President instructs Govt. authorities to coordinate waste management

Saturday, 11 March 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday instructed all relevant institutions to initiate a mechanism to formalise the disposal of garbage in Colombo and suburbs. He also directed the Police to carry out raids to detect improper waste disposal practices.

“The main reason for lack of proper waste management is that there is no cooperation among the main institutions responsible for waste management. Each institution should fulfil its responsibility in this regard,” the President said speaking at a special discussion on the matter held at the Presidential Secretariat.

The President asked for explanations from the officials regarding the complaints received from the public on lack of reconstruction and poor maintenance in several areas including the Viharamahadevi Park and the area around the Beira Lake, advising them to expedite the work.

He also instructed the police unit to conduct raids to discover any improper waste disposal, adding that those who engage in such disposal should be identified. Sirisena also highlighted the need to carry out awareness programs on proper waste disposal practices among people living in housing schemes, estate housing and low income apartments.

Attention has been drawn to issues related to a shortage of garbage disposal vehicles and manpower at all the local authorities that handle waste management. Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Patali Champika Ranawaka, Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Faizer Mustapha, Chief Minister of the Western Province Isura Devapriya, Secretary to the President P.B. Abeykoon, Secretary of Defence Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Army Commander Lieutenant General Crishantha De Silva, representatives of the local authorities and public servants took part in this event.