News
EU backs Lanka’s eco-label drive
Building momentum for a more sustainable marketplace, more than 50 public and private sector leaders came together in Colombo to advance Sri Lanka’s National Eco-Labelling Framework (NELF). The diverse group of representatives from government institutions, industry associations, eco-labelling scheme owners, certification bodies, technical experts and development partners explored ways to strengthen a trusted system for sustainable products, responsible businesses and informed consumer choices.
The stakeholder consultation on “National Eco-Label Sri Lanka: Framework Strengthening and Harmonisation” was organised through the European Union-funded Green Recovery Facility, implemented by Expertise France collaboration with the Ministry of Environment (MoE). The initiative supports Sri Lanka’s transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy by strengthening policies, technical standards and market mechanisms that encourage sustainable production and consumption.
Highlighting the importance of these efforts for Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in global markets, Dr Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said, “As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor in global trade, credible and transparent environmental standards are essential. Through the Green Recovery Facility, the European Union is supporting Sri Lanka in building the institutions and technical capacity needed to strengthen sustainable production, increase consumer confidence and unlock new market opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses.”
Eco-labelling is becoming an increasingly important tool worldwide as consumers, businesses and governments seek more reliable ways to identify environmentally responsible products. Today, nearly 1.8 million products globally carry recognised eco-labels. However, with more than 300 eco-labels estimated to exist in the United States alone, and 6 in 10 European consumers finding it difficult to distinguish credible environmental claims from misleading ones, the need for trusted and transparent certification systems has become more important than ever.
A strengthened national eco-labelling system will help Sri Lankan consumers make informed purchasing decisions, encourage businesses to adopt sustainable production practices and support local industries in meeting growing environmental requirements in international markets. It will also contribute to reducing the risk of greenwashing by promoting clear, science-based and transparent environmental standards.
Sri Lanka launched its National Eco-Labelling Framework in 2022 as a foundation for developing a nationally recognised eco-labelling system. Several sector-specific initiatives are already operating, including the Green Label introduced by the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka and energy rating initiatives led by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority. However, differences in criteria, limited national recognition and the need for stronger integration with Green Public Procurement highlight the importance of establishing a harmonised national approach.
The ongoing EU-funded Green Recovery Facility initiative focuses on assessing existing eco-labelling schemes, aligning technical criteria, strengthening governance arrangements and developing a practical roadmap for implementation. The programme also includes targeted capacity-building activities to support existing and emerging eco-labelling scheme owners in strengthening existing good practices and improving scheme robustness to reduce the risk of greenwashing. The workshop also introduced a proposed tiered recognition system that would give businesses (whatever stage of their sustainability journey they’re on) a credible path to national recognition, with stakeholders continuing to shape its final form in the months ahead.
Addressing the consultation, R.H.M.P. Abeykoon, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to developing a credible, scalable and aligned with internationally recognised standards. “A nationally recognised eco-labelling system will strengthen consumer confidence, support sustainable industries and help Sri Lankan businesses respond to evolving environmental expectations in domestic and international markets,” she said.
During the consultation, stakeholders provided inputs under three key areas: industry readiness and capacity-building; priority sectors and product categories; and the future structure and implementation roadmap of the National Eco-Labelling Framework. Representatives from government agencies, industry bodies, certification organisations and technical institutions discussed challenges, opportunities and practical measures required to make the framework effective. Three priorities united stakeholders across the day’s discussions: aligning eco-labelling with Green Public Procurement to drive market demand, strengthening testing and verification capacity, and adopting a phased, tested roll-out of the new system.
The consultation builds on previous assessments and stakeholder discussions conducted under the initiative, including reviews of governance structures, verification mechanisms and existing eco-labelling practices. The next phase will focus on strengthening technical capacity, refining harmonised criteria and supporting the implementation of a trusted national eco-label for Sri Lankan products.
The collaboration marks another milestone in Sri Lanka’s green transition journey, supported through the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, by creating stronger links between sustainable production, responsible consumption and international market opportunities.
A progress review meeting on reforms and modernisation initiatives at Sri Lanka’s key state revenue-collecting institutions was held on Thursday (15) at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, with the participation of representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and officials of the Revenue Administration, Reform and Modernisation Bureau (RARMB) of the Presidential Secretariat.
At the meeting, the IMF representatives commended the revenue collection efficiency of the Department of Inland Revenue, Sri Lanka Customs and the Department of Excise, the country’s three leading state revenue-collecting institutions. Extensive discussions were also held on the progress of the reform and modernisation programmes being implemented at these institutions.
Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake outlined the progress achieved by the three institutions to date and the reforms planned for implementation in the future.
The IMF representatives also highlighted the importance of strengthening risk management, developing human resources and ensuring the efficient operation of computer systems at the respective institutions.
Senior Additional Secretary to the President Seevali Arukgoda also attended the meeting. The IMF was represented by Cindy Negus, Senior Economist in Revenue Administration for the Asia and Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Central Asia regions; Alison Lister, Revenue Administration Adviser; and Gregory Toppin, Resident Revenue Adviser in Sri Lanka. A group of senior officials from the Revenue Administration, Reform and Modernisation Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat also participated.
(President’s Media Division)
By Anuradha Hiripitiyage
Electricity tariffs should be reduced by between 3 and 5 percent instead of being increased by 2.88 percent in the fourth quarter, as proposed by the National System Operator (NSO), Electricity Consumers’ Association Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika said.
Addressing a media briefing in Maradagahamula, Divulapitiya, Gampaha, yesterday (16), Dhammika said a proper assessment of electricity generation costs, including the contribution of hydropower, could justify a reduction in tariffs.
He said the NSO had sought approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) for a 2.88 percent tariff increase, which was expected to generate an additional Rs. 4,438 million.
However, the Commission had indicated that an increase of only 1.46 percent was warranted, amounting to Rs. 2,245 million, he said, adding that even this increase was unnecessary.
Dhammika alleged that the proposed revision sought to pass on to electricity consumers the financial burden arising from the non-arrival of five coal shipments and failed tenders.
“The Government had said that the burden of coal-related losses would not be passed on to the public. It is therefore unjust to make consumers bear these costs,” he said.
He pointed out that the PUCSL had forecast that hydropower would account for 32.34 percent of total electricity generation in the coming quarter, while the cost of such generation would represent only 3.45 percent of the overall cost of electricity production.
Consumers should benefit from the lower cost of hydropower generation rather than bear the burden of more expensive thermal power generation, he said.
Dhammika also questioned the inclusion of Rs. 669 million in capacity charges that had not been approved by the PUCSL, as well as a further Rs. 1,069 million to repay loans relating to incomplete projects.
Including such charges in the proposed tariff revision was unjustifiable, he said.
The PUCSL has given the public until October 30 to submit their views on the proposed tariff revision.
Dhammika said the possibility of increased hydropower generation in the coming weeks, as reservoir levels rise, should also be taken into account when determining electricity tariffs.
He maintained that tariffs could be reduced by 3 to 5 percent if hydropower generation was properly assessed and coal-related losses and unapproved charges were excluded from the calculations.
He further claimed that electricity tariffs could be reduced by as much as 10 percent through the promotion of renewable energy and the effective use of solar power and battery storage systems.
The Electricity Consumers’ Association urged the Government to withdraw the proposed tariff increase, insisting that consumers should not be made to bear costs arising from coal supply problems and other disputed charges.
By S.K. Samaranayake
Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratana Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiri Chapter has called for the immediate release of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, who is currently serving a prison sentence, following a court ruling.
The Asgiri Mahanayake made the appeal when a delegation of senior prison officials, including Assistant Commissioner of Prisons and Director of Operations Senaka Pallegedara, called on him on the 16th.
During the meeting, the prelate warned that the continued incarceration of Ven. Gnanasara Thera could lead to a volatile situation and cause public agitation.
Responding to the appeal, the prison officials informed the Mahanayake Thera that the authority to order the release of Ven. Gnanasara Thera did not rest with the Prisons Department but with the President.
Other senior prison officials, including Rajeev Srimal Silva, Sampath Warnakulasooriya and Mangala Welivita, were also present at the meeting.
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