CFC imports banned from 2008
 

BY FLORENCE Wickramage

THE import of Ozone Depleting Substances such as Chloro Fluoro Carbons (CFC) which contribute to the depletion of the Ozone Layer will be completely banned from January 1, 2008, Director of the National Ozone Unit Dr. W.L.Sumathipala told the Daily News yesterday.

The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry has launched islandwide education and training programmes involving lecturers, teachers and students to carry the message to the public.

The NOU has linked up with the National Institute of Education (NIE), Tertiary Education Institutions, Teacher Training Colleges and the Vocational Skills Development Ministry to launch islandwide education programmes, the first of which was held at the NIE last Saturday.

These education programmes are based on guidelines to reduce the usage of ozone depleting substances with the aim of phasing out these substances at least by 50 per cent by next year.

Dr. Sumathipala said that 185 metric tons of CFC had been imported in the year 2002, 180 metric tons in 2003 and 155 metric tons in 2004.

Stating that Sri Lanka was committed to the International Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, Dr. Sumathipala added that both public and private sector institutions have been informed about the Ministry's decision.