Yet another discussion was held in the morning today (27) to discuss the question of waste management, under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the President’s Office.
Questions such as the maintenance of garbage disposal units, clearing of waste from flood-ridden regions, introduction of machinery for compost production, involvement of the private sector in waste management, and the spread of awareness among the public were discussed on this occasion.
The President instructed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to take legal action against those who stood in the way of waste disposal in sites predetermined by local government institutions.
He further instructed the IGP to establish security at said sites.
The President also pointed out that the main reason underlying most problems was the lack of awareness among the public regarding waste management, and accordingly instructed officials to implement a widespread programme to inform the public on waste separation.
The responsibility of waste management within the city of Colombo was vested with the Chief Minister of the Western Province, Isura Devapriya.
Meanwhile, local government institutions voiced out a few issues faced by them regarding waste management, and requested for machinery, equipment and vehicles necessary for waste disposal.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Vajira Abeywardana, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Sajith Premadasa, Faiszer Musthapha, Gayantha Karunathilake, Sagala Ratnayake and Susil Premajayantha, as well as heads of local government institutions, secretaries to ministries, state officials and commanders of the security forces attending the discussion today (27).
