Kurumbettiya bicycles for eco-friendly garbage collection

• Cabinet approves purchase of 10 locally invented bicycles
• To be distributed to local authorities for garbage collection as pilot project

Cabinet last week gave approval to procure 10 ‘Kurumbettiya’ bicycles, which were invented by a Sri Lankan to be used for garbage collection and other requirements, with low adverse impacts on the environment.

Ten of the multi-purpose bicycles, each priced at Rs. 180,000, will be purchased and distributed among the local authorities in keeping with a proposal submitted by Minister of Provincial Councils and local government Janaka Bandara Tennakoon.

At present, the collection of garbage is carried out using small tractors in areas where the compactor or large tractors cannot reach. 

The new bicycle, with a capacity to bear 250-300 kg of garbage, causes minimum environmental impact and can even access subways without difficulty. It was invented by a local company, Nation Eye Ltd., Cabinet was informed.The bicycles will initially be distributed among the local government authorities where religious and ancient monuments are situated as a large amount of garbage collects at these sites.