Minister Ranawaka assures:

Garbage free environment by 2012

Rafik JALALDEEN

Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday called on all parties to unite to fight the garbage mafia and create a healthy environment free of garbage by 2012.

Fighting against the garbage mafia is now showing a successful process. All citizens must unite and act responsibly for a country free from garbage by 2012.

Speaking to the gathering at the Purasavi Samuluwa citizen conference on Waste Management, Environment and Natural Resources Minister said the Ministry has proposed to find solution to a long-standing waste management problem. "The garbage problem was one of the main issues in the country. It was a challenge to find solution to ensure a clean and healthy environment," he added.

According to law, the garbage problem should be solved by the Local Government authorities and they have power to take action against those breaching the law.

The Minister said with the support of Local Government authorities, Provincial Councils, Urban Councils and other institutions. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has launched the Pilisaru program to find a solution to the garbage problem.

There was a problem to find locations to build recycling centres. The forest conservation authorities provided places to build the recycling centres. Besides, we had to face many other problems to build the recycling centres including political pressure. However, we were able to overcome all the barriers and achieve the goal," Minister Ranawaka remarked.