“We are yet to receive a formal request from the Sri Lankan authorities, but Defra has contacted them directly to find out more information,” a spokesperson added.

An official at the finance ministry spoke anonymously to the AFP, stating that such imports of waste had been ongoing for years.

"This is a well-organised racket that has been going on since 2017," he said.

See more from the AFP here and the BBC here.