Abstract:
The country is currently looking towards development through industrialization.
The industries will inevitably generate hazardous wastes which will need special
handling and disposal methods. This important aspect has not received due
attention of the policy planners. However, with Sri Lanka signing the BASEL
convention attention has been focused on the movement of hazardous waste from
outside sources to Sri Lanka.
A recent study initiated by the Ministry of Policy Planning and Implementation
indicated that generation of hazardous waste in Sri Lanka to be about 40,000 MT
per annum. As there is neither a proper disposal facility in Sri Lanka nor sound
disposal practices by the generators themselves, the potential difficulties that may
have to be face in future can be enormous. It is important to realise the potential
difficulties, the decisions that need to be taken now and the Responsible Care
attitudes required of the generators.
The paper discusses the present position of hazardous waste generation in Sri
Lanka, disposal practices and their limitations and the steps needed to ensure
clean industrialisation.
