Global Environment Facility has provided a US $ 5 million grant to implement a project on chemical disposal in Sri Lanka Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the UNDP.
An inception workshop held to launch the project to dispose of POP pesticides in the agriculture sector and mercury & waste in the healthcare sector
Sri Lanka does not manufacture products which contain 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 result in the continued mismanagement of chemical imports to the country.
The ‘Integrated Manag-ement 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 United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sri Lanka.
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.
Highlighting the timely nature of the project, Ministry of Environment Secretary B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi 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, UNDP in Sri Lanka Resident Representative Azusa Kubota 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.”
