Govt tightens controls on plastic imports

Colombo, June 13 (Daily Mirror) - The government is set to strengthen legal and operational mechanisms to curb the importation of plastics and prevent the entry of clinical waste into Sri Lanka, following a high-level discussion between the Ministry of Environment and the Sri Lanka Customs Department aimed at enhancing environmental security and biosecurity.

The special meeting was held on Thursday (12) at the Sri Lanka Customs Headquarters under the patronage of Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabedi and Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody. It brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka Customs, the Medical Research Institute, the National Plant Quarantine Service, the Department of Animal Production and Health, and other affiliated institutions.

During the discussions, several key decisions were taken to streamline import and export processes while strengthening the country's environmental protection and biosecurity frameworks.

One of the major proposals was the establishment of specialized Animal Quarantine Centres to temporarily house and manage animals smuggled into the country, helping prevent the spread of diseases and enhancing national biosecurity measures.

Officials also discussed introducing a more efficient facilitation mechanism for institutions under the Ministry of Environment by adapting successful operational models already used by Customs House Agents. The move is expected to support environmental and tourism-related activities.

Attention was also drawn to the need for a faster clearance process for chemicals and other materials required for scientific research, laboratory work and environmental analysis conducted by the ministry and its affiliated agencies.

In addition, the meeting agreed on the need to develop a more scientific and efficient system for the handling, storage, production and release of tissue culture materials and other living specimens imported and exported for trade, research and other purposes.

To ensure the swift implementation of the decisions reached, senior officials from the Ministry of Environment and Sri Lanka Customs agreed to launch a joint action programme aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation and safeguarding Sri Lanka's biodiversity and environmental security.