Sri Lanka receives US $ 5mn aid to tackle incompetence in chemical imports

Sri Lanka has received a US $ 5 million aid package from the Global Environment Facility (GEF VII) to better manage the issues with chemical imports and disposal. 
The aid was granted to the Environment Ministry and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement a project aimed at supporting the transformation of waste management systems, especially in the agriculture and healthcare sectors in the country. 
The project titled ‘Integrated Management and Environmentally Sound Disposal of POPs Pesticides and Mercury Waste in Sri Lanka’ aims to improve regulatory implementation, strengthen national chemical management systems and transform waste management practices. 
The inception workshop to launch the project was held on July 3, in Colombo. 

“This project contributes to fulfilling the national commitments towards Stockholm, Minamata, Basel and Rotterdam Conventions while addressing other issues related to the management of chemicals and waste. This is a good financial and technical assistance opportunity for Sri Lanka to improve the regulatory framework and support the transformation of healthcare waste management systems,” Environment Ministry Secretary Prabath Chandrakeerthi commented on the project. 
Sri Lanka does not manufacture products that contain POPs or mercury. However, many products containing these substances are imported to the country for various uses every year. Despite the stringent regulations, the lack of capacity in their application results in the continued incompetence in managing chemical imports, according to the UNDP. 
Accordingly, the Environment Ministry, in collaboration with the UNDP, will implement the project in Sri Lanka over five years, with an expected end date of October 2029. 
“This project is particularly noteworthy, due to its integrated approach, spanning both the health and agriculture sectors, offering a holistic strategy for chemical and healthcare waste management to address complex environmental and social challenges effectively.
It is only through a coordinated approach that we can meet the ambition of saving both people and planet,” the UNDP Resident Representative stated on the collaboration. 
The results and benefits of the project will help Sri Lanka navigate towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, 5, 8, 9, 12 and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for the country.