Workshop on Solid Waste Management

by Nilma Dole

A workshop on a Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management System for the Central Province was held last December. This was organized by the Sustainable Solid Waste Management (AIT-SIDA) - Project Under Asian Regional Programme on Environmental Technology (ARRPET-2). It was funded by the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA) of the University of Peradeniya.

The aims of the workshop was to enlighten lots of members of the Municipal Councils and the environmental waste management groups to obtain awareness, insights and ideas as well as to exchange knowledge-exchange as to how Solid Waste Management can be done efficiently and effectively.

This is important to note that seven years of research and findings of the Solid Waste Management Research Unit are thought-provoking especially for the Kandy Municipal Council. An interesting lecture by Professor Benjamin Basnayake was presented on spreading awareness of the framework policies and development of the strategies in Solid Waste management.

Further topics included a lecture in improving the present status of the Gohagoda dump sites by disseminating AIT-SIDA research findings. It is key to mention that establishing an alternate location for the collection of the final disposal waste is what is needed in the Central Region. The developing of a strategy for improving the solid waste management knowledge base especially in the Central Province was also highlighted.

Many other speakers in the panel included Research Assistants Renuka Ariyawansha who spoke on odour control and Management and Yasantha Gunarathne presented on flexible low-cost bio-film liner development and 'Test Cell' and applications which helps in the Solid Waste Management process.

Another member in the panel included Sankaja Uggala who presented on behalf of the Hazardous Waste Management Unit of the Central Environmental Authority about Policies and Strategies in Solid Waste Management with an establishment of a trial disposal site for the Central Province. Thereafter, waste minimisation and reduction was presented by Ajantha Perera while Nilanthi Bandara of the University of Jayawardenapura noted vital points in effective participation program for efficient waste (garbage) collection and education and training in that aspect. We should be aware that collecting of trash should be done in a good system and that we all are part and parcel of it. More aspects on statistics by Professor Thattil of the Peradeniya University was given.

A field visit to the Meewathura university farm concluded the workshop so that patrons could see the actual realistic approach that was enlightened in the workshop.

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