Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2017-11-14

Formulation of a formal methodology for the management of hazardous wastes and chemicals

- In the face of rapid industrialization, many countries have focused their attention on the mitigation of the adverse effects caused to the human health and environment due to the increased use of chemical substances. Sri Lanka is also a signatory to the Basel Convention, Stockholm Convention, Rotterdam Convention and the Minamata Convention adopted in this regard.

Therefore, when encouraging industry related investments for the economic development of Sri Lanka, it is necessary for Sri Lanka to take measures to ensure that chemical substances are used securely without being harmful to the eco-system. Accordingly, the proposal made by H.E. the President Maithripala Sirisena, in his capacity as the Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment, for the formulation of a National Policy on the Management of hazardous wastes and chemicals in Sri Lanka and a comprehensive methodology for implementation of same with the participation of all relevant stakeholders, was approved by the Cabinet.