'Pilisaru' to recycle garbage

Project aims garbage free country by 2012 :

Anuradha KODAGODA

Agriculture Agrarian Services and Mahaweli Development Minister Maithripala Sirisena said the country spends Rs. 65 million annually on chemical fertilizers, money that could be saved if we are able to produce local substitutes.

He was the chief guest at the launch of the 'Pilisaru' environment project conducted by the Central Environment Authority, at the National Youth Council Centre at Maharagama.

The project is aimed at building a garbage free country by the year 2012. The Minister said it was important to form 'Pilisaru' societies in every province so that it would help to reduce chemical fertilizer usage in farming and also save foreign exchange.

Environment Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said "Due to the high technology use in the world, there is a huge increase in the usage of chemicals in most of the industries. Today's agriculture is heavily dependant on chemicals which are unhealthy in every aspect."

"By the 'Pilisaru' project where we are hoping to eliminate environment pollution due to garbage, by 2012 and also to persuade farmers to make carbonic fertilizers by using their produce waste. The 'Pilisaru' environment project commenced in April 2008 and is operating at provincial level. The Central Environment Authority is assisting all the Pradeshiya Sabhas to ensure success this project," he said.

"At the initial stage of the project we have started garbage disposal on a provincial basis. Out of the 340 Pradeshiya Sabhas we have started this project in 40 PS already. We have received a good response. We have selected 10 people from each village and trained them how to recycle garbage.

We are hoping to continue this exercise in all provinces through the Provincial Councils," Central Environment Authority official, Pasan Gunasena said.