CENTEC organises seminar on environmental challenges industry faces

7 July 2015 03:28 am

For the second year in succession, the Centre for Technical Excellence in Ceramics (CENTEC) jointly with the Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Council, is organising organise a seminar targeting mainly the CEOs in Sri Lankan manufacturing industries to educate them on environmental issues faced by Sri Lankan industries and how to overcome these problems without affecting the industries and the Sri Lankan economy.

In comparison with other South Asian countries, Sri Lanka probably makes a greater effort to protect its environment. Nevertheless, limited commitment and dedication from the public, industries and the state have created serious environmental threats in recent years.

The seminar will be held on July 17, 2015 in Colombo.

Following are some of the main environmental issues common to the industry: Deforestation, soil erosion and dam siltation, garbage pollution, coastal degradation, freshwater pollution, urban and industrial waste disposal, atmospheric pollution and lack of regulation and commitment.

In the recent past, many manufacturing companies have taken steps to educate their middle management personnel on environmental issues. However, top management and decision-makers do not come face to face with these challenges until they are compelled to deal with a problem of greater magnitude.

Professionally qualified and experienced senior officers from the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau will share their experience on environmental issues. University of Moratuwa Chemical Department Senior Professor and Process Engineering and Project Director, Coordinating Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI) Prof. Ajith De Alwis will share his expertise on ‘International Trends In Changing Environmental Regulations and Their Effects on Sri Lankan Industry’, at this seminar.

The discussion will focus on the following subjects: 

1.    Proper environmental assessment to minimize potential problems. 
2.    Solid waste management. 
3.    Water pollution with heavy metal contamination. 
4.    Pollution caused by dust, sound and vibration. 
5.    Pollution with discharging exhaust gases and 
6.    ‘E’ waste Management.

This seminar will be an eye-opener for the Sri Lankan manufacturing industries on the current environmental issues and how to address them and maintain industrial harmony. The seminar will also grant an opportunity for participants to directly interact with officials of the ITI, CEA, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, BoI and the Agrarian Development Department.  

The seminar is solely sponsored by M/s. Laugfs Holdings Ltd. Further details on the seminar or for registration call Sriyani 5588877 or Niroshini - 5588882.