Pilisaru project successful - Minister
Disna MUDALIGE
The 'Pilisaru' Waste Management Program has been successful in
handling the garbage problem in the country with the support of all
stakeholders, said Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.
He was addressing a ceremony to open a large-scale organic fertilizer
production complex in Kalutara built at a cost of Rs 75 million. The
Minister said that the Government has allocated Rs five billion per year
to carry forward the 'Pilisaru' program. This money is being utilized to
launch these waste management projects for the benefit of the public, he
said.
Kalutara organic fertilizer production complex has the capacity to
generate seven metric tonnes of compost fertilizer daily. The Minister
advised Local Government officials to conduct awareness programs by
making house to house visits and educating people on garbage.
Organic fertilizer production centres have been initiated in about 70
Local Governments. Pilisaru program will also provide necessary
facilities for the rest of the Local Government to start organic
fertilizer production centres. Preliminary measures have been taken to
provide sanitary bins for garbage disposal after the recycling process
and compost production. Central Environment Authority Chairman Charitha
Herath noted that the project ground at Pohorawatta, Kalutara was a
major environment hazard due to the bad odour that emanated from it
before the launch of this project. He pointed out that these kind of
projects will be highly useful to Kalutara since the area is one of the
country's main tourist attractions. Ports and Highways Deputy Minister
Rohitha Abeygunawardena was also present. |