The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has issued special guidelines for managing waste generated after Cyclone Ditwah, focusing on hazardous, solid, clinical, and electronic waste.
According to the CEA, these temporary measures are specifically for disaster-related waste and do not replace the standard waste management regulations in normal conditions. The guidelines have already been distributed to local government authorities for implementation.
The criteria aim to reduce pollution from debris and waste, minimise environmental and health risks, and help restore normal public life as quickly as possible.
The new procedures cover the handling of food waste, paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, clothing, glass, construction debris, and general waste. Separate instructions have been provided for waste from agrochemical outlets, pharmacies, hospitals, medical centres, and factories dealing with chemical and hazardous materials.
A special programme for electronic and electrical waste has been launched in coordination with local authorities. Local councils have been given a list of CEA-registered institutions and authorised hazardous waste management facilities for proper disposal. Households with damaged electronic items are encouraged to hand them over through their local government programmes.
The CEA emphasised that all personnel handling waste, regardless of category, must wear personal protective equipment.
For inquiries on solid waste management, the public may contact Ms. Manuja Priyadarshani, Director of the Solid Waste Management Unit, at 0718163356. For chemical and hazardous waste issues, Mr. Tissa Gamage, Director of the Chemical and Hazardous Waste Management Unit, can be reached at 0714395393.
Further information is available through the CEA’s Provincial and District Offices, with contact numbers listed on the official website, www.cea.lk.
