Deyata Kirula Exhibition:

Around Rs 70m allocated for solid waste management

Disna MUDALIGE

About Rs 70 million has been allocated for solid waste management activities at the Deyata Kirula Exhibition premises in Buttala under the Pilisaru project, said Central Environment Authority Chairman Charitha Herath.

"As expected about 300,000 - 500,000 people will arrive at the exhibition premises daily during the exhibition period. The CEA has initiated an integrated program with all stakeholders to make pre-arrangements to solve environmental problems that may result owing the large number of visitors to the area," he said.

He said that Rs 65 million is allocated for the management of all kind of waste within the exhibition premises, while Rs 5 million is allocated for the waste management programs of adjacent areas. Waste management programs will continue at temples such as Maligawila, Dematamal Viharaya, Yudhaganava and Budugallena Viharaya and Buttala town where a large number of people are supposed to visit.

The Deyata Kirula Waste Management Supervising Committee is established to supervise the program. He also noted that a special environmental display is planned by the CEA at the exhibition to build awareness among the public on environmental- friendly approaches in life. About an acre is reserved for this purpose. People will be able to learn about waste management methods, water cleansing mechanisms, recycling of plastics, compost fertilizer production, sanitary garbage disposal bins and an environmental-friendly housing concept at this special display, he said.