The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), chaired a meeting on Friday at the Ministry of Defence to address pressing garbage disposal and waste management issues affecting the Colombo Municipal Council area.

During the discussion, the Defence Secretary highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated, swift, and sustainable approach to effectively address the existing waste management challenges, stressing the importance of close collaboration among all relevant stakeholders to ensure a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable city, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Recognising the severe public health implications, particularly the heightened threat of a dengue outbreak during the rainy season, the Defence Secretary emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation to overcome the issue. He directed the relevant authorities to streamline existing waste collection systems, optimise resource allocation, and implement immediate remedial measures to clear accumulated garbage from affected areas, while ensuring long-term operational efficiency.

Participants discussed the prevailing waste management challenges and explored practical measures and long-term strategies to identify a sustainable and lasting solution, the statement said.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders and senior officials, including the Mayor of Colombo, the Commander of the Navy, the Chief of Staff of the Army, and the Director General of the Civil Security Department. Senior officers from the Tri-Forces and the Police were also present.