March 18, Colombo (LNW): Home to more than six million people, the Western Province has long struggled with a mounting waste disposal crisis. With 3,500 metric tonnes of solid waste generated daily, the region faces not only environmental degradation but also health risks.
A tragic reminder of the dangers of untreated waste came seven years ago when the collapse of a massive waste pile at the Meethotamulla landfill in Colombo tragically claimed the lives of 32 people.
The tragedy, caused by flooding and a fire that destabilised the heap, highlighted the urgent need for a sustainable solution.
Untreated solid waste, aside from posing physical hazards, also contributes significantly to pollution. As waste decomposes, it releases harmful gases such as methane, a potent greenhouse gas, whilst contaminating the soil and groundwater.
Despite ongoing challenges, Sri Lanka has taken significant strides to tackle this issue, with the launch of the country’s first waste-to-energy power plant in 2021, a major milestone in solid waste management.
Operated by the Western Power Company Ltd, a subsidiary of Aitken Spence PLC, the plant incinerates between 600 to 800 metric tonnes of waste daily, converting it into 10 megawatts of electricity for the national grid.
This innovative solution addresses both waste management and energy needs simultaneously. The residue from the incineration process is transformed into cinder blocks for the construction industry, whilst the flue gas is treated to remove harmful particles before being released into the atmosphere.
Aitken Spence, a long-standing signatory of the UN Global Compact, has credited its sustainability vision to the initiatives promoted by the organisation, which it joined in 2002.
Over the past two decades, the company has been an active participant in various UN programmes, including those focused on climate change, human rights, gender diversity, and sustainable supply chains.
Deshamanya Harry Jayawardena, Chairman of Aitken Spence PLC, emphasised the company’s commitment to responsible corporate stewardship and sustainability. “This venture is driven by our belief in progress through innovation and sustainable development, values that guide all of our investments,” he stated.
The creation of the waste-to-energy plant, however, was not without its challenges. Fluctuating interest rates, unfulfilled support promises, and a financial crisis that led to currency depreciation created significant obstacles during the project’s development.
Despite these setbacks, the plant has successfully processed over 815,000 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste, preventing it from being dumped in landfills and mitigating potential environmental damage.
Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa hailed the plant’s construction as a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s waste management strategy, not only for Colombo but for the country as a whole.
The idea for the plant was first proposed in 2012, and following the 2017 Meethotamulla disaster, the project was fast-tracked by the government.
The waste-to-energy plant has played a crucial role in preserving the Muthurajawela wetlands, a sensitive ecosystem at risk from uncontrolled waste disposal.
“The plant provides a permanent solution to the waste management crisis whilst protecting the environment, wetlands, and waterways for future generations,” said R. Shanmugapriya, Assistant Director at the Waste Management Authority of the Western Province.
Shahina Mysan, Director of Engineering at the Colombo Municipal Council, highlighted the environmental benefits of the plant.
“For years, solid waste was piling up in landfills, polluting both the groundwater and the environment. Now, the waste-to-energy plant has safeguarded our wetlands, ensuring the protection of these invaluable ecosystems,” she explained.
Rathika de Silva, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, commended Aitken Spence for its innovative approach to sustainability. “Their commitment to scientific data and bold strategies, such as the waste-to-energy plant, positions them as leaders in corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship,” she remarked.
