President instructs officials to complete proper waste management program by December

Wednesday, 16 August 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Maithripala Sirisena instructed officials to complete the implementation of a proper waste management program in the country’s nine provinces by December, in accordance with the Government’s policy of providing a permanent solution to the issue of garbage disposal by next year.

He gave these instructions during a discussion on streamlining waste management in the country’s provinces, held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.

The President asked officials about the current progress of the disposal of waste in Colombo and its suburbs while also discussing the streamlining of waste management by local government bodies under the environment conservation national program.

Discussions also focused on the problems that have arisen due to the lack of garbage management in areas with slum dwellings and the further promotion of public awareness campaigns on waste management.

During the discussion, attention was also drawn to current progress following the initiation of new plans for waste management. They also discussed the progress in obtaining required equipment and vehicles.

Attention was also paid to the implementation of Cabinet recommendations to minimise the usage of polythene and plastics. A long-term program to clean dirty canals in Colombo and its suburbs was also examined.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, ministers Patali Champika Ranawaka, Gayantha Karunathilaka, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Sagala Ratnayake and Sarath Fonseka, Western Province Chief Minister Isura Dewapriya, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando, secretaries to the ministries, government officials, the IGP and the heads of security forces were also present at the meeting.