“The main matter for the weakening of waste management is that there is no proper cooperation among the main institutions which are responsible for waste management. Each institution should fulfill its responsibility in this regard”, the President said.

The President was speaking at a discussion on the formalization of waste management in Colombo and suburbs. The discussion was held yesterday (10th March) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The President apprised the officials regarding the claims received by him from the public about not doing the reconstruction works as well as regarding the poor maintenance in several areas including the Viharamahadevi Park and the area around the Beira Lake and the President instructed the officials to expedite reconstruction and maintenance activities in this regard.

He also directed the police unit to conduct raids to detect the improper waste disposal. He mentioned the important role by disclosing the institutions that engage in improper waste disposal.

The President pointed out the importance of implementing a program to apprise the people who are living in housing schemes, estate houses and low income apartments, regarding proper disposal of garbage.

It was discussed in detail regarding the maintenance of walking paths in the Colombo city and suburbs as well as about the renovation works that has to be done for these walking paths.

Attention has been drawn to issues related to shortage of garbage disposal vehicles and manpower in all the local authorities in the process of waste management.

Minister of Megapolis and Western Development, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Faizer Mustapha, Chief Minister of the Western Province, Isura Devapriya, Secretary to the President, P.B. Abeykoon, Secretary of Defence, Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Army Commander, Lieutenant General Crishantha De Silva, representatives of the Local Authorities and public servants participated in this event.