VATIS UPDATE Article

The government of Sri Lanka has planned to introduce a mechanism that the e-waste be collected by the same shops that sell those electronic equipment. “This programme is at the level of obtaining the public views. Following their views obtained, the programme will be taken up for consideration of implemention,” said Anuradha Jayaratne, Mahaweli Development and Environment Deputy Minister.

According to Jayaratne, a single CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulb contains mercury enough to contaminate 6,000 liters of water and people continue to dispose them to harm environment owing to either ignorance or negligence. Sri Lanka was currently generating around 3,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually. Around 3,000 tonnes of e-waste is disposed annually under the e-Waste management programme of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA).

Electronic waste is generated to a considerable extent in Sri Lanka and it is a threat to the health of the people as other kinds of waste. The e-waste management activities implemented by licensed institutes and national programmes are closely monitored and controlled by the CEA. The CEA issues waste management licenses for e-waste generating institutions and the licenses are renewed annually.