COLOMBO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will implement a national waste management program from 2026 to 2029 in three phases, with 30 billion Sri Lankan rupees (about 100 million U.S. dollars) allocated for the initiative, officials said Thursday.
The program 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 program 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 centers, 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. ■
