By: Staff Writer
December 12, Colombo (LNW): In a landmark initiative to promote environmental sustainability, the Government of Sri Lanka and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have partnered to implement the “Developing Sustainable Integrated Solid Waste Management Project in Uva and Northern Provinces.”
The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government (MoPCLG).
The ceremony was attended by KOICA Sri Lanka Office Country Director Kim Myung Jin, MoPCLG Secretary Alokabandara, Department of External Resources Director General Samantha Bandara, and other dignitaries. The project seeks to address solid waste management challenges in the Badulla and Vavuniya districts, with KOICA committing $11 million to the initiative.
This collaboration aims to enhance waste management infrastructure, introduce Korea’s best practices in the field, and strengthen the capacity of Sri Lankan officials. Speaking at the event, Alokabandara highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that it could lead to long-term sustainable benefits, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a shift toward eco-friendly waste management practices.
KOICA’s Country Director, Kim Myung Jin, emphasized the organization’s commitment to global environmental protection, expressing confidence that the project would pave the way for sustainable development in Sri Lanka’s waste management sector.
In addition to this project, KOICA plans to invest over $65 million in Sri Lanka over the next five years, focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies. This underscores KOICA’s dedication to supporting the country’s environmental and developmental goals.
KOICA has also pledged its support for governance and transparency reforms in Sri Lanka. During a recent meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, high-ranking KOICA officials assured their commitment to assisting the government in preventing fraud and corruption.
The agency agreed to provide tailored loan assistance to meet the country’s specific needs in strengthening accountability mechanisms.
Key officials, including Korean Ambassador Miyon Lee, Deputy Ambassador Songyi Jeong, and Sri Lanka Railways Deputy General Manager B.M.U Banneheka, were present at the discussions, reinforcing the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
This multi-faceted collaboration between Sri Lanka and KOICA signals a significant step forward in addressing critical environmental and governance challenges while fostering long-term sustainable development.
