COLOMBO, Aug 7 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will implement a national waste management programme from 2026 to 2029 in three phases, with 30 billion Sri Lankan rupees (about US$100 million) allocated for the initiative, officials said Thursday.
The programme is intended to establish a long-term national system for waste collection, segregation, disposal and recycling.
A discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat reviewed district-level waste data, proposed solutions and possible implementation difficulties. Officials also considered international waste management practices and recommendations from local experts.
The programme will promote household composting, waste segregation, recycling-based income opportunities and more efficient collection systems. Plans also include directing biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste to recycling centres, strengthening legal action against illegal dumping and introducing a hotline for public complaints.
Special attention will be given to coastal waste, medical waste and waste generated around ports, including discarded fiberglass materials and fishing nets.
--NNN-BERNAMA-XINHUA