A recent revelation by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainable Development has unveiled a staggering daily production of 938 metric tons of plastic in Sri Lanka. Shockingly, only 32 percent of this substantial amount is being collected, with a mere 4 percent undergoing mechanical recycling.
During a parliamentary meeting chaired by MP Ajith Mannapperuma, committee officials emphasized that even the collected plastic, if increased, is haphazardly disposed of in the environment. Importantly, the committee raised concerns about the unregulated importation of secondary plastic by industrialists. In response, the Central Environment Authority has been instructed to issue licenses based on industry needs, aiming to curb excess plastic inflow.
Sri Lanka’s annual import of 4 lakh metric tons of plastic raw materials and the allowance of 20,000 metric tons of waste plastic imports were also scrutinized. Despite approving the importation of 20,000 metric tons of waste plastic last year, only 5,179 metric tons reached Sri Lankan industries, underscoring a need for better regulation.
The committee’s chairman proposed a strategic shift, urging authorities to assess industry needs before granting permissions, and advocated for a systematic approach to collecting imported plastic within a stipulated 5-year period.
Highlighting a significant deterrent to plastic recycling—the high cost borne by individuals—the committee acknowledged the potential for increased plastic collection by enhancing incentives. Furthermore, the chairman stressed the imperative to establish dedicated collection centers across the island, emphasizing a holistic approach to tackle the plastic crisis in Sri Lanka.
