MoU on environmental training programmes

Disna MUDALIGE

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) in Sri Lanka and the Science and Environment Centre (SEC) in New Delhi, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on environmental training programmes last week at the CEA premises in Battaramulla.

Both institutions had agreed to conduct a series of research and training programmes for CEA staff to enhance their skills on research and natural resources management. These long term and short term training programmes would be aimed at improving Sri Lankan environmental research, post analysis of projects and environmental laws and regulations. SEC representatives will participate in conducting these training programmes.

The SEC has also agreed to assist in improving laboratory test facilities while providing training on the use of laboratory equipment and maintaining high environmental standards. Joint research workshops and conferences are also planned.

The two institutions would work for a common vision for the South Asian region on hazardous waste management, solid waste management, water resources management and conservation, environmental administration and research and post analysis in industrial sector.

A special training programme was conducted by an environmental expert team in India for CEA officers in Athurugiriya parallel to the signing of the MoU to carry out the Environmental Impact Assessment programme more efficiently in the wake of the rapid development programme.

SEC Deputy Director General Chandra Bhushan and CEA Director General Ramani Ellepola singed the MoU on behalf on the two institutions. CEA Chairman Charitha Herath observed that this initiative would contribute a lot for the country's sustainable development.