• Pivithuru Purawara project to cost Rs 34b

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya said the upcoming Budget will place priority on waste management, waste reduction and recycling, emphasising that what should be left for future generations is not contaminated soil or seas filled with plastic, but a clean and green environment where they can breathe freely and live healthy lives.

The Premier made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the Third International Conference on “Plastic, Innovation and Environmental Sustainability”, organised by the Open University, held yesterday (30) in Colombo. Held under the theme “Eco-Friendly Innovations”, the conference focused on minimising environmental damage caused by plastic waste, introducing environmentally friendly alternatives, developing circular economy models and promoting sustainable waste management.

Addressing the conference, she further pointed out that plastic pollution is not merely an environmental issue, but a global challenge directly linked to the climate crisis. She emphasised that the uncontrolled accumulation and disposal of waste pose a serious threat to both public life and the environment, and that the destruction of natural resources in the name of economic development cannot be considered meaningful development. She stated that several major projects are planned to be implemented under the Clean Sri Lanka national programme, including the “Pivithuru Purawara” National Waste Management Project, which will be implemented during the 2027–2029 period at a cost of Rs 34 billion. She further stated that the project aims to minimise the disposal of non-biodegradable waste, including plastic, into the environment, while expanding recycling and compost production. She also emphasised that laws and regulations alone are insufficient to ensure environmental protection, and that a sense of responsibility towards the environment must be cultivated through the education system itself. She also stated that steps are being taken through the new education reforms to practically integrate environmental education, plastic and waste management, and circular economy concepts into the school curriculum. She added that the “Green Schools” concept will be promoted at school level, encouraging children to adopt “Zero Waste” practices from an early age. In addition, she called on universities and researchers to adopt an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together fields such as engineering and social sciences, in order to develop practical and innovative solutions to these challenges.