US-AEP Countries - Sri Lanka

Environmental Challenges Related to Cleaner Cities and Industrial Growth

Sri Lanka’s environmental performance has suffered from unsatisfactory enforcement of environmental regulations due to economic and political issues; inadequate awareness of the serious health impacts of poor environmental management and uncertainties associated with the recently ended civil war.

However, the new Government, which came to power in December 2001 and the agreement between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on non-aggression, have changed Sri Lanka’s outlook, both locally and internationally. The Government of Sri Lanka advocates economic development as a mechanism to reduce poverty, reduce the geographic unevenness in resource distribution and to create an enabling environment for trade to take place between regions and communities.

Objectives

Improve the capacity of the Government of Sri Lanka, the private sector, and civil society to manage air pollution, water pollution and municipal, medical, and hazardous waste
Increase awareness in the public and private sectors of the economic and environmental benefits of preventing pollution and increasing efficiency, and facilitate dialogue among government, businesses and NGOs to better address these issues
Connect Sri Lanka to U.S. technology, experience, and best practices to address environmental issues

Country Workplan

List of Projects for FY 2004

1. Sri Lanka Clean Air Initiative -- Reduction of health impacts due to vehicular pollution, improved air quality monitoring, increased enforcement of air quality standards and regulation. Enhanced cross cutting benefits due to air quality improvement such as tourism and quality of life

2. Pollution Prevention, Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Development -- Increased adaptation of pollution prevention and energy efficiency to maximize profits and improved long-term sustainability by industry

3. Improved Urban Service Delivery --To improve Public-Private partnerships to mange solid waste and to make Municipal Solid Waste Management a profitable business. Improved financial planning and management at Municipalities. Increased dialogue and sharing of best practices among local government authorities.

4. Increased Environmental awareness and Citizen Participation -- Engage citizens in environmental dialogue and decision making to promote transparency and good governance. Improved understanding of causes and effects of human activities on the environment

Recent Accomplishments

Country Resources

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