President Maithripala Sirisena instructed the officials to complete the implementation of proper waste management programmes in the nine provinces by December.

The President directed the officials to complete the projects in accordance with the government policy of providing a permanent solution to the garbage disposal issue, by next year.

He has given the instructions at a discussion on streamlining waste management in the nine provinces, held at the Presidential Secretariat, yesterday (15).

The President asked the officials about the current progress of the disposal of waste in the City of Colombo and suburbs. The streamlining of waste management in local government bodies under the environment conservation national programme was also discussed at the meeting.

The meeting also focused on the problems that have arisen due to poor garbage management systems in shanty areas and efficient ways of creating of public awareness campaigns on waste management.

Implementation of the cabinet decision to minimize the use of polythene and plastics.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers Patali Champika Ranawaka, Gayantha Karunathilaka, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Sagala Ratnayake, Sarath Fonseka, Chief Minister of Western Province Isura Dewapriya, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando, Secretaries to the Ministries, Government Officials, IGP and the heads of security forces were also present at the meeting.