Sri Lanka seeks UNEP support for air quality, plastic waste

Colombo, July 02 (Daily Mirror)- Sri Lanka has requested the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to provide technical and policy support to strengthen the country's air quality monitoring systems and accelerate efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

The request was made by Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody during a bilateral meeting with UNEP officials in Bangkok on Thursday (2).

Sri Lanka sought assistance to modernise its national air quality monitoring network, improve data analysis, and develop policy guidelines for air pollution management.

The Deputy Minister also requested policy advice on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), technical expertise in plastic waste lifecycle management, and support for pilot projects aimed at reducing single-use plastics and promoting a circular economy.

He further informed UNEP that Sri Lanka is working with the Ministry of Transport to fast-track sustainable e-mobility projects and is seeking support for the Sustainable Cities Integrated Programme under the country's GEF 9 national strategy.