Medical wastes from neighbouring countries, plastic pollution: Ruwan briefs visiting U.S. official

• The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to address climate change in Sri Lanka and the region 

By Kelum Bandara  

Senior advisor to President Ranil Wickremesinghe on climate change Ruwan Wijewardene, in his meeting with Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jennifer R. Littlejohn and U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, briefed that Sri Lanka is grappling with issues such as medical wastes from neighbouring countries. 

He also said plastic wastes found ashore are an issue and sought assistance from the U.S. for technology to deal with plastic waste since Sri Lanka is lacking it at the moment.  

In his meeting, he emphasized President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s commitment to climate change, including the introduction of laws related to climate change and the environment.   
The discussion focused on climate-related initiatives, political challenges, and the importance of environmental policies in Sri Lanka.  

 The U.S. Ambassador who was present at the meeting referred to the current political situation, food insecurity, and climate issues. She emphasized the importance of participation of young people focused on climate change, hoping for a positive outcome.  

The visiting U.S. official stressed the importance of effective messaging on climate change to influence behaviour. She discussed the need for Sri Lanka to prioritize climate-related events and focus on policies related to air quality, biodiversity, and plastic pollution. She also mentioned the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) and adherence to the Paris Agreement through bio-transparency reports. The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to address climate change in Sri Lanka and the region, with a focus on policy-making, international cooperation, and public awareness.  

Asked for a comment, Mr. Wjewardene said medical wastes such as syringes and sanitizer bottles had been found ashore in the northern and eastern parts of the country and it was a problem.  

“These cannot be from Sri Lanka,” he said.  

Referring to plastic wastes, he said even wastes such as fishing nets discarded by fishermen are found ashore adding to the problem.