By: Isuru Parakrama
November 12, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Board of Investment (BOI) is prioritising the establishment and transformation of industries with low carbon emissions, with a strong emphasis on protecting the environment, BOI Director General Renuka M. Weerakoone revealed.
In an effort to promote environmentally responsible industrial practices, the BOI is committed to providing both training and expertise to professionals, aimed at building a future where industries are not only green but also reduce their environmental impact.
This includes assisting currently operating factories in converting to eco-friendly, low-carbon industries through modernisation and adoption of green technologies.
This initiative was unveiled during the recent presentation of research conducted by a team of interns at the BOI’s Environment Management Department (EMD), at the BOI Auditorium.
The interns, who were part of a training programme with the University of Sri Jayewardenepura’s Faculty of Technology, focused on enhancing knowledge and practical skills in environmental management within the industrial sector.
A number of the Investment Promotion Zones (IPZs) managed by the BOI have already started transitioning towards green industrial zones, setting an example for other sectors.
These zones are actively upgrading factory machinery to reduce carbon emissions and meet sustainable development standards.
The BOI has made it a priority to approve only machinery that adheres to environmental guidelines, ensuring that new technologies support the country’s green industrial goals.
As part of this effort, the BOI’s EMD has partnered with the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to offer internship opportunities for students in the field of Environmental Management.
These internships provide a combination of theoretical and hands-on experience, preparing the next generation of professionals to drive the shift towards greener industrial practices.
The internship programme was overseen by Asanka Welagedara, Director of the BOI’s EMD, along with Senior Lecturers from the Faculty of Technology. The students conducted extensive research, gaining insight into both the theoretical and practical aspects of environmental management in the industrial sector.
Their projects covered a variety of topics relevant to Sri Lanka’s industrial landscape, including sustainable fuel assessments for industrial boilers, the development of a green rating system for industrial zones, and the optimisation of water footprints in manufacturing processes.
Director General Renuka M. Weerakoone underscored the importance of the research and knowledge generated by these internships, highlighting that the fresh ideas and expertise brought by the interns are essential for the long-term sustainability of Sri Lanka’s industrial development.
She also expressed the intention to integrate these insights into the BOI’s operations to enhance future industrial policies.
The internship programme’s research focused on various pressing issues within the industrial sector, including the enhancement of the calorific value of biologically treated sludge for sustainable energy production, the reduction of carbon footprints in rubber mattress manufacturing, and the development of strategies to improve the sustainability of the organic latex mattress industry.
