Japan donates waste collection trucks to Galle

Five Japanese waste collection trucks were handed over to Galle Municipal Council by Embassy of Japan Deputy Head of Mission Koji Yagi, on 8 September in the presence of Galle Municipal Council Municipal Commissioner Wasana P. Gunarathna, and Society for Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy (SPJD) General Director Kyoko Terada.

The trucks were donated by Okayama City in Japan. Refurbishment of the vehicle, transfer to Sri Lanka and dispatch of Japanese experts to Galle for training on the maintenance of the vehicles were conducted by SPJD under Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) assistance amounting $ 103,487 (approx. Rs. 15 million).

Three years ago, the Galle Municipal Council received five compacters from Okayama City. However, recent urbanisation and development of commercial activities has resulted in the sharp increase of solid waste in the Municipality, and further enhancing the capacity for waste management has been an issue. Under this situation, the Government of Japan has responded to the request and decided to donate another five waste collection trucks from Okayama City to the Municipal Council.

The people of Japan expect that upgraded waste management service by the trucks will contribute to enhancing clean and hygienic environment in Galle city and its suburbs.