A special discussion on the future plans of the 'Pivithuru Purawara' National Waste Management Programme (2026–2029) was held this morning (06) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The programme, initiated under the vision of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and coordinated by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, aims to provide a sustainable, long-term solution to Sri Lanka's waste management challenges, according to a statement issued by the President’s Media Division.

The discussion focused on adopting international best practices in waste management, while incorporating the recommendations of local experts to strengthen waste collection, promote proper waste disposal and recycling, and introduce new waste recycling initiatives.

The 'Pivithuru Purawara' National Waste Management Programme will be implemented over the next three years under the overall supervision and coordination of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government and the Clean Sri Lanka National Programme, with the active participation of local authorities across the country.

Participants conducted a comprehensive review of waste management issues in all districts, examining the data collected, proposed solutions and the practical challenges likely to arise during implementation, the statement said.

Discussions also focused on providing scientific and technical assistance to promote household compost production, encouraging waste segregation and recycling, developing income-generating opportunities through recycling, and improving the efficiency of waste collection systems.

The meeting further emphasised the need to direct both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste to recycling centres, strengthen legal action against illegal waste disposal, and introduce a dedicated hotline for reporting unauthorised dumping.

Attention was also given to the management of coastal waste, medical waste and waste generated around ports, including discarded fibreglass materials and fishing nets, the PMD stated.

Deputy Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath stated that while the Government had already taken the initial steps required to improve waste management, waste management had effectively become the responsibility of local authorities, making it impossible for the Government alone to resolve the issue.

He noted that improper waste disposal has become a serious concern in every district. Although a number of waste management initiatives have been implemented over the years, none has resulted in a sustainable long-term solution.

The Deputy Minister further emphasised that local authorities alone cannot address a problem that has persisted for decades. Recognising this, the Government has identified the need for a comprehensive, science-based national strategy that mobilises the entire State machinery under Government leadership to deliver a lasting solution to waste management, the statement said.

Addressing the meeting, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake observed that Sri Lanka's waste management problem has remained unresolved for many years. He noted that the Government has allocated Rs. 30 billion to implement a sustainable solution.

The Secretary to the President also explained that the national programme will be implemented in three phases and stressed the importance of incorporating the views and recommendations of all stakeholders in developing a practical and sustainable waste management framework.

He further highlighted that lasting success would depend not only on adopting modern scientific methods but also on bringing about changes in public attitudes and behaviour. Without such behavioural transformation, he said, no permanent solution to waste management could be achieved.

Dr Kumanayake also noted that multiple complementary initiatives would be required to address the issue comprehensively and called for the support of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the 'Pivithuru Purawara' National Waste Management Programme, implemented through the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, it added.

Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor Chandana Abeyratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government S. Aloka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Engineer Kumudulal Bogahawatta, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Secretary and Convener of the Clean Sri Lanka Presidential Task Force Russell Aponsu, Additional Secretary to the President (Clean Sri Lanka Programme) S. P. C. Sugeeshwara, Chairman of the Western Province Waste Management Authority and member of the Expert Committee Chathura Kahandawaarachchi, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Commissioners of Local Government, Additional Secretaries, District Development Committee Chairpersons, members of the Waste Management Expert Committee, district and provincial coordinators of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat and other Government officials were also present.

--PMD--