JICA support to improve solid waste management in Uva

(Press release) The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) completed a pilot project to improve the Galapitagalayaya landfill site which is the final disposal site and the compost plant for the intermediate treatment of solid wastes collected in the urban centers at Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha area in Uva Province. The improvement works include the construction of waste discharge cell with bottom liner system using local available clay soil material, a drainage system, a leachate treatment system, and etc..





The improved landfill site will minimize the adverse environmental impact from wastes disposal, such as preventing contamination of leachate to underground water. The landfill site and compost plant are managed by Kataragama Pradesiya Sabha with the support of Uva Provincial Council and Central Environmental Authority (CEA).- Monaragala District Member of Parliament Mr. Vijitha Berugoda, 3 chairman from Babila PS, Buttala PS, Wellawaya PS,, Eng.



J.M.U. Indrarathna, Deputy Director General-Waste Management, CEA, Commissioner of Local Government and JICA Representative, Ms.





Moe Negishi, attended the handing over ceremony at the Galapitagalayaya Semi Engineered Landfill Site at Kataragama Pradesiya Sabha in Uva Province to mark the occasion. At the improved landfill site and compost plant, the JICA expert team will transfer the knowledge and skills for proper maintenance of the landfill site by measuring wastes, keeping records, and guiding waste collection vehicles for proper and efficient disposal of waste.







In addition, there are numerous project activities to follow, such as 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) awareness raising, improvement of collection system and efficiency using GPS tracking data and proper discharge and collection methods, and composting of separated organic wastes from hotels and restaurants in Kataragama Pradesiya Sabha area. These activities were identified by the officials of Uva Province, CEA and related counterparts to be further enhanced and improve solid waste management of all the local authorities in Sri Lanka in the future.



Dr. Sato, who is a member of the JICA expert team, explained that the success of the improvement works was led by the invaluable work and coordination of Uva Province, CEA and Kataragama Pradesiya Sabhathat, and for its sustainable operation, it would require continuous and strong commitment of local authorities and support from CEA. The project slogan of “Clean Tomorrow for the City of God Skanda” is the fundamental strategy of the solid waste management of Kataragama Pradesiya Sabha. As shown in this handover ceremony, the JICA project continues to support the way to “Clean Tomorrow for the City of God Skanda” in Kataragama Pradesiya Sabha area, by working closely with the people, community and all stakeholders involved.