Samagi Jana Balawega MP Ajith Mannapperuma highlighted the dire environmental consequences of plastic waste mismanagement in Sri Lanka during the parliamentary session held today (20). With a staggering 938 tons of plastic waste being disposed of into the environment daily, while a mere 34 tons are recycled, Mannapperuma underscored the urgent need for comprehensive policy measures to address this pressing issue.
Mannapperuma emphasized the significant economic savings that could be achieved through effective plastic waste management policies. He pointed out that millions of dollars are spent annually on importing plastic fibers made from recycled plastic, as well as on addressing the environmental hazards caused by plastic pollution.
The MP shed light on the extensive informal collection of plastic waste, with 638 tons collected daily through informal means. Shockingly, he revealed that a substantial amount of illegally collected plastic waste—amounting to 8.4 tons—is dumped into water bodies, exacerbating pollution concerns.
Moreover, Mannapperuma highlighted the detrimental practice of burning plastic waste, which not only contributes to air pollution but also poses serious health risks. He urged for stricter enforcement of penalties against such offenses.
Drawing attention to the exorbitant costs associated with plastic waste management, Mannapperuma emphasized the need for more sustainable solutions to mitigate the environmental impact. He lamented the significant financial burden imposed on the country, including the staggering import costs for PET plastic bottles and fibers.
Mannapperuma called upon the Ministry of Finance to recognize the urgency of addressing the plastic waste crisis and to consider reallocating funds to invest in sustainable waste management practices. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing environmental conservation and reducing unnecessary expenses to alleviate the tax burden on the citizens.
