News
Lankans sitting on growing plastic time bomb
Alarming statistics have surfaced regarding the dismal state of plastic recycling in Sri Lanka during a recent meeting of the parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development.
It was revealed that only four percent of plastics was recycled.
Sri Lanka produces 938 metric tons of plastic daily. Only 32 percent of this amount is recycled.
It was also revealed that industrialists had been allowed to import secondary plastic without any regulatory framework. In response, the Sectoral Oversight Committee directed the Central Environmental Authority to regulate licences based on industry needs moving forward.
Officials also disclosed that Sri Lanka annually imported 400,000 tonnes of plastic raw materials and 20,000 tonnes of waste plastic. Although it had been permitted to import only 20,000 tonnes of waste plastic last year, about 5,179 tonnes were imported. The Committee recommended aligning import permissions with industry requirements and putting in place a mechanism to ensure that used plastic was collected systematically.
In response to the officials’ complaint that plastic remained uncollected after use due to high costs involved in collecting it, the Committee proposed incentivising plastic collection to bolster participation.
The Committee emphasized the urgent need to set up dedicated plastic collection centres across the country.
MPs Ajith Mannapperuma and Akila Ellawala, along with officials from the Ministry of Environment and the Central Environmental Authority, were present at the meeting.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Salt and Patidar power RCB past Mumbai Indians
Prasidh, Buttler set up comfortable win for Gujarat Titans
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News2 days agoCEB orders temporary shutdown of large rooftop solar systems
-
News7 days agoLankan-origin actress Subashini found dead in India
-
News5 days agoAG: Coal procurement full of irregularities
-
Business4 days agoIsraeli attack on Lebanon triggers local stock market volatility
-
Business5 days agoHayleys Mobility introduces Premium OMODA C9 PHEV
-
News7 days agoUN Regional Director launches SL’s first Country Gender Equality Profile during official visit
-
News7 days agoDialog Launches ‘GanuDenu QR’, Making Cashless Transfers Free for All with eZ Cash and Dialog Finance
-
Business4 days agoHNB Assurance marks 25 years with strategic transformation to ‘HNB Life’