The Ministry of Environment and Sri Lanka Customs on Friday launched a joint initiative to strengthen the country’s biosecurity framework, combat illegal wildlife trafficking, and address a range of emerging environmental challenges through enhanced inter-agency cooperation.

The move follows a high-level discussion held at the Sri Lanka Customs Headquarters on Thursday under the patronage of Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi and Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody.

Senior representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka Customs, the Medical Research Institute (MRI), the National Plant Quarantine Service, and the Department of Animal Production and Health, participated in the discussions, which focused on protecting Sri Lanka’s biodiversity while facilitating legitimate trade and scientific research.

Addressing the meeting, Environment Minister Dr. Patabendi stressed that environmental security and biosecurity had become national priorities in the face of increasing global movement of goods, animals, and biological materials.

“Illegal importation of animals poses a serious threat not only to our biodiversity but also to public health through the potential introduction of infectious diseases. We cannot afford to be complacent. Strengthening our biosecurity systems is essential for safeguarding the country’s environmental and economic future,” he said.

One of the key decisions reached was the establishment of dedicated animal quarantine centres to temporarily house and manage animals seized through illegal trafficking networks.

Officials noted that the proposed centres would provide a scientific mechanism to assess, quarantine and rehabilitate smuggled animals while minimising the risk of disease transmission.

Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody said closer coordination among state agencies was critical to addressing increasingly complex environmental crimes.

“Environmental protection today goes beyond conservation. It requires effective coordination among regulatory agencies, enforcement bodies, scientists and policymakers. This partnership with Customs will significantly strengthen our ability to respond to environmental threats,” he said.

The meeting also focused on strengthening controls on the importation of plastic waste and preventing the entry of clinical and hazardous waste into the country.

Officials agreed that existing legal and operational mechanisms should be further enhanced to prevent Sri Lanka from becoming a destination for environmentally harmful imports.

Customs officials highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between environmental protection and trade facilitation.

“We are committed to ensuring that environmental safeguards are effectively integrated into Customs operations without impeding legitimate trade activities. Stronger information sharing and joint monitoring mechanisms will be key to achieving this objective,” a senior Customs official said.

Another issue discussed was the clearance of chemicals and specialised materials required for environmental research, laboratory work and scientific analysis.

Officials acknowledged that delays in obtaining such materials often hinder research activities and agreed to formulate a streamlined mechanism to expedite approvals and Customs clearance processes.

The meeting further examined procedures governing tissue culture materials and other live biological specimens imported and exported for research, commercial and conservation purposes.

Participants agreed on the need for more scientifically robust guidelines covering the storage, handling, production and release of such materials in order to minimise environmental and biosecurity risks.

The Environment Ministry Secretary K.R. Uduwawala emphasised that the discussions marked an important step towards building a coordinated national response to emerging environmental challenges.

“Protecting Sri Lanka’s biodiversity requires a whole-of-government approach. The decisions reached today will help strengthen institutional cooperation and ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into key regulatory processes,” he said.

A joint action plan comprising senior officials from both the Ministry of Environment and Sri Lanka Customs is expected to be implemented in the coming weeks to expedite the agreed measures.

Officials expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s capacity to prevent invasive species introductions, curb wildlife trafficking, strengthen quarantine procedures and protect the country’s unique biological heritage.

By Ifham Nizam