The Environment Ministry is moving to establish a coordinated national mechanism to manage electronic waste (e-waste) in Sri Lanka, with plans to strengthen regulations and expand collection and recycling facilities.
The initiative was discussed at a stakeholder consultation held at the Ministry of Environment ahead of International E-Waste Day on October 14. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody, with the participation of Ministry Secretary K. R. Uduwawala, registered e-waste collectors, recyclers and other industry stakeholders.
The initiative comes as the country expands digitalisation across the public sector, education and other key areas, increasing the need for responsible disposal and recycling of discarded electrical and electronic equipment.
The Ministry is working to introduce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations through proposed amendments to the National Environmental Act. It is also seeking approval for the National Policy on Electrical and Electronic Waste Management.
Under the proposed EPR framework, greater responsibility would be placed on producers and other stakeholders to ensure the proper management of electronic products throughout their life cycle.
Meanwhile, an island-wide e-waste collection programme jointly conducted by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and Dialog Axiata PLC is already underway. The programme provides collection facilities through communications service centres and designated drop-off points, with collected waste directed to registered recyclers for environmentally sound processing.
The national initiative is expected to bring together several government ministries and agencies, including those responsible for public administration, industry, trade, health and digital economy, alongside provincial and local government authorities.
Regulatory agencies, including the CEA, Department of Imports and Exports Control, Sri Lanka Customs and the Consumer Affairs Authority, are also expected to play a role in strengthening oversight and promoting waste segregation at community level.
The initiative also aims to encourage research, innovation and improved recycling technologies through collaboration among importers, manufacturers, distributors, telecommunications providers, repair businesses and registered recycling institutions.
The Ministry said responsible collection, reuse and scientific recycling of electronic waste could help reduce environmental risks while creating opportunities for sustainable economic activity, supporting Sri Lanka’s broader green economy ambitions and its target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
(By Pradeep Chathuranga Samarawickrama for the Daily Mirror)