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GEF grants US $ 5 mn to Environment Ministry and UNDP to implement project on chemical disposal in Lanka
An inception workshop held to launch the project to dispose of POP pesticides in the agriculture sector and mercury and waste in the healthcare sector
Sri Lanka does not manufacture products which contain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) or Mercury. However, many products, containing these substances, are imported to the country, for various uses, every year. Though stringent regulations have been introduced, a lack of capacity in the application of these regulations results in the continued mismanagement of chemical imports to the country, said a release issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka.
The ‘Integrated Management and Environmentally Sound Disposal of POPs Pesticides in the Agricultural Sector and Mercury and Waste in the Healthcare Sector in Sri Lanka’ project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF VII) is implemented by the Ministry of Environment and the UNDP. The project aims to improve the implementation of regulations, strengthen national systems and capacities in chemical management, and support the transformation of healthcare waste management systems in Sri Lanka. The inception workshop, to launch the project, was held in Colombo, yesterday, with all project stakeholders in attendance.
Highlighting the timely nature of the project, B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, noted, ‘’This project contributes to fulfil the national commitments towards Stockholm, Minamata, Basel and Rotterdam Conventions while addressing other issues related management of chemicals and waste in Sri Lanka. This is a good financial and technical assistance opportunity for Sri Lanka to improve the regulatory framework related to waste and chemical management and support the transformation of healthcare waste management systems.’’
Showcasing UNDP’s efforts in spearheading the project, Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka commented, “This project is particularly noteworthy due to its integrated approach, spanning both the Health and Agriculture sectors, offering a holistic strategy for chemical and healthcare waste management to address complex environmental and social challenges effectively. It is only through a coordinated approach that we can meet the ambition of saving both people and the planet.
UNDP is well-positioned to be a partner in this effort and remains firmly committed to supporting the Government of Sri Lanka and its people on their journey in building a solid chemical waste management system.”
The inception workshop was also attended by other high-level representatives from the Government of Sri Lanka, including the Ministry of Environment; the Ministry of Agriculture; the Ministry of Education; the Central Environment Authority; Provincial-level representatives of the Ministry of Health; and other key officials from the Ministry of Power and Energy; Provincial Councils and Local Government; Registrar of Pesticides; Sri Lanka Customs; Board of Investment; Consumer Affairs Authority; Kurunagala Municipal Council; EravurPattu Pradesheeya Sabha; the Private Sector, and other relevant organisations.
The Ministry of Environment will implement the project with support from UNDP in Sri Lanka over five years with an expected end date of October 2029. The results and benefits of the project will contribute towards achieving SDGs 3, 5, 8, 9, 12 and GHG emission reduction targets for the country.
News
President Anura Kumara Disanayake holds discussions with Secretary of the Communist Party of China for Sichuan Province
President Anura Kumara Disanayake, who was on a four-day state visit to China, met with Wang Xiaohui, Secretary of the Communist Party of China for Sichuan Province, this morning (17).
Chengdu, one of the happiest cities in China, is the capital of Sichuan Province and a leading city where the blend of cultural heritage and development harmoniously flourishes, offering its residents a high quality of life.
During the discussions, both sides explored the potential to elevate economic, trade, cultural, tourism, and intergovernmental relations between Sichuan and Sri Lanka to new heights. Sichuan’s significant achievements in various sectors, including energy, were acknowledged, and the President invited the Secretary of the Sichuan province to share their expertise and success stories with Sri Lanka.
President Disanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka is currently on a path to economic stabilization under a transparent and investor-friendly administration. He noted that the country is at a critical political turning point, with the current government empowered by a two-thirds majority granted by a united population from the north, east, west, and south. The government is fully committed to meeting the expectations placed upon it by its citizens.
Additionally, the President underscored Sri Lanka’s attractiveness as a destination for Chinese tourists and extended a warm invitation to the people of Sichuan to visit the island and experience its exceptional hospitality.
Joining the discussions were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake.
[PMD]
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL)’s Director of Communications Jayanath Herath announced that the PUCL has decided to reduce electricity tariffs by an average amount of 20% overall for a six month period with effect from midnight today (17)
Accordingly, tariffs have been reduced by 29% for consumers who consume less than 30 units of electricity in the domestic sector.
The consumers who consume between 31 – 60 units of electricity in the domestic sector will receive a 28% reduction of the tariff.
The consumers who consume between 61 – 90 units of electricity in the domestic sector will receive a 19% reduction of the tariff
The consumers who consume between 91 – 180 units of electricity in the domestic sector will receive a 18% reduction of the tariff
The tariff reduction for Government Institution is 11%, Religious Institutions is 21% , factories is 30% and for hotels is 31%
News
Chief observer of the Election Observation Mission of the European Union (EU) Meets Prime Minister
José Ignacio Sánchez Amor, Chief Observer of the Election Observation Mission of the European Union (EU) and Member of the European Parliament, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday [16th January].
Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka, and the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka, accompanied Mr. Sánchez Amor. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office also participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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