COLOMBO : Marking another significant step in formalising waste management across the island under the “Clean Sri Lanka” National Programme, construction work on a new Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in the Wariyapola area commenced Thursday,Oct. (09).
The new facility, which will be established on land belonging to the Wariyapola Pradeshiya Sabha, is estimated to cost Rs. 33 million. Its primary objective is to systematically collect, sort and direct non-degradable waste such as plastic, polythene and other solid materials for recycling.
Implemented under the joint financial framework of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat and the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, the project aims to provide sustainable solutions to the country’s waste management challenges.
It is expected to significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, promote recycling, contribute to the establishment of a circular economy and minimise environmental pollution. In addition, the facility is anticipated to create new “green job” opportunities for local residents.
Under this islandwide initiative, 58 Material Recovery Facilities are scheduled to be constructed. Of these, four are planned for completion this year. The first centre was launched recently in Kattankudy, in the Batticaloa District, while two more are set to be established in Thalawa and Tangalle.
Deputy Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Kurunegala District Coordinating Committee Sujeewa Dissanayake, Chairman of the Wariyapola Pradeshiya Sabha G. J. S. Kumarasinghe, along with Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat Directors Anjula Premarathna (Environment) and Isuru Anuradha (Information Technology), were among those present at the event.
