CEA and Dialog Telekom in M-waste initiative
Gayan Kanchana In Weeravila
The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) together with Dialog
Telekom PLC launched a joint venture to manage mobile waste (M-Waste).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Sunday between
the two organizations at the Priyankara Hotel, Weeravila as the initial
step for one year.
Dialog and the CEA will implement an islandwide program for the
environmental friendly management of used mobile phones and accessories.
The Group Chief Executive of Dialog Telekom Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya
said, "At present over ten million mobile phones are being used in Sri
Lanka and one million phones are unusable.
The M-waste management program is in line with our company's
commitment and focus to sustainable development. The mobile industry has
delivered quantum dividends to our country in terms of economic and
social development.
Environmental protection, the third tenet of sustainable development
alongside economic and social development is given equal emphasis in the
context of our development programs.
Dialog has made a significant investment in mobile waste management
since the inception of the initiative in 2007. We look forward to
working closely with the CEA and other Government and non Government
agencies in implementing the M-waste initiative on a national wide
scale."
Minister of Environment Partali Champika Ranawaka said, "The M-waste
program initiated by Dialog Telekom, is one of the best examples how
corporates can contribute towards preserving our environment through
responsible business practices.
Proper management of electronic-waste plays an integral part in
reducing the damage to the environment and we are extremely pleased to
partner Dialog Telekom in executing this environment friendly waste
management plan, which would minimize hazardous M-waste material
reaching landfill sites.
The M-waste management program is the first of many such projects
that would be implemented islandwide, using the funds collected under
the Environment Conservation Levy," he said.
Through this agreement, the organizations would expand the waste
collection network of Dialog and identify suitable locations to install
waste collection centres, and improve the collection mechanisms.
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