National Environmental Action Plan 2022-2030:: Pathway To Sustainable Development

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 2022-2030: Pathway to sustainable development
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 2022-2030:

Pathway to sustainable development
Ministry of Environment
Sri Lanka
2022
Table of Contents
Table of Contents............................................................................................................................................ iii

List of Figures................................................................................................................................................. vi
List of Tables................................................................................................................................................... vi
Message from the Hon. Minister..................................................................................................................... x
Message from the Secretary.......................................................................................................................... xi
Message from the Resident Representative, UNDP Sri Lanka....................................................................... xii
Acronyms...................................................................................................................................................... xiii
Executive Summary.......................................................................................................................................xxi
1 chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 General Overview........................................................................................................................ 3
1.2 The Process for the Preparation of the NEAP............................................................................. 3
1.3 Summary of Key Materials Reviewed......................................................................................... 4
1.4 Introduction to NEAP.................................................................................................................. 6
2 chapter 2 - THEMATIC AREAS......................................................................................................... 11
2.1 Theme 1 - Air Quality Management.................................................................................... 13

2.1.1 Overview.......................................................................................................................... 15
2.1.2 Current Status................................................................................................................. 17
2.1.3 Policy and Legal Framework........................................................................................... 18
2.1.4 Introduction to the Action Plan...................................................................................... 19
2.1.5 Strategies for Management............................................................................................ 19
2.1.6 Action Plan for Air Quality Management........................................................................ 20
2.2 Theme 2 - Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use.................................................. 37

2.2.1 Overview.......................................................................................................................... 39
2.2.2 Current status................................................................................................................. 40
2.2.3 Policy and Legal Framework........................................................................................... 42
Publication Copyrights 2.2.4 Introduction to the Action Plan...................................................................................... 44
© Ministry of Environment, 2022 2.2.5 Strategies for Management............................................................................................ 45
All rights reserved 2.2.6 Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use..................................... 46
ISBN 978-624-5817-24-5 2.3 Theme 3 - Climate Actions for Sustainability....................................................................... 67

2.3.1 Overview.......................................................................................................................... 69
Technical and Financial Assistance : GEF/UNDP 2.3.2 Current Status................................................................................................................. 70
Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustenance of 2.3.3 Policy and Legal Framework........................................................................................... 70
Ecosystems services in Environmentally Sensitive Areas 2.3.4 Introduction to the Action Plan...................................................................................... 71
2.3.5 Strategies for Management............................................................................................ 71
Managing Together: Integrating Community centered, ecosystem
2.3.6 Action Plan for Climate Actions for Sustainability........................................................... 72
based approaches into forestry, agriculture and tourism

Citation
MoE (2022). National Environmental Action Plan 2022-2030. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Ministry of Environment.
xxii+346pp.
iii
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 2022-2030: Pathway to sustainable development NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 2022-2030: Pathway to sustainable development
Table of Contents
3 chapter 3 - RESOURCE MOBILIZATION...................................................................................... 259

2.4 Theme 4 - Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine and Coastal Resources................ 107
3.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 261
2.4.1 Overview ...................................................................................................................... 109
3.1.1 Financing Environmental Conservation and Management .......................................... 262
2.4.2 Current Status............................................................................................................... 110
3.2 Approach to Costing, Valuation and Financing....................................................................... 262
2.4.3 Policy and Legal Framework......................................................................................... 112
3.2.1 Costing ....................................................................................................................... 262
2.4.4 Introduction to the Action Plan.................................................................................... 113
3.2.2 Valuation ...................................................................................................................... 268
2.4.5 Strategies for Management.......................................................................................... 113
3.3 Financing solutions................................................................................................................. 274
2.4.6 Action Plan for Conservation and Sustainable use of Marine and Coastal Resources.. 116
3.3.1 Guiding principles......................................................................................................... 274
2.5 Theme 5 - Sustainable Land Resources Management........................................................ 135 3.3.2 Financing approaches................................................................................................... 276
2.5.1 Overview........................................................................................................................ 137 3.3.2.1 Outcome-based financing instruments............................................................ 276
2.5.2 Current Status............................................................................................................... 138 3.3.2.2 Financing tools.............................................................................................. 277
2.5.3 Policy and Legal Framework......................................................................................... 140 3.4 Resource Mobilization Plan .................................................................................................... 283
2.5.4 Introduction to the Action Plan.................................................................................... 143 3.4.1 Strategies for Management.......................................................................................... 283
2.5.5 Strategies for Management.......................................................................................... 143 3.4.2 Action Plan for Resource Mobilisation.......................................................................... 284
2.5.6 Action Plan for Sustainable Land Resources Management........................................... 144
4 chapter 4 - INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT FOR GREEN GROWTH............... 291
2.6 Theme 6 - Holistic Waste Management............................................................................ 161 4.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 293
2.6.1 Overview........................................................................................................................ 163 4.2 Current Status: Education and Sustainable Development in Sri Lanka................................... 293
2.6.2 Current Status............................................................................................................... 165 4.3 Policy and Legal Framework that influence Environmental and SD Knowledge..................... 295
2.6.3 Policy and Legal Framework......................................................................................... 166 4.3.1 Right to Information (RTI)............................................................................................. 295
2.6.4 Introduction to the Action Plan.................................................................................... 167 4.3.2 The National Policy and Strategy for Sustainable Development................................... 296
2.6.5 Strategies for Management.......................................................................................... 167 4.3.3 National Policy on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP)............................ 296
2.6.6 Action Plan for Holistic Waste Management................................................................ 168 4.4 Strategies for Management.................................................................................................... 296
4.5 Action Plan for Information and Knowledge Management for Green Growth....................... 300
2.7 Theme 7 - Integrated Water Resources Management....................................................... 187
2.7.1 Overview........................................................................................................................ 189 5 chapter 5 - IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NEAP................ 317
2.7.2 Current Status............................................................................................................... 190 5.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 319
2.7.3 Policy and Legal Framework......................................................................................... 191 5.2 Institutional Arrangements for Coordination of NEAP Implementation and Monitoring ..... 320
2.7.4 Introduction to the Action Plan.................................................................................... 193 5.2.1 Committee on Integrated Environment & Development Policy (CIEDP) ...................... 320
2.7.5 Strategies for Management.......................................................................................... 194 5.2.2 Coordinating Committees (NEAP CCs) ......................................................................... 320
2.7.6 Action Plan for Integrated Water Resources Management.......................................... 196 5.2.3 NEAP Secretariat .......................................................................................................... 322
5.2.3.1 NEAP Governing Body at MoE ...................................................................... 322
2.8 Theme 8 - Environment Management in Cities and Human Settlements........................... 209 5.2.3.2 NEAP Working Groups ................................................................................. 323
2.8.1 Overview........................................................................................................................ 211 5.2.4 Sub national level coordination of NEAP .................................................................... 323
2.8.2 Current Status............................................................................................................... 213 5.2.4.1 Provincial Environmental Committee (PEC)................................................... 323
2.8.3 Policy and Legal Framework......................................................................................... 214 5.2.4.2 District Environmental Committee (DEC)...................................................... 323
2.8.4 Introduction to the Action Plan.................................................................................... 215 5.2.4.2.1 Divisional Environmental Committee (DivEC)................................................ 323
2.8.5 Strategies for Management ......................................................................................... 215 5.3 Implementation of the NEAP.................................................................................................. 324
2.8.6 Action Plan for Environmental Management in Cities and Human Settlements.......... 216 5.4 Financing the NEAP................................................................................................................. 324
5.5 Monitoring the NEAP.............................................................................................................. 324
2.9 Theme 9 - Greening Industries.......................................................................................... 233
5.6 NEAP Implementation and Monitoring Action Plan................................................................ 326
2.9.1 Overview........................................................................................................................ 235
2.9.2 Current Status .............................................................................................................. 235
6 REFERENCES............... ....................................................................................................................... 331
2.9.3 Policy Legal and Legal Framework................................................................................ 237
2.9.4 Introduction to the Action Plan.................................................................................... 238 7 List of Stakeholder Participation........................................................................................ 345
2.9.5 Strategies for Management ......................................................................................... 239
2.9.6 Action Plan for Greening Industries.............................................................................. 240 8 ANNEXE.............................................................................................................................................. 349
iv v
National Environmental Action Plan

(NEAP) 2022-2030
List of Figures Advisors

Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Environment
Figure 1.1 The SDGs are underpinned by its environmental goals...........................................................5 Mr. M. G. W. M. W. T. B. Dissanayake, Additional Secretary (Environment Policy & Planning)
Figure 1.2 Linkages among NEP and NEAP Thematic Areas......................................................................6 Ms. Kulani H. W. Karunaratne, Director (Environment Planning & Economics)
Figure 2.1.1 Strategic framework for integrated air quality management plan (AQM plan).....................16 Team Leader of the Expert Panel: Dr. Shamen P. Vidanage
Figure 2.5.1 Base principles and approach and development of the action plan....................................138 Focal Points of the Ministry of Environment
Figure 2.6.1 Waste Management Hierarchal System...............................................................................164 Theme / Chapter
Figure 2.8.1 Framework for environment management in C&HSs..........................................................212
1. Air Quality Management Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala
Figure 3.1 The Triple Bottom Line.........................................................................................................261
2. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Dr. Sriyanie Miththapala,
Figure 3.2 Framework for Costing, Valuation and Financing................................................................262 Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody
Figure 3.3 Indicative Cost Estimation Process.......................................................................................263 3. Conservation and Climate Actions for Sustainability Mr. Gamini Senanayake
Figure 3.4 Financial sources, environmental outcomes, and actions...................................................276 4. Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine and Mr. Leslie Joseph
Figure 4.1 Knowledge Management Umbrella Services to support thematic areas.............................297 Coastal Resources
Figure 4.2 Differentiating thematic and overall KM action...................................................................298 5. Sustainable Land Resources Management Dr. H. K. Kadupitiya
Figure 5.1 NEAP Implementation and Monitoring arrangements........................................................320 6. Holistic Waste Management Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala
Figure 5.2 NEAP Coordinating Committees and Responsibilities of Units/Divisions within MoE.........322 7. Integrated Water Resources Management Prof. Nimal Gunawardena
8. Environment Management in Cities and Human Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala

Settlement
List of Tables
9. Greening Industries Mr. Gamini Senanayake
Table 2.5.2.1 Economic Cost of Soil Erosion in Sri Lanka (reported in year 2000).....................................139
10. Resource Mobilization Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne,
Table 2.9.1 Ministries, line agencies according to the principal roles and functions.............................236
Dr. Sisira Rajapakse
Table 3.1 Summary of Indicative Budgets...........................................................................................264
11. Information and Knowledge Management for Green Ms. Tharuka Dissanaike
Table 3.2 Selected valuation studies applicable to NEAP....................................................................270
Growth
Table 3.3 Financial tools......................................................................................................................278
12. Implementation and Monitoring Arrangements Dr. Shamen P. Vidanage
Table 3.4 Potential Sources of international assistance and NEAP thematic areas.............................283
Table 4.1 KM Strategies, SDG targets and corresponding thematic KM Strategies.............................298 Technical Coordinators : Ms. I. J. K. Palugaswewa, Assistant Director
Table 4.2 Stakeholder groups..............................................................................................................299 Mr. Leel Randeni, Assistant Director
Facilitation : Dr. Buddhika Hapuarachchi, Policy Specialist & Team Lead - Climate &
Environment Team, UNDP
Ms. Sugandhi Samarasinghe, Technical Coordinator / ESA Project
Editors : Dr. Shamen Vidanage and Dr. Sriyanie Miththapala
Special Assistance : Ms. Kema Kasthuriarachchi, Environment Management Officer
Ms. Nirosha Kumari, Environment Management Officer
Secretarial Assistance : Ms. Anoma Wijeratne, Development Officer
Ms. Dinusha Bambarandage, Development Officer
Ms. Padmi Meegoda, IUCN
vi vii
Theme Coordinators for NEAP Preparation
Theme 1: Air Quality Management Theme 7: Integrated Water Resources Management

Mr. Sugath Dharmakeerthi Director Ms. K. H. W. Karunaratne Director
Mr. Rifa Wadood Director Mr. Navoda Mihiraj Assistant Director
Ms. Sarathanjali Manoharan Deputy Director Mr. Nadeeka Namal Gamage Development Officer
Mr. Nanda Lal Senarathne Development Officer Ms. W. M. Kaushali Dasunika Dharmasiri Development Officer
Ms. Kasuni Bopagoda Development Officer
Theme 8: Environment Management in Cities and Human Settlement
Theme 2 & 4: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use & Conservation and Sustainable Use of Ms. N. K. Vidyalankara Director
Marine and Coastal Resources
Ms. Chamani Kumarasinghe Assistant Director
Ms. R. H. M. P. Abeykoon Director Ms. Hasula Wickramasinghe Programme Assistant
\ Ms. Rupika Bakmeedeniya Assistant Director Ms. Meleisha Fernando Intern
Ms. Nilmini Ranasinghe Assistant Director
Ms. Samantha Kodithuwakku Development Officer Chapter 3: Resource Mobilization
Ms. Chanuka Maheshani Development Officer Mr. Rifa Wadood Director
Ms. J. D. Amaratunga Director
Theme 3: Climate Actions for Sustainability
Mr. Leel Randeni Assistant Director
Ms. N. K. Vidyalankara Director
Ms. Dakshini Perera Assistant Director Chapter 4: Information and Knowledge Management for Green Growth
Ms. Darshika Pathirathna Development Officer Mr. R. S. K. Doolwalage Director
Mr. R. A. Ranjith Premakumara Assistant Director
Theme 5: Sustainable Land Resources Management
Ms. G. W. Sajani Sulakkhana Madhushani Development Officer
Ms. N. Wickramaarachchi Director
Ms. Sepali Silva Assistant Director Chapter 5: Implementation and Monitoring Arrangements
Ms. Himali De Costa Assistant Director Mr. M. Gunaratne Director
Ms. Manori Karunaratna Development Officer Mr. I. A. S. Ranaweera Deputy Director
Ms. Imasha Weerawansha Development Officer Ms. H. I. S. Salgamuwa Deputy Director
Theme 6 & 9: Holistic Waste Management and Greening Industries

Mr. S.M. Werahara Director
Ms. Sujeewa Fernando Assistant Director
Ms. Jeewanthi Ranasinghe Assistant Director
Ms. Saranga Jayasundara Program Assistant
Ms. Nadeeka Piyathunga Program Assistant
Ms. Nawoma Karunarathna Program Assistant
Ms. Deepika Chandrasekara Development Officer
Ms. Kalhari Harsha Development Officer
viii ix
Message from
Message from the RESIDENT representative,
the Secretary UNDP Sri Lanka
Environmental planning is a striking tool that can be utilized to enhance the integration of environmental Conserving and sustaining a biodiverse environment is a significant challenge in a highly vulnerable Sri Lanka,
concerns into development planning. The first comprehensive National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) one of the world’s biodiversity ‘hotspots’ according to Conservation International (2016).
for Sri Lanka was prepared and implemented in 1992 and contributed to many positive developments in
environment conservation. Thereafter, a series of National Environment Action Plans came into action, for At the same time, Sri Lanka has taken important steps towards climate action and conservation of natural
instance NEAP 1998-2000, Caring for the Environment 2003-2007, Haritha Lanka Programme 2009-2016. capital, including through several policy measures embedded in its Nationally Determined Contributions,
NEAP (2022-2030) is the first Environment Plan prepared as an operational guide, after the adoption of the and the low carbon emissions objectives tied to high Human Development. These measures - in line with
SDGs and the Paris Agreement. In compliance with those international agreements, the Plan has appropriately the Sustainable Development Goals - bolster economic growth, encourage new investments, promote
incorporated these novel global concerns in the local context in many themes in achieving the objectives. transformational action, and drive environmental sustainability, given the interdependence of Sri Lanka’s key
economic sectors with the natural resources of the country.
Moreover, Ministry of Environment recognized the need of a NEAP to be in line with the National Environment
Policy to maintain the vitality and integrity of natural resources and living environment of the country Flagship research from UNDP (2021) shows that ‘eight out of 10 people that could become poor by the end
that would steer the country towards sustainable development. In this context, NEAP has been prepared of this decade because of the pandemic will live in countries with low or medium human development’.
through an interactive process with the involvement of the key stakeholders. The NEAP (2022-2030) consists But the same research also details how a combination of policy choices and investments in governance,
of nine themes and three cross-cutting areas. Air, Biodiversity, Climate, Coastal and Marine, Land, Waste, social protection, green economy and digitalization - through an ‘SDG Push’ - can help countries exceed
Water, Cities and Industry are the main focus areas reflected in the NEAP. Learning from experiences and pre-pandemic development trajectories, even when taking the impact of COVID-19 into account. The SDGs
major challenges of the implementation of previous action plans, implementation and monitoring, can still be achieved and reversals due to the pandemic can be undone. Collective action, political will, and
indicative budgets, key performance indicators, key responsible agency have been identified in the NEAP to scaling up of green investments, can better achieve an equitable post COVID-19 world. To address these
assure outcomes. extraordinary challenges, through its new Strategic Plan 2022-2025, UNDP is harnessing innovation and
partnerships to build the world envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with planet and
I believe that the successful implementation of the NEAP needs mutual understanding of all stakeholder people in balance.
agencies and recognize their vital role in environment management as well. In addition, sharing information
and knowledge plays a vital role in achieving the objectives of the NEAP. It is expected that the goals, objectives UNDP is supporting the Government of Sri Lanka with key policy products, which are spearheading the systemic
and strategies in the NEAP will be converted into realistic action programmes by all the agencies of the country. shift for more green development. As such, UNDP is pleased to have assisted the Ministry of Environment with
The NEAP is not one-off document or plan, it is rather a live action plan which needs to be improved and technical and financial contributions to develop the National Environment Action Plan 2022-2030: Pathway to
updated as and when necessary, so that the government agencies of the country themselves will own this Sustainable Development - a nationally significant initiative.
plan and will be able to incorporate this into their action plans.
This intervention is a complement to the overall national development planning and finance support extended
I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all the stakeholder agencies and all other by UNDP to the Government of Sri Lanka to establish SDG-aligned processes. The National Environmental
partners for supporting and providing valuable inputs to develop NEAP. My appreciation also extends to Action Plan will be catalytic in advancing Sri Lanka’s green development trajectory, mainstreaming nature-
Dr. Shamen Vidanage, Team Leader and all the experts who worked for the preparation of NEAP. I would like based solutions at the national and local levels and guiding the country’s development sectors to embed
to acknowledge the role played by the UNDP for their continuous assistance throughout the whole exercise biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration in their efforts. This Plan can boost approaches to
in numerous ways. sustainable development envisaged in national policy framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’, the
National Environment Policy and the National Policy on Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) - being
Dr. Anil Jasinghe finalized with the support of UNDP.
Secretary - Ministry of Environment
UNDP remains a committed partner to the Ministry of Environment in supporting implementation of this
National Environmental Action Plan 2022-2030: Pathway to Sustainable Development, which will positively
inform efforts of the Government and all stakeholders in putting environmental concepts and preservation of
nature capital at the heart of economic development in Sri Lanka.
Robert Juhkam
Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka
x xi
Acronyms
3Rs Reduce, Reuse, Recycle CEA Central Environmental Authority

ABS Access and Benefit Sharing CEB Ceylon Electricity Board
ADB Asian Development Bank CECB Central Engineering Consultancy
AER Agro Ecological Regions Bureau
AGD Attorney General’s Department CEPF Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
AirMAC Air Resource Management Centre CEPOMs Committees on Environmental
AQ Air Quality Policy and Management
AQM Air Quality Management CFHC Ceylon Fishery Harbours
Corporation
ARM&NOU Air Resource Management &
National Ozone Unit CGI City Governance Index
BARTs Best Available Retrofit Technologies CHM Clearing House Mechanism
BATs Best Available Technologies CIAs Chambers & Industry Associations
BAU Business-as-Usual CIDA Construction Industry Development
Authority
BCP Bio Cultural Community Protocols
CIEDP Committee on Integrated
BCNP Biodiversity, Cultural and National
Environment & Development Policy
Heritage Protection
CITES Convention on International Trade
BDS Biodiversity Secretariat
in Endangered Species of Wild
BES Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Fauna and Flora
BIOFIN Biodiversity Finance Initiative CMC Colombo Municipal Council
BOBLME Bay of Bengal Large Marine CMS Convention on Migratory Species
Ecosystem
CO Carbon Monoxide
BoI Board of Investment of Sri Lanka
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
C&HS Cities and Human Settlement
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
CA2025AP Clean Air 2025 Action Plan
CoP Code of Practice
CAA Consumer Affairs Authority
CP Cleaner Production
CAASL Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
CPC Ceylon Petroleum Corporation
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CPI City Performance Index
CBO Community Based Organization
CR Critically Endangered
CBSL Central Bank of Sri Lanka
CRI Coconut Research Institute
CC Climate Change
CSIAP Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture
CC&CRMD Coast Conservation and Coastal Project
Resources Management
CSO Civil Society Organisation
Department
CSR Corporate Social Responsibility
CCAC Climate & Clean Air Coalition
CTB Ceylon Transport Board
CCB Coconut Cultivation Board
CTCN UN Habitat and Climate Technology
CCC Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
Centre and Network
CCF Central Cultural Fund
CZ&CRMP Coastal Zone and Coastal Resources
CCS Climate Change Secretariat Management Plan
CDA Coconut Development Authority
xii xiii
Acronyms
DAD Department of Agrarian ECBA Extended Cost Benefit Analysis GBCSL Green Building Council of Sri Lanka IDB Industrial Development Board
Development Eco-DRR Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk GCF Green Climate Fund IEE Initial Environmental Examination
DAP&H Department of Animal Production Reduction GDP Gross Domestic Product IEPSL Institute of Environmental
and Health EDB Export Development Board GEF Global Environment Facility Professionals
DArch Department of Archaeology EE Energy Efficiency GHG Green House Gas IESL Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka
DAyur Department of Ayurveda EEBC Energy Efficient Buildings Code GIS Geographic Information System IKMGG Information and Knowledge
DB Department of Buildings EERS Energy Efficiency Rating Scheme GLASoD Global Assessment of Soil Management for Green Growth
DCS Department of Census and Statistics EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone Degradation IMO International Maritime Organization
DCWS Department of Community Water EFL Environmental Foundation GMO Genetically Modified Organism IMS Information Management System
Supply (Guarantee) Limited GMP Good Manufacturing Practices INGO International Non-Governmental
DEA Department of Export Agriculture EIA Environmental Impact Assessment GoSL Government of Sri Lanka Organization
DEC District Environmental Committee ENSO El Niño–Southern Oscillation GPS Global Positioning System IOTC Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
DFAR Department of Fisheries and EPA Environment Protection Areas GSMB Geological Survey and Mines IP Industrial Park
Aquatic Resources EPL Environment Protection License Bureau IPCC International Panel on Climate
DiVEC Divisional Enviornmental EPP Environment Pioneer Programme GWh Gigawatt hours Change
Committees IPM Integrated Pest Management
EPR Extended Producer Responsibility GWMO Global Waste Management Outlook
DivS Divisional Secretary IPNS Integrated Plant and Nutrition
EPZ Export Promotion Zone ha Hectares
DMC Disaster Management Centre Systems
ERD Department of External resources HBASL Hadabima Authority of Sri Lanka
DMT Department of Motor Traffic IPOA International Plan of Action
ESA Environmentally Sensitive Areas HCWM Health Care Waste Management
DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid IPRO Intellectual Property Office
ESD Education for Sustainable HDV Heavy Duty Vehicle
DNBG Department of National Botanic Development IPS Institute of Policy Studies
HEM High Efficiency Motor
Gardens IRBM Integrated River Basin Management
EST Environmentally Sustainable HLP Haritha Lanka Programme
DNM Department of National Museum Transport ISB Industrial Services Bureau
HORDI Horticulture Research and
DNZG Department of National Zoological EV Electric Vehicle ISIC International Standard Industrial
Development Institute
Gardens Classification
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization HRD Human Resources Development
DoA Department of Agriculture ISWA International Solid Waste
FARA Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act HS Harmonized Commodity
DoF Department of Fisheries Association
FCAU Food Control Administration Unit Description and Coding System
DoGI Department of Government ISWM Integrated Sustainable Waste
FCCISL Federation of Chambers of HWM Holistic Waste Management
Information Management
Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka IAP Indoor Air Pollution
DoH Department of Health ITI Industrial Technology Institute
FCRDI Food Crop Research and IAQ Indoor Air Quality
DRR Disaster Risk Reduction Development Institute IUCN International Union for
IAS Invasive Alien Species Conservation of Nature
DS District Secretary FD Forest Department ICM Integrated Coastal Management IUU Fishing Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated
DSS Department of Social Services FFPO Fauna and Flora Protection ICS Improved Cooking Stoves Fishing
DWC Department of Wildlife Ordinance
Conservation ICT Information & Communication IWMA International Waste Management
FQS Fuel Quality Standards Technology
E3ST Energy Efficient and Association
FR Forest Reserve ICTA Information and Communication
Environmentally Sound Technology IWMI International Water Management
FRDI Fruit Research & Development Technology Agency Institute
E-IPs Eco Industrial Parks Institute ICTAD Institute of Construction Training & IWRM Integrated Water Resources
EAFM Ecosystem-based Approach to ft Feet Development Management
Fisheries Management
GAP Good Agricultural Practices ID Irrigation Department
xiv xv
Acronyms
JEDB Janatha Estates Development Board MET Department of Meteorology MSMEs Micro, Small and Medium Scale NDMC National Disaster Management
JICA Japan International Cooperation MFARD Ministry of Fisheries & Aquatic Enterprises Council
Agency Resources Development MSS Merchant Shipping Secretariat NDMP National Drought Management Plan
KBA Key Biodiversity Area MHQU Ministry of Health Qurantine Unit MSW Municipal Solid Waste NDRSC National Disaster Relief Services
kg Kilogramme MoA Ministry of Agriculture MUSSD Department of Measurement Units, Centre
km Kilometre MoCA Ministry of Cultural Affairs Standards & Services NEA National Environmental Act No. 47
km2 Square kilometre MoD Ministry of Defence MW Megawatt of 1980
km3 Cubic kilometres MoE Ministry of Environment MWFC Ministry of Wildlife and Forest NEAP National Environmental Action Plan
KPI Key Performance Indicators MoE&WR Ministry of Environment and Conservation NEAP CC NEAP Coordinating Commitee
KOICA Korean International Cooperation Wildlife Resources N/A Not applicable NEDA National Enterprise Development
Agency MoEd Ministry of Education NAITA National Apprentice and Industrial Authority
LAs Local Authorities MoEn Ministry of Energy Training Authority NEP National Environmental Policy
LC Lifecycle MoF Ministry of Finance NAMA Nationally Appropriate Mitigation NERD National Engineering Research &
Actions Development Centre
LDD Legal Draftsman’s Department MoFA Foreign Ministry
NAP National Adaptation Plan NFS National Fertilizer Secretariat
LDN Land Degradation Neutrality MoFish Ministry of Fisheries
NaPID National Policy for Industrial NG Natural Gas
LDV Light-Duty Vehicle MoH Ministry of Health
Development NGJA National Gem and Jewelry
LECO Lanka Electric Company MoInd Ministry of Industries
NAQDA National Aquaculture Development Authority
LETS Local Exchange Trading System MoIrri Ministry of Irrigation
Authority NGO Non-Governmental Organisation
LINDEL Lanka Industrial Estates Ltd MoL Ministry of Labour
NARA National Aquatic Resources NGOS NGO Secretariat
LKR Sri Lankan Rupee MoLands Ministry of Lands Research and Development Agency NH National Herbarium
LMO Living Modified Organisms MoMD&E Ministry of Mahaweli Development NASA National Aeronautics and Space NHDA National Housing Development
LNG Liquified Natural Gas and Environment Administration, USA Authority
LRC Land Reforms Commission MoMM Ministry of Mass Media NASTEC National Science and Technology NIBM National Institute of Business
LRWHF Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum MoP Ministry of Power Commission Management
LUPPD Land Use Policy Planning MoPla Ministry of Plantation NBRO National Building Research NIE National Institute of Education
Department MoPorts Ministry of Ports and Shipping Organization
NIFS National Institute of Fundamental
m Metre MoPP&L Ministry of Public Services, NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategic Studies
m3 Cubic metre Provincial Councils and Local Action Plan, 2016-2022
NIOSH National Institute of Occupational
M Million Government NCD Non-communicable Diseases Safety and Health
MARPOL The International Convention for MoSY Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs NCoE National Colleges of Education NIPO National Intellectual Property Office
the Prevention of Pollution from MoT Ministry of Transport NCPC National Cleaner Production Center NLDB National Livestock Development
Ships MOU Memorandum of Understanding NCPCP North Central Province Canal Board
MASL Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka MoUDH Ministry of Urban Development & Project NMT Non- Motorized Transport
MBI Market-Based Instruments Housing NCR National Conservation Review NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide
MCs Municipality Councils MoWFC Ministry of Wildlife and Forest NCRE Non-Conventional Renewable NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric
MEA Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Conservation Energy Administration
MENR Ministry of Environment and MoWS Ministry of Water Supply NDCs Nationally Determined NOX Nitrogen Oxides
Natural Resources MRV Monitoring, reporting and Contributions
NOSCOP National Oil Spill Contingency Plan
MEPA Marine Environmental Protection verification NDDCB National Dangerous Drugs Control
NP National Park
Agency Board
xvi xvii
Acronyms
NPD National Planning Department PES Payment for Ecosystem Services SACEP South Asia Corporative SLP Sri Lanka Police
NPPD National Physical Planning PGIAR Postgraduate Institute of Environment Programme SLPA Sri Lanka Ports Authority
Department Archaeology SCAs Sectorial Competent Authorities SLPC Sri Lanka Press Commission
NRC National Research Council PGRC Plant Genetic Resources Centre SLCPs Short-lived Climate Pollutants SLR Sri Lanka Railway
NRIFAP National REDD+ Investment PID Provincial Irrigation Department SCP Sustainable Consumption and SLRM Sustainable Land Resources
Framework and Action Plan PM Particulate Matter Production Management
NRMC Natural Resources Management PMoA Provincial Ministry of Agriculture SD Survey Department SLRWHF Sri Lanka Rainwater Harvesting
Centre PMoH Provincial Ministry of Health SDC Sustainable Development Council Form
NSF National Science Foundation PMoLs Provincial Ministry of Livestock SDGs Sustainable Development Goals SLSEA Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy
NSWMSC National Solid Waste Management POPs Persistent Organic Pollutants SEA Strategic Environmental Authority
Support Centre Assessments SLSI Sri Lanka Standard Institute
PPP Polluter Pays Principle
NTC National Transport Commission SEC Sector Expert Committee SLTB Sri Lanka Tea Board
PSs Pradeshiya Sabhas
NWG National Working Group SEEA System of Environmental- Economic SLTDA Sri Lanka Tourism Development
PUCSL Public Utilities Commission of Sri
NWP North Western Province Lanka Accounting Authority
NWPCP North Western Province Canal PV Photovoltaic SLAAS Sri Lanka Association for the SLVET Sri Lanka Vehicle Emission Testing
Project Advancement of Science Programme
R&D Research and Development
NWPEA North Western Provincial SLAB Sri Lanka Accreditation Board SMA Special Management Areas
RA Risk Assessment
Environmental Authority SLAEB Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board SMEs Small & Medium Enterprises
RC Risk Communication
NWSDB National Water Supply & Drainage SLAERC Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulation SMED Small and Medium Enterprice
Board RDA Road Development Authority
Council Development project of FCISL
NYSC National Youth Services Council RDHS Regional Director of Health Services
SLC Sri Lanka Customs SMIs Small and Medium Industries
O3 Ozone rDNA Recombinant DNA
SLCARP Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural SMoDM State Ministry of Disaster
OECD Organisation for Economic Co- RE Renewable Energy
Research Policy Management
operation and Development RECP Resource Efficient Cleaner
SLCF Sri Lanka Carbon Fund SMoLs State Ministry of Livestock
OFC Other Field Crops Production
SLCG Sri Lanka Coast Guard SMoPC&LG State Ministry of Provincial Councils
OPA Organisation of Professional REDD+ Reducing Emissions from
SLEMA Sri Lanka Energy Managers and Local Government
Associations Deforestation and forest
Association SMoPSF&RCI State Ministry of Production and
Degradation, ‘+’ signifies the
OPs Other Provinces SLIA Sri Lanka Institute of Architecture Supply of Fertilizer and Regulation
conservation and sustainable
OSF Other State Forests SLIBTEC Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology of Chemical Fertilizer and
management of forests
OTEC Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Insecticide Use
RES Rewards for Ecosystem Services SLIC Sri Lanka Inventors Commission
PA Protected Area SMoSVR&I State Ministry of Skills
RFP Request for Proposals SLIDA Sri Lanka Institute of Development
Development, Vocational
Pb Lead RISC Regional Industry Service Administration
Education, Research and Innovation
PCs Provincial Councils Committee SLIM Sri Lanka Institute for Marketing
SMoSWHPD State Ministry of Solar Power,
PD Police Department RLE Red Listing of Ecosystems SLINTEC Sri Lanka Institute of Wind and Hydro Power Generation
PDoA Provincial Department of RoP Registrar of Pesticides Nanotechnology Projects Development
Agriculture RPCs Regional Plantation Companies SLINTGL Sri Lanka Institute of National SMoUD State Ministry of Urban
PDoEd Provincial Department of Education Tourist Guide Lecturers Development, Coast Conservation,
RRDI Rice Research and Development
PDoI Provincial Department of Irrigation Institute SLLDC Sri Lanka Land Development Waste Disposal and Community
PEC Provincial Environmental Corporation Cleanliness
RRI Rubber Research Institute
Committee SLN Sri Lanka Navy
RTI Right to Information
xviii xix
Acronyms EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SMoVR State Ministry of Vehicle UNDP United Nations Development The National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) 2022-2030 is the 4th NEAP in the series starting from the
Regulation, Bus Transport Services Programme plan initiated in 1990s. This NEAP fills the national environmental planning gap since the National Action
and Train Compartments and Motor Plan for Haritha Lanka Programme 2009-2016 ended its intended implementation period in 2016. The NEAP
UNEP United Nations Environment
Car Industry 2022-2030 is vital as it provides the strategies and action plans aligned with the National Environment Policy
Programme
of 2021, to address environmental challenges of the 21st century and to achieve sustainable development
SMoWCP&P State Ministry of Women and UNESCO United Nations Educational,
aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As with the previous instances, this NEAP has
Child Development, Pre-schools Scientific and Cultural Organization
been prepared in a highly consultative, but mainly virtual manner, despite the limitations imposed by the
and Primary Education, School UNFCCC United Nation’s Framework COVID-19 pandemic that prevailed during its preparation. The NEAP 2022-2030 identified the drawbacks in
Infrastructure and Education Convention for Climate Change the implementation of previous versions - such as inbuilt, explicit arrangements for strong implementation,
Services
UNHABITAT United Nations Human Settlements monitoring resource mobilization and communication.
SNA System of National Accounting Programme
SO2 Sulphur Dioxide UNHCR United Nations High Commission The NEAP 2022-2030 is presented in five chapters. Chapter 1 covers a brief introduction to the NEAP, including the
SOC Soil Organic Carbon for Refugees process followed in its preparation. Chapter 2 is presented in nine thematic areas: 1) Air Quality Management;
SPP Sustainable Public Procureent 2) Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable use; 3) Climate Actions for Sustainability; 4) Conservation and
UNHRC United Nations Human Rights
Sustainable Use of Coastal and Marine Resources; 5) Sustainable Land Resource Management; 6) Holistic
SPPA Standard Power Purchase Council
Waste Management; 7) Integrated Water Resources Management; 8) Environmental Management in Cities
Agreement Uni Universities
and Human Settlements; and 9) Greening Industries. In each of these nine thematic areas, the background
SSFA Site-Specific Fertilizer Application UNIDO United Nations Industrial is provided by way of a brief overview, current status, policy and legal framework, before the introduction
SWDS Solid Waste Dump Sites Development Organization and presentation of respective Action Plans. The actions in each Action Plan are presented under identified
SWM Solid Waste Management UPP User Pays Principle strategies, and provide important information including key performance indicators, targets, timelines,
SWML Schedule Waste Management URI Urban Resilience Index responsible lead agencies, other key agencies, indicative budgets and the relevance to SDGs.
License USAID United States Agency for
MT Metric Ton This NEAP is different from previous versions of the NEAP, because it contains indicative costing, a
International Development
resource mobilization plan with innovative financing mechanisms, and a a chapter on communication and
TAC Technical Advisory Committee USD US Dollars
knowledge management. Importantly, it also contains institutional arrangements for the implementation
TECs Technical Expert Committees USDA Urban Settlement Development and coordination of the NEAP. Therefore, in addition to the nine thematic areas presented in the Chapter 2,
TK Traditional Knowledge Authority chapters on resource mobilization; implementation and monitoring arrangements; as well as communication,
ToT Training of Trainers VET Vehicle Emission Test information and knowledge aspects of the NEAP are provided as three cross-cutting areas.
TRC Telecom Regulatory Commission VFD Variable Frequency Drive
VICs Veterinary Investigation Centres Chapter 3 on Resource Mobilization provides three sections that cover budgeting, financing and valuation of
TRI Tea Research Institute
the NEAP actions. Budgeting explains how the indicative budget for each action was formulated, financing
TSHDA Tea Small Holder Development VRI Veterinary Research Institute
indicates available sources of resources to meet budget requirements for implementing actions of the NEAP.
Authority VTA Vocational Training Authority The final section is on environmental valuation, where a framework is presented for the monetary benefits of
TVEC Tertiary and Vocational Education VTCS Village Tank Cascade Systems undertaking NEAP actions.
Commission w.r.t. With Respect To
TWG Technical Working Group WB World Bank Chapter 4 is on Information and Knowledge Management for Green Growth (IKMGG) where the communication,
UCs Urban Councils capacity building and knowledge management aspects of the NEAP are presented. Strategies for knowledge
WHO World Health Organization
management are related to coordination and incentivizing of knowledge generation for environmental
UDA Urban Development Authority WM Waste Management management; guiding and empowering decision-makers with timely access to quality data and information;
UGC University Grant Commission WMAWP Waste Management Authority of influencing behaviour and attitudinal change through awareness and advocacy; promoting quality and
UGI Urban Governance Index the Western Province lifelong environmental and sustainability-oriented education; and building capacities and access financing for
UMW Upper Mahaweli Watersed WP Western Province research, innovation and monitoring change.
UN United Nations WRB Water Resources Board
Chapter 5 is on Implementation and Monitoring Arrangements for the NEAP. One of the main drawbacks
UNCCD United Nations Convention to WtE Waste to Energy
in previous environmental action plans was weak implementation. A key feature in the implementation
Combat Desertification WWF World Wide Fund for Nature arrangements is the establishment of a NEAP Secretariat at the MoE, dedicated to coordinating NEAP
implementation and monitoring. This will be carried out along with the establishment and operationalization
xx xxi
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
of eleven NEAP Coordinating Committees and eleven NEAP Working Groups, to strengthen the implementation
and monitoring of the NEAP, with the engagement of all the implementing agencies and their appointed
NEAP focal points. In addition, a revival of Environmental Committees at Divisional and District level and
the establishment of similar mechanisms at the provincial level is emphasized, to ensure inclusion on NEAP
actions at sub-national levels. It is expected that each implementing agency adopts the NEAP and integrates
relevant actions into their annual programmes and periodically report the progress of implementation to
the NEAP Secretariat. Integrating NEAP actions into individual action plans is expected at both national
and sub-national entities of the state, international agencies, NGO, private sector to meet the sustainable
development objectives of Sri Lanka.
chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
xxii 1
1.1 General Overview

In 1998, Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to produce a National Conservation Strategy, following the
guidance set globally in 1980 through the ‘World Conservation Strategy: living resources conservation for
sustainable development’. In the World Conservation Strategy, the phrase ‘Sustainable Development’ was
introduced globally long before it gained popularity with the publication in 1987, of ‘Our Common Future’.
Following this, in 1991, Sri Lanka produced its first ‘National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP)’ for the period
1992-1996 and later, in 1994 and 1998, updated the NEAP. Meanwhile, both globally and locally, there were
many initiatives on sustainability, as well as many sectoral policies relating to environment, although there
was no overall national environmental planning framework for Sri Lanka, until 2009, when the ‘National
Action Plan for Haritha Lanka Programme (HLP)’, was launched for the period from 2009-2016.
The National Action Plan for Haritha Lanka Programme 2009-2016 (HLP) was developed with a high-level
participatory process, bringing together all the relevant ministries, to ensure the production of a practically
enforceable sustainability plan. However, since 2016, when the HLP completed its planning cycle, despite
attempts to review and revise this framework (in 2017), Sri Lanka has lacked an overarching environment
planning framework.
Therefore, this ‘National Environmental Action Plan 2022-2030: Pathway to sustainable development (NEAP
2022)’ was prepared as a guide to for the relevant sectors to achieve sustainable development aligned with
the global 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, also aligning with the overall national policy framework
‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ (2019) and the ‘National Environmental Policy, 2003’, and its revision
2022.
In retrospect, the National Conservation Strategy for Sri Lanka (CEA, 1988) is regarded as one of the best
national strategies, in which challenges were identified clearly and strategic priorities for a sustainable
development path were proposed and still remain valid for addressing current challenges. As a nation, Sri
Lanka currently faces the formidable task of balancing the aspirations for the development of the country,
while maintaining the integrity of the natural environment and its resources for future generations. Unless
development is sustainable, this cannot be achieved. Ensuring sustainability requires a comprehensive
framework of environmentally-focused policies, strategies and action plans. The NEAP 2022 is expected to fill
this gap.
The formulation of the National Environmental Action Plan 2022-2030: Pathway to Sustainable Development
(NEAP 2022) was carried out by the Ministry of Environment (MoE), together with key stakeholders and with
technical and financial assistance from UNDP. The NEAP 2022 is aligned with the priorities of current global
trends - such as recovery from post-COVID-19, the 2030 agenda of Sustainable Development, the Post 2020
Biodiversity Framework, green economy concepts - and is guided by the National Environmental Policy, which
is being finalized.
1.2 The Process for the Preparation of the NEAP

By the request of the MoE, the process of initiating the preparation of the NEAP was facilitated by the UNDP.
It included the formulation of a team of experts to assist the MoE in the preparation of the NEAP. The team, in
collaboration with the MoE focal points assigned for nine thematic areas and three cross-cutting areas of the
NEAP, worked to prepare the draft NEAP. The initial step for preparation included literature reviews, where
many documents were reviewed, including those concerning existing concerning policy, legal and institutional
topics, as well as documentation on environmental management and development that provided guidance
for developing actions for the NEAP. Then, the 2017 draft revision of the HLP was used as the foundation to
identify gaps in specific sectors; and stakeholder consultations conducted at the highest level (carried out
mainly on virtual platforms, with limited physical meetings). Where necessary, one-on-one discussions were
carried out by phone. All materials produced in the NEAP were peer-reviewed by the expert team.
The Environmental Planning and Economics Division facilitated the overall coordination of the NEAP
preparatory process.
2 3
The NEAP was also prepared in close consultation with the expert team working on the revision of the National The 17 sustainable development goals were adopted by a world which was already seeing irreversible
Environmental Policy (NEP) and is aligned fully with the seven Policy Thematic Areas of the NEP 2022. consequences of environmental degradation, despite over two decades of commitments to the Rio Convention
on climate, land and biodiversity. The SDGs are underpinned by its environmental goals – on climate, water,
1.3 Summary of Key Materials Reviewed oceans and forests – that set the foundation for goals on social and economic progress (Figure 1.1.).
Presented below is a list of key documents reviewed in preparing the NEAP. There were many more thematic
areas specific documents reviewed but not listed here because of space constraints.
• Caring for the Environment 2003-2007, 2003;
• Caring for Environment II 2008-2012, 2008;
• Clean Air 2025 - Action Plan for Air Quality Management, 2016;
• Land Administration in Sri Lanka Issues and Challenges, 2016;
• National Action Plan for Haritha Lanka Programme: 2009 -2016 and 2015-2022 (draft);
• National Action Program (NAP) for Combating Land Degradation in Sri Lanka, 2014;
• National Environment Policy 2003 and 2022 (draft);
• National Agriculture Policy, 2007;
• National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan 2016-2022, 2016;
• National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2011-2016;
• National Climate Change Policy, 2003;
• National Energy Policy & Strategies of Sri Lanka, 2019;
• National Environmental Act No: 47 of 1980 and its amendments;
• National Environmental Action Plans (NEAP) 1998-2001, 2203-2007, 2007- 2012;
• National Physical Planning Policy & The Plan - 2017 - 2050;
• National Policy and Strategy on Sustainable Development for a Sustainably Developed Sri Lanka, 2020 (draft);
• National Policy on Sustainable Consumption and Production for Sri Lanka, 2019;
• National REDD+ Investment Framework and Action Plan (NRIFAP), 2017;
• National Land Transport Policy, 2020 (draft);
• National Water Resources Management Policy, 2018 (draft);
• National Watershed Management Policy, 2004;
Figure 1.1. The SDGs are underpinned by its environmental goals
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs,) 2021 to 2030 (2021); (Source: Stockholm Resilience Centre, 2016)
• Natural Resources of Sri Lanka: Conditions and Trend, 2010;
• Sector Vulnerability Profiles for Climate Change, 2010; Thus, the NEAP revision was guided by the following overarching principles;
• Sri Lanka Tourism Strategic Action Plan, 2020-2023 (draft); 1. In the next decade, Sri Lanka as a middle-income, developing country will prioritise sustainable economic
• Surakimu Ganga National Programme, 2020; and human development.
• The National Water Use Master Plan of 2014; 2. The concept of wise use of natural resources will underpin the country’s economic and social policies and
• The Public Investment Programme (PIP), 2017-2020; development investments.
• UNCCD - National report on desertification/land degradation in Sri Lanka, 2000; 3. Sustainable consumption and production will be promoted through incentives/dis-incentives at different
• Updating the National Red List of Sri Lanka – Conserving Fauna and Flora, 2012; and levels – public, private and individual.
• Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour, 2019. 4. Although not a high GHG emitter, Sri Lanka will commit to transition to a low-carbon, green economic
model with international technical and financial assistance.
In 2015, Sri Lanka committed to the new development agenda of the United Nations (UN) and adopted the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are rooted in the principles of sustainable development The initial draft prepared was shared with the carefully selected stakeholders for all thematic areas, online
(which were first adopted in Rio in 1992), for the wise use of the environment. Sustainable development sessions conducted for inputs, periodic review sessions held with MoE and peer review of sections were
upholds the right of nations and people to progress economically and socially, while ensuring that the capacity carried out by the expert team. Finally, the document was validated section-wise by key stakeholders.
of the natural word is able to support such demands, as well as protecting and preserving natural assets for
future generations.
4 5
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 2021-2030: pathway to sustainable development in Sri Lanka NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
ACTION PLAN
ACTION
2021-2030:
PLAN 2022-2030:
pathway to sustainable
Pathway to development
sustainable development
in Sri Lanka
1.4 Introduction to NEAP Presented below are summaries of each theme.

The NEAP comprises five chapters. Chapter 1 presents a brief introduction to the NEAP.
Theme 1
Chapter 2 has nine sections for the following thematic areas.
Air Quality Management
Theme 1: Air Quality Management This thematic area considers clean air to be essential, not only for overall human health and well-being, but
Theme 2: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable use also for the integrity of the biosphere. Multiple natural and anthropogenic sources and processes create
Theme 3: Climate Actions for Sustainability air pollution. While natural sources could contribute substantially to local air pollution in some regions, the
Theme 4: Conservation and Sustainable Use of Coastal and Marine Resources contribution from human activities far exceeds these natural sources. In recent decades, this human-induced
contribution is attributed to economic development practices and lifestyles. Air quality (AQ) degradation
Theme 5: Sustainable Land Resources Management
occurs both indoors and outdoors and is a result of a complex set of parameters such as emitting sources,
Theme 6: Holistic Waste Management processes, pollutants, dispersion mechanisms and environmental conditions. Air pollution is an environmental
Theme 7: Integrated Water Resources Management risk to human health and has detrimental impacts on climate, agriculture, biodiversity, ecosystems, building/
Theme 8: Environmental Management in Cities and Human Settlements structures and, in general, on the quality of life.
Theme 9: Greening Industries
The action plan for the thematic area on Air Quality Management has ten strategies and 60 actions to address
These sections are organized to provide an overview; the current status; policy legal and institutional context; the objectives of this theme.
a summary of the key materials reviewed related to each thematic area; and a detailed action plan based on
different strategies under each thematic area. These action plans are the most detailed and comprehensive
sections of the NEAP, where actions, key performance indicators, the baselines, targets, short-, medium- Theme 2
and long-term timeframes, relevance to SDG targets, indicative budgets and responsible agencies for
implementation are provided.
Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use
Sri Lanka boasts of a suite of terrestrial, inland aquatic, coastal and marine ecosystems, a variety of species,
In addition to these nine thematic areas, three cross-cutting areas – i) Resource Mobilization; ii) Implementation including many endemic and range-restricted species, which provide humans with life-sustaining ecosystem
and Monitoring Arrangements and iii) Information and Knowledge Management for Green Growth are also services - such as the provision of food, fodder, fibre, timber and medicinal and ornamental resources;
provided as support to the thematic areas. regulation of air and water quality, erosion and climate regulation; carbon sequestration; providing habitats
for pollinators; pest and disease regulation; soil formation; primary production; nutrient and water cycling;
The NEAP is organized to contribute to the seven Policy Thematic areas of the NEP as shown in Figure 1.2. aesthetic values, recreation and eco-tourism; as well as knowledge and educational services (MoMD&E,
2016; 2019). However, indirect and direct drivers of ecosystem change (threats) are destroying and damaging
National Environment Policy National Environmental Action Plan Thematic / Crosscutting Areas
Thematic Areas
Sr Lanka’s natural capital. Indirect drivers include increasing urbanisation and population density and often
unplanned and unsustainable development (MEA, 2005). Direct threats include habitat destruction and
1. Pollution Control & Waste Thematic Area 1. Air Quality Thematic Area 6. Holistic Waste degradation, overexploitation, pollution, invasive alien species and the overarching driver of ecosystem
Management Management Management
change - climate change, which exacerbates the impacts of every other threat (MEA, 2005). In Sri Lanka,
Thematic Area 5. Sustainable Thematic Area 7. Integrated habitat destruction is a primary, continuing threat, while the other drivers of change also continue to damage
2. Land and Water Resources
Land Resources Management Water Resources Management and degrade ecosystems and threaten the survival of species found on the island.
Thematic Area 9. Environmental
3. Build Environmental and Green Thematic Area 8. Greening This thematic area was considered under the general areas of ecosystems, species, genetic diversity and
Management in Cities and Human
Development Industries
Settlements ecosystem services. The action plan for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use includes seven
4. Climate Change and Global Regional
Thematic Area 3. Climate Action for Sustainability
strategies and 37 actions to address the objectives of this theme.
Environmental Challenges
5. Biodiversity and Ecosystems Thematic Area 2. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use
Theme 3
Thematic Area 4. Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine and Coastal
6. Coastal and Marine Resources Resources Climate Actions for Sustainability
Implementation Information and Global warming is caused by continual human activities, with the inevitable impact of the progressive
Resource Mobilization emission into the atmosphere of greenhouse gases (GHGs), entrapping the Earth’s heat. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
7. Cross-cutting issues and challenges and Monitoring Knowledge Management
for NEAP delivery
Arrangements for NEAP for Green Growth causes the highest impact; the others are methane, oxides of nitrogen and chlorofluorocarbons. Besides the
direct impact of the rise in temperature on plant and animal life, global warming will cause perturbations in
Figure 1.2. Linkages among NEP and NEAP Thematic Areas
the Earth’s weather patterns and a rise in sea level. Changes in weather patterns are generally expected to
increase rainfall in wet areas and aggravate water shortages in dry areas. Sea level rise will occur due to the
melting of polar ice sheets and a decrease in the snow cover in mountainous regions, as well as the expansion
of ocean water bodies. Although the human-induced global warming is now unavoidable, the scale of the
impacts will depend on the extent to which the global community will adopt measures to restrict the emission
6 7
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 2021-2030: pathway to sustainable development in Sri Lanka NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
ACTION PLAN
ACTION
2021-2030:
PLAN 2022-2030:
pathway to sustainable
Pathway to development
sustainable development
in Sri Lanka
of greenhouse gases. Sri Lanka recognizes its responsibility as a global citizen to uphold the Paris Agreement’s Theme 6
underlying principal of containing global warming under to 2°C. It will strive to steer development along a
low-emission trajectory, that supports both mitigation and adaptation to climate change, with a strong focus Holistic Waste Management
on reaching high income and human development in the next decade. Waste could be defined as substances or objects which the holder intends or is required to dispose of. Though
The action plan for this thematic area includes six strategies and 121 actions to meet the expected objectives the waste could be generated by natural phenomena, the current severity of waste issues is attributed to the
for climate change. urbanization, industrialization and economic growth of human societies, with both quantitative (generation
of more waste) and qualitative (varied compositions, including chemicals, hazardous and toxic wastes, as
well as healthcare waste) implications. The situation is aggravated further with the changing lifestyles and
Theme 4 consumption pattern trends in a consumerist society, together with use of more chemicals and hazardous
substances. The ever-changing quantity and quality of waste has led to the management of waste becoming
Conservation and Sustainable use of Marine and Coastal Resources more complex. The issue of waste is deliberated more in cities and other urban environments, particularly in
Because Sri Lanka is an island, the ocean is a vital resource for aspects such as food security, trade and relation to the generation municipal solid waste and industrial waste. Poorly managed waste could lead to
shipping, coastal livelihoods, tourism, coastal protection and national security. Sri Lanka’s coastal and marine severe adverse impacts on air, surface and groundwater, soil, as well as the coastal and marine environment,
resources and biological diversity, as well as the coastal and marine environment, provide a range of critical climate, and ultimately, from multiple fronts, on public health, with corresponding economic implications.
ecosystem services that benefit the people, sustaining livelihoods, as well as playing a vital role in economic
development and strengthening protection from natural disasters. Sri Lanka’s coastal zone is under threat The action plan for the holistic waste management thematic area includes nine strategies and 63 actions to
from increasing population pressure and unmanaged human activities that cause coastal water pollution meet the challenges in the sector.
because of, inter alia, sewage and solid waste; industrial effluents; pollution by tourists; the sectors of
power, fisheries and aquaculture; oil spills; heavy metals and plastics. In addition, there is coastal erosion,
sedimentation and siltation because sand and coral mining, coastal structures, upland irrigation schemes,
deforestation, dams, etc.; habitat destruction, resource depletion and loss of biodiversity because of over- Theme 7
harvesting, selective harvesting and use of harmful harvesting techniques. These threats are exacerbated Integrated Water Resources Management
by global warming leading to climate change and sea level rise, impacting on coastal ecosystem health,
livelihoods (e.g., fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism) and the increased frequency and severity of natural Water is an essential component of the environment, which helps to sustain all forms of life - including humans
hazards - such as storm surges and storm waves. - on Earth. This is a resource that is considered finite and hence, the pressure on this resource is increasing,
especially with the population growth, changes in lifestyles, increase in industrialization and many other
The action plan for this thematic area has nine strategies and 49 actions to address the challenges identified anthropogenic activities. The contamination of water - which make this precious resource unsuitable for use -
under this Theme.
has currently become a serious challenge. Because of this, providing safe drinking water has become a priority
in Sri Lanka. In addition, strategies need to be taken to ensure that people are provided with adequate water
for irrigation to ensure livelihoods and food security. This theme on integrated water resources management
Theme 5 is expected to formulate strategies within next 10 years to address those key challenges, while safeguarding
Sustainable Land Resources Management the environmental sustainability.
Land is a fundamental natural resource on which life depends. Land resources refer to the terrestrial surface, The action plan includes 14 strategies and 74 actions to achieve sustainability for this sector.
encompassing all attributes of the biosphere immediately above or below this surface, including near-
surface climate, terrain forms, hydrology, the soil, near-surface layers, fauna, flora, human settlements and
infrastructure. Land is the most vital natural resource and foundation, as well as the key driver of Sri Lanka’s Theme 8
economic productivity, well-being and livelihood. Land resources are being used by several economic sectors
such as agriculture, plantation, forestry, irrigation schemes, human settlements, industries and infrastructure Environmental Management in Cities and Human Settlements
and include many types of landscapes and ecosystems. It is known that healthy ecosystems provide food, Historically, urbanization characterized the economic development of human societies and countries.
shelter, the capacity to assimilate and recycle wastes, clean air and water. Although cities and urban settlements, in general, are the face of the future, urbanization has become a
Land use changes have transformed land cover to farmlands, human settlements and urban centres, at the rapidly growing force and the most significant trends shaping the built environment over the course of the
cost of natural vegetation. Many studies have shown strong linkages between the present trends of land-use past century, as an increasing number of people have begun to move to towns and cities. Urbanization is
changes and deforestation, biodiversity loss and land degradation. Increased population pressure in different not just an outcome of the shift out of agriculture and into an economy dominated by industrial and other
types of natural lands, results many consequences and impacts threatening the sustainability, consistency and services, but is coupled strongly with the provision of more economic advantages. In particular, cities are
the existence of ecosystem components. Improper and un-synchronized land governance and unfriendly land centres of excellence, bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, financiers and academics. They attract
use changes aggravate land degradation reducing the capacity of on-site and off-site ecosystem functions.
a rising tide of humanity – people hoping for better lives for themselves and families. The cities and human
The action plan for this thematic area has nine strategies and 53 actions to meet the objectives of sustainability. settlements in urban areas are dynamic and vital parts of the human society and are the main engines of
social, economic and technological development. The economic role of cities is significant. Every region in
the world is expected to become more urbanized in the next 10 years, although highly urbanized areas are
expected to slow their rate of urban growth.
The action plan for this sector includes nine strategies and 60 actions to meet sustainability objectives.
8 9
Theme 9
Greening Industries
Industrial establishments in Sri Lanka have the potential to cause environmental damage by discharging
waste products, which may be toxic and hazardous. Among these, textile dyeing and bleaching; paper;
paints; cement; asbestos; leather tanning; rubber processing; food processing; distilleries; manufacturing of
agricultural and mineral products; and metal works are of particular concern. Industrial effluents are sources
of toxic inorganic compounds containing heavy metals, as well as organic compounds.
The action plan for greening industries includes nine strategies and 72 actions to be implemented by various
stakeholders.
Chapter 3 is on Resource Mobilization, which has three sections covering budgeting, financing and valuation.
Budgeting explains how the indicative budgets for each action are derived, while financing indicates the
available sources of resources to meet budget requirements to implement the actions in NEAP. The final
section of this chapter is on valuation, where a framework is presented on the benefits of undertaking NEAP
Actions.
The chapter consists of six strategies and 26 actions.
Chapter 4 is on Information and Knowledge Management for Green Growth where the communication,
capacity building and knowledge management aspects for the NEAP are presented.
Chapter 4 presents five strategies and 22 actions.
Chapter 5 is on the Implementation and Monitoring Arrangements for the NEAP. One of the main drawbacks
in the previous environmental action plans was associated with implementation. Therefore, the cross-cutting
areas in the NEAP were targeted to address these limitations. The key feature in the arrangements for
implementation is the establishment of a NEAP Secretariat at the MoE, to facilitate the implementation and
monitoring of the NEAP.
Chapter 5 has two strategies and 17 actions.
This version of the NEAP is different because it contains indicative costing, a resource mobilization plan with
innovative financing mechanisms, communication and knowledge management, as well as institutional
arrangements for the implementation and coordination of the NEAP, such as the establishment of a NEAP
Secretariat, NEAP Coordinating Committees and NEAP Working Groups for integrating environmental
considerations into development planning.
It is expected that each implementing agency adopts the NEAP and integrates relevant actions into their annual
chapter 2
programme and periodically reports the progress of implementation to the NEAP Secretariat. Integrating
NEAP actions into individual action plans is expected at both national and sub-national entities of the state,
international agencies, NGO, private sector in order to meet the sustainable development objectives of Sri THEMATIC AREAS
Lanka.
10 11
© Ministry of Environment
Theme 1
Air Quality Management
Air is a natural resource produced from a series of complex interactions between

the atmosphere and other elements in biosphere. Clean air is essential, not
only for overall human health and well-being, but also for the integrity of the
biosphere. Multiple natural and anthropogenic sources and processes create air
pollution, thus diminishing the quality of clean air.
12 13
2.1.1 Overview
Air is a natural resource produced from a series of complex interactions between the atmosphere and other
elements in biosphere. Clean air is essential, not only for overall human health and well-being, but also for the
integrity of the biosphere. Multiple natural and anthropogenic sources and processes create air pollution, thus
diminishing the quality of clean air. While natural sources can contribute substantially to local air pollution in
some regions, the contribution from human activities far exceeds that from natural sources, and this is mainly
attributed, in recent decades, to economic development practices and lifestyles. Air quality (AQ) degradation
occurs both indoors and outdoors, and depends on a complex set of parameters such as emitting sources,
processes, pollutants, dispersion mechanisms and environmental conditions. Although ambient air pollution
is mostly from local emission sources, under certain atmospheric conditions airborne pollutants can travel
long distances across national borders (transboundary), thereby affecting the environment considerably far
from its original source. Air pollution poses a major threat to human health and has detrimental impacts on
climate, agriculture, biodiversity, ecosystems, buildings/structures and the quality of human life, in general.
The most severe impact of air pollution is health issues for humans. Exposure to air pollution causes a wide
range of health impacts including respiratory illness and infections, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and
adverse birth outcomes (e.g. pre-term birth and low birth weight). A growing body of evidence links air
pollution to other health problems including cataracts, ear infections, the onset of asthma in children, chronic
deficits in lung function, stunting, diabetes, childhood obesity, developmental delays, reduced intelligence and
neurological disorders that afflict both children and adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates
that worldwide, outdoor and indoor air pollution causes seven million premature deaths. This is attributed
primarily to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which ranks as the 6th highest risk factor for premature
deaths. Over 90% of populations exposed and affected are in low- and middle-income countries, including
those in Southeast Asia (ADB, 2018). About 70% cities in developing countries in Asia have unhealthy levels
of air pollution. Annually, close to four million people die prematurely from illness attributable to household
air pollution from inefficient cooking practices that use polluting stoves fired with solid fuels and kerosene,
while outdoor air pollution contributes to over two million premature deaths in Asia. Outdoor air pollution
is among the top five risks in the developing countries of Asia (ADB, 2014). Another aspect of air pollution
is that, though it affects everyone, the burden of related disease has a disproportionate impact on certain
vulnerable segments of populations such as women, children, the elderly, minorities, indigenous peoples and
other traditional communities, people living in poverty, as well as people with pre-existing health conditions
(UN, 2019).
Air quality degradation has adverse impacts on agriculture, biodiversity and ecosystems. Some air pollutants
- such as ground level ozone and particulates - have damaging impacts on agricultural productivity. Globally,
it is estimated that about 100 million tonnes of crops are lost annually because of air pollution. In addition,
various air pollutants cause, or contribute to, acidification of lakes, eutrophication of estuaries and coastal
waters as well as mercury bioaccumulation in aquatic food webs. Terrestrial ecosystems - including forests,
grasslands and their soils -are also damaged by air pollutants. Ambient air pollution also contributes to climate
change with emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) such as black carbon as a consequence of the
combustion of diesel and solid biomass fuels (UN, 2019).
The economic implication of air pollution is also a major concern. While the expenditure for the healthcare
systems is a burden to the economy, the economic output too is adversely affected by deterioration of the
health conditions of people. For example, globally, the estimated annual healthcare cost in 2015 was USD
21 billion, which is predicted to increase to USD 176 billion by 2060. Air pollution could be responsible for a
reduction in global economic output of USD 330 per person. In South Asia, the annual labour income losses
from premature deaths of working-age men and women are equivalent of 0.8% of the gross domestic product
(GDP) (ADB, 2018).
14 15
With the overpowering impacts of AQ degradation on human lives, health, economy, biodiversity, ecosystems 2.1.2 Current Status
etc., the need for a comprehensive and systematic approach to AQ management (AQM) has been recognized
The issue of air pollution in Sri Lanka, particularly in the urban sector, surfaced in late 1990s with the findings of
worldwide. This requires the mainstreaming of AQM into the development agenda of the country. Accordingly,
several research studies and field measurements. The analysis of AQ data suggested that the transport sector
AQM is now incorporated into the targets and indicators of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development
Theme 1
was the main source of pollution. Accordingly, the main thrust in AQM has been given to the road transport
Goals (SDGs) such as Good Health & Wellbeing (Goal 3) and Sustainable Cities & Communities (Goal 11).
sector, and Sri Lanka Vehicle Emission Testing programme (SLVET) is now being implemented throughout the
Other SDGs that directly or indirectly contribute to improving global AQ include: SDG 7 (Affordable and
country. The implementation of SLVET, since 2008, has shown progressive improvements in the urban AQ (as
Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and
signified by the reduction of PM10 concentrations from >70 µg/m3 in 2008 to ~60 µg/m3 in 2015), even with a
Production) (ADB, 2018). Further, increased attention by global community to issues of air pollution has been
significant increase in the active vehicle fleet. However, over the years, due to rapid economic development,
seen recently with several initiatives such as (i) UN declaration on International Day of Clean Air for blue skies
urbanization, industrialization, deterioration of public transport and increased use of personal vehicles as
(September 07), emphasizing the importance of and urgent need to raise public awareness at all levels and to
well as lifestyle changes, AQ continues to degrade. This degradation has been attributed to wide-ranging
promote and facilitate actions to improve AQ; (ii) the Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), a global effort that
sources/processes in other sectors (such as power, industry, waste).
unites governments, civil society and private sector, committed to improving AQ and protecting the climate in
next few decades by reducing SLCPs across sectors; and (iii) the resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights In addition to the transport sector, other main concerns of AQ degradation are thermal power plants (particularly
Council (UNHRC) in 2018 in Human Rights and the Environment, which describes human rights obligations coal), open burning and open dumping/dump sites in the waste sector (particularly municipal solid waste and
relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment and protection gaps thereto, healthcare waste), industrial processes, and use of variety of chemicals and hazardous materials. The burning
including in the context of sustainable development. of plastics and polythene at lower temperatures at household level, a common practice in Sri Lanka, is of
particular concern, as this emits dioxins and furans – which are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) identified
Of these, UNHRC mandates the member states to protect the clean air component as a right to a healthy
under the Stockholm Convention. Further, frequent breakdowns, malfunctioning and limited functionalities
environment though seven key steps, including (a) monitoring AQ and impact on human health; (b) assessing
of air pollution control sub-systems and devices of the existing coal power plant have been occurred from
sources of air pollution; (c) making information publicly available, including public health advisories; (d)
commencement to date, leading to concerns over the severity of environmental implications of the plant.
establishing AQ legislation, regulations, standards and policies; (e) developing AQ action plans at the local,
Particulate emissions, from the construction industry also has been a key concern. Further, though there is
national and, if necessary, regional levels; (f) implementing AQ action plans, and enforcing standards; and
limited data, indoor air pollution (IAP) is considered to be more critical in both urban and rural households
(g) evaluating progress and, if necessary, strengthening plans to ensure that the standards are met (UN,
and built environment, because of the presence of multiple sources (including infiltration of outdoor air) and
2019). As illustrated in Figure 2.1.1, these seven steps could be taken into consideration in developing a
inadequate levels of ventilation. Biomass cooking with inefficient and conventional stoves, particularly in
strategic framework for AQM, providing a sound basis for the development of strategies and activities under
rural and urban-poor communities, therefore becomes a key concern (Ranathunga et al., 2021).
the Thematic Area 1.
Considering the diverse sources of air pollution (both stationary and mobile), there could be thousands of
Conducive Policy Emission Sources Sound Knowledge, chemicals which have negative impacts on AQ. However, to date the substances that have been the primary
Environment & Competency & Capacity focus of abatement efforts because of their known adverse health effects are: particulate matter (PM10 and
Governance PM2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3) and lead (Pb). Also
among many other air pollutants of concern are benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and
Emissions furans, asbestos and mercury. The lack of resources for measurements and monitoring of concentrations of
air pollution has resulted in limited availability of information on AQ levels in the country. The available data
Dispersion
Monitoring on ambient AQ indicates that, in general, the annual average concentrations of the pollutants such as PM10,
Modelling
Regulations PM2.5, SO2, NOX, O3 and CO are within the national standards, but some pollutants such as PM2.5 do not comply
(Air Quality, Source Air Pollutant with the WHO guidelines. However, there are seasonal variations and sudden increases, where the pollution
Control Emissions, Fuel / Raw Concentrations levels record significantly higher values than annual averages. Some of the rapid increases, particularly PM,
Measures Material Quality & (Air Quality)
Technology)
are attributed to potential transboundary air pollutions.
The ambient concentration of air pollutants has been highest in the Colombo city area, where a significant
proportion of the country’s population resides, and most of the industrialization, transportation and
Effects commercial activities occur. Here, the transport sector is considered to contribute about 60% to air pollution.
Cost / Benefit
Analysis
Meanwhile, the city of Kandy, because of its topography, has been shown to have significant effects on AQ
levels. The AQ levels in other major urban centres such as Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya and Galle
have also seen progressive deterioration due to an increased number of vehicles and the establishment of
Impact Sustainable Financial
Exposure Assessment
Resource Mobilization industrial activities within and in the periphery. During the initial period of COVID-19 pandemic, during which
Assessment
vehicle movements were restricted, a significant improvement in urban AQ levels was observed, indicating
Figure 2.1.1. Strategic framework for integrated air quality management plan (AQM plan)
that the major contribution for air pollution is, in fact, from the transport sector. Though the implementation
of SLVET since 2008 has shown positive impact on air quality, the programme has not been updated since
then, resulting in inadequacy for the current circumstances, while the lack of quality assurance has resulted
a variety of shortcomings, signifying the urgent need for a review and upgrade.
16 17
The lack of a centralized AQ monitoring network for generation of sufficient data to understand the actual 2.1.4 Introduction to the Action Plan
status air pollution across the country is critical for effective AQM in Sri Lanka. Though limited, the efforts of
The action plan for the Thematic Area 1: AQM is formulated with a set of guiding principles, in line with
ambient AQ measurements and monitoring carried out by agencies - such as Central Environmental Authority
those of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs, and the strategic directions received in
(CEA), National Building Research Organization (NBRO) and Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) - have revealed
Theme 1
design, preparation and development of the National Environment Action Plan 2022 for Sri Lanka. Further,
some vital information on the status and trends in AQ levels in the country. Further, frequent experiences
the strategies and activities are identified within the strategic framework for integrated AQM plan presented
and public complaints of poor AQ are witnessed in and around stationary sources (e.g. flue gas and fugitive
previously, and built on the CA2025AP and the Mission 1: Clean Air Everywhere of the National Action Plan
emissions from the coal power plant, smoke from healthcare waste incinerators and crematoriums, fugitive
for Haritha Lanka Programme 2015-2022 (Draft). Although there were twelve strategic areas identified
emissions from industrial processes, indoor air pollutions because of combustion and evaporative emissions),
in CA2025AP, the AQM thematic area of NEAP presented in this section use ten strategies to present the
as well as open burning of waste. Lack of data and information on these sources and processes hinders a clear
necessary actions. The two strategic areas related to human resource development and the development of
understanding of the situation. This is further aggravated by the ever-increasing respiratory illnesses and
sustainable financing mechanisms in CA2025AP are integrated as activities into each of the other ten areas
related health impacts are good indications of the severity of the air pollution issue in the country (Nandasena
to derive the ten main strategies of AQM thematic area of the NEAP. Such integration is required because
et al., 2012).
capacity building and financial requirements are primarily programme- project- or activity-based parameters.
2.1.3 Policy and Legal Framework

2.1.5 Strategies for Management
There is no separate policy on clean air or AQM in Sri Lanka but the topic is covered by National Environment
Shown below are ten main strategies of the Thematic Area 1: AQM:
Policy and Strategies published in 2003, which stress the commitment of government, in partnership with the
people, to effectively manage the environment for the benefit of present and future generations. The aim of Strategy 1. Effectuate a sound institutional framework for integrated AQM, while fostering advocacy,
the policy is to ensure sound environmental management within a framework of sustainable development in governance and stakeholder participation.
Sri Lanka. This policy has recently been updated as the National Environment Policy (NEP), in which the policy
statement on Controlling of Air Pollution refers directly to AQM. Other recent national development policies Strategy 2. Manage air pollution from mobile sources.
such as the National Policy Framework – Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour and National Policy and the
Strategy 3. Manage air pollution from stationary sources.
Strategy on Sustainable Development (Draft), and several other sectoral policies and strategies also support
AQM. Strategy 4. Manage indoor air pollution issues.
The main legal and institutional framework for AQM is the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980 (NEA) Strategy 5. Prevent air pollution due to unethical, unintentional, unprofessional and harmful actions.
and subsequent amendments, as well as the establishment of CEA to implement the provisions of NEA. A series
Strategy 6. Reduce air pollution by deploying environmentally sound technologies, processes and cleaner
of regulations related to AQM has been gazetted, including National Environmental (Ambient Air Quality)
fuels.
Regulations, National Environment (Air Emission, Fuel and Vehicle Importation Standards) Regulations,
National Stationary Sources Emission Standards, and subsequent amendments to those. Of these, ambient Strategy 7. Establish comprehensive and integrated air quality monitoring and modelling facilities, with
AQ regulations specify maximum permissible levels for six pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, O3 and CO, which a centralized data sharing platform.
are, in general, less stringent than those of WHO guidelines. Adoption of WHO guidelines for the ambient AQ
regulations is anticipated for clean environment, but the economic situations in the country, lack of resources, Strategy 8. Encourage information and knowledge management, including citizen science, for better air
inadequate level of enforcement and limited data/information make implementation unrealistic. Yet, regular quality.
review and strict enforcement of the ambient AQ regulations have become crucial elements in integrated Strategy 9. Foster innovation, research and development for effective AQM.
AQM plan.
Strategy 10. Enhance global participation and collaboration for furthering AQM.
Another important landmark of AQM in Sri Lanka is the establishment of Air Resource Management Centre
(AirMAC), which has been instrumental in consolidating stakeholder participation on AQM in the country
(AirMAC, 2012). Though not institutionalized, AirMAC is effected through the functionalities of the Air
Resource Management & National Ozone Unit (ARM&NOU), within Ministry of Environment. This unit is
now coordinating AQM activities, particularly policy-related matters, while engaging stakeholders – including
government, private sector, academics and civil society organizations. Some recent initiatives of the division
include the development of a Road Map for Cleaner Fuels & Vehicles and Ambient Air Quality Guidelines. One
of the key undertakings of ARM&NOU is the monitoring of the progress of activities and targets of Clean Air
2025 Action Plan (CA2025AP). This includes twelve main strategies and a set of sub-strategies and activities
under each thematic area (MoMD&E, 2016). It is the evolving outcome of a comprehensive set of strategies
and activities identified and prioritized by the stakeholders since the early 1990s, as reflected in the Clean
Air Action Plans published since then (2000, 2007 and 2015). In fact, the Mission 1: Clean Air Everywhere of
the National Action Plan for Haritha Lanka Programme 2015-2022 (Draft) too was built on the experience and
lessons learned from Clean Air Action Plans (MoMD&E, 2015). This mission includes twelve strategies and a
set of actions under each strategy, which are very similar in character and scope to those of CA2025AP.
18 19
2.1.6 Action Plan for Air Quality Management
Actions Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Baseline Targets Time Frame Relevant Indicative Implementation
(in years) SDG Budget Responsibility
Theme 1
Target/s (LKR M)
S M L Lead Other Key
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agency Agencies
Strategy 1: Effectuate a sound institutional framework for integrated AQM,

while fostering advocacy, governance and stakeholder participation.
1.1 Improve and formalize the institutional No. of Stakeholder consultative meetings No regular 4  - - MoT, MoP,
arrangement of Air Resource Management Centre held meetings 16.6; MoEn,
(AirMAC), as a multi-stakeholder partnership for 17.17; 1.5 MoE MoInd
effective engagement of stakeholders in decision- 17.20
No. of Working Committee meetings held - 6  - - MoH, CEA
making and implementation
1.2 Establish and operationalize sound functional No. of TEC meetings held/yr - 3    MoT, MoP,
arrangements of AirMAC, for effective and active 16.6; MoEn,
engagement of stakeholders through involvement 17.17; 3.1 MoE MoInd,
of Technical Expert Committees (TECs) & Technical No. of TWG meetings held/yr - 6  - - 17.20 MoH, CEA,
Working Groups (TWGs) Uni
1.3 Create and sustain political support and No. of Policy dialogues conducted/yr No regular 3   
commitment for AQM (at national, provincial and dialogues 17.20 4.4 MoE MoPP&L
local government levels)
1.4 Promote good governance concepts for AQM No. of stakeholder consultation programmes No regular 3   
16.7;
through stakeholder consultations at national, held/yr consultations
17.17; 2.7 MoE MoPP&L
provincial and local government levels No. of meetings with government entities No regular 2   
17.20
held/yr meetings
1.5 Encourage a conducive policy and regulatory Policy and regulatory reviews conducted/yr - 1    MoT, MoP,
environment for AQM through annual reviews of MoE MoEn,
16.6;
key regulations, including Ambient air quality and 1.4 MoInd.
17.14
source emission standards MoPP&L,
CEA
1.6 Establish and maintain a central platform to record Establishment of a central platform - Fully operational Central platform NPD, Uni,
the relevant AQM programmes and projects central platform established 12.6; 12.8; CEA, ITI,
5.0 MoE
implemented in the country, with the supervision No. of updates done/yr - 4    16.10 NBRO, NSF,
of AirMAC (link to Activity 10.5) NRC
Strategy 2: Manage air pollution from mobile sources.

2.1 Promote the concept of ‘Avoid/Reduce’ within Formulation of a communication strategy - Communication
the broader context of mobility/ connectivity/ (and knowledge products) strategy
accessibility, including the use of ICT for developed
MoE, ICTA,
virtual connectivity and services through the No. of national level awareness campaigns No national 1  1.4; 4.7;
100.0 MoT SLSEA, NTC,
development and implementation of a for stakeholders on Avoid/Reduce concept level awareness 12.8
UDA
communication strategy, covering all critical conducted/yr campaigns
masses and effective use of communication
platform (link to Theme 8 – Activity 4.1)
20 21
Target/s (LKR M)
Theme 1
2.2 Advocate the ‘Shift’ concept in moving away No. of national level awareness campaigns on No national 1   
from high polluting transport modes to cleaner Shift concept conducted/yr level campaigns MoE, SLSEA,
ones, with particular emphasis on NMT (walking/ 4.7; 9.1; NTC, SLR,
100.0 MoT
cycling), public transport (bus, rail), intermodal / 11.2 DMT, CTB,
multimodal transport systems (link to Theme 8 - UDA
Activity 4.1)
2.3 Immediate remediation of SLVET with (i) No. of key interventions initiated Limited 5 All the 5 - -
the establishment of a Technical Advisory functionality interventions
Committee (TAC); (ii) Auditing of VET Centres; initiated
(iii) Establishment of a certification procedure for No. of TAC meetings conducted/yr - 4   
garages; (iv) Road-side testing programme, and (v) SMoVR,
% of VET Centres Audited - 100%    3.9; 11.6;
Recruitment of permanent cadre 5.9 DMT MoE, CEA,
No. of awareness programmes on - 3    13.3
MUSSD
certification of garages conducted/yr
No. of progress reports on roadside testing - 4   
submitted to TAC/yr
% of permanents cadre positions filled - 100% 75% 100% 100%
2.4 Revive and operationalize the VET Fund, with Retrieval of VET fund Not within VET VET Fund VET Fund - -
particular emphasis on allocation of financial programme retrieved within retrieved within
No additional SMoVR,
resources for the implementation of SLVET and VET programme VET programme 9.a; 17.20 DMT
cost MoE, MoF
CA2025AP in particular, and NEAP in general Progress report of VET Fund submitted to - 2   
TAC/yr
2.5 Operationalize the VET database, with particular Operational level of VET database Limited Fully functional Fully functional - -
emphasis on progress reporting and access to functionality VET database VET database 12.8; No additional SMoVR,
DMT
stakeholders/researchers Progress report of VET database submitted to - 2    16.10 cost MoE, ICTA
TAC/yr
2.6 Strengthen the SLVET through enhanced No. of key interventions initiated and - 4 3 4 4
regulatory interventions, including (i) accreditation operationalized
of VET centres; (ii) certification of testing % of VET Centres accredited Few VET 100% 50% 100% 100%
technicians; (iii) accreditation of garages, (iv) centres
smoke-spotter programme MoE,
% of testing technicians certified Few VET At least 75% 50% 75% 75% 3.9; 4.7;
No additional SMoVR, CEA,
centres 11.6; 13.3; DMT
cost MUSSD,
Implementation level of accreditation scheme No scheme Fully operational Development Accreditation Accreditation 16.6
SLAB
of garages for garage scheme of the scheme scheme scheme is
accreditation initiated established operational
No. of progress reports on smoke spotter - 4   
programme submitted to TAC/yr
2.7 Strengthen the SLVET through effective Formulation of a communication strategy - Communication Endorsed - -
3.9; 4.7;
communication by development and (and knowledge products) strategy communication
11.6; 13.3; 30.0 DMT MoE, SMoVR
implementation of communication strategy and developed strategy
16.6
knowledge products No. of national communication campaigns/yr - 1 -  
22 23
Target/s (LKR M)
Theme 1
2.8 Modify/Upgrade the SLVET through revision of Revision of testing procedures No-load test Revised - Revised testing New VET centre 100.0
testing procedures and standards procedures procedures operators (Programme
developed procured cost) SMoVR,
3.9; 11.6;
Revision of regulations Present test Revised - Revised + MoE DMT, CEA,
13.3
standards/ regulation regulations 1,000.0 MUSSD
regulation gazetted (Investment by
private sector)
2.9 Take initiatives to manage air pollution from other No. of guidelines for rail, water/sea, air - 3 - Emission -
(non-road) passenger/freight transport systems transport control
(rail, water/sea and air) guidelines
developed SLR, CAASL,
3.9; 11.6 6.0 MoE
for (i) rail, (ii) CEA
water/ sea (iii)
air transport
Awareness programmes conducted/yr - 1 - 1 1
Strategy 3: Manage air pollution from stationary sources.

3.1 Popularize and enforce standards for emissions No. of awareness programmes conducted/yr - 2   
from stationary sources through creation of
3.9; 9.4;
awareness and establishment of a database % of BATs/ BARTs covered in the database - 100% 20% 50% 100% 11.6; 12.a; 50.0 CEA MoE
for best available technologies and retrofit % of standards covered in the CoP - 100% 20% 50% 100% 17.6; 17.7
technologies (BATs & BARTs and Code of Practice
(CoP)
3.2 Strengthen the resources (including establishment No. of training programmes conducted/yr - 2    86.0
of IMS) and capacities of the CEA for enforcement No. of field measurement to establish - 2 2 - -
of the regulations and standards baseline 9.4: 12.2; 55.0
CEA MoE
Expenditure for equipment and IMS - 55 M LKR 55 M LKR - - 13.3; 17.7 (Expenditure
for equipment
and IMS)
3.3 Facilitate the enhancement of resources and No. of training programmes conducted/yr - 4   
CEA, ITI,
capacities of other stakeholder organizations 9.4: 12.2;
6.0 MoE NBRO, SLP,
involved in management of air pollution from 13.3; 17.7
MUSSD
stationary sources (e.g. ITI, NBRO, SLP and MUSSD)
3.4 Promote and facilitate management of air No. of training programmes conducted/yr - 3   
MoE, MoInd,
pollution from stationary sources in large and 9.4; 12.2;
50.0 CEA ITI, NBRO,
medium industries with regular familiarization and Scheme for AQM in large and medium - Fully operational AQM scheme AQM scheme in AQM scheme in 17.7
IDB, CCC
enforcement industries AQM scheme established implementation implementation
3.5 Assist control of air pollution from micro, small, No. of training programmes conducted/yr - 6    9.3; 9.4; 50.0 CEA MoE, MoInd,
and traditional industries through creation of Expenditure on piloting (LKR M)/yr - 3    17.7 IDB, ITI,
awareness with the aid of guidelines; sector NBRO
specific regulations; financial schemes, and piloting
of control technologies
24 25
Target/s (LKR M)
Theme 1
3.6 Improve/Update the stationary sources emission Revisions and enforcement of standards Existing Updated - Updated Updated
standards considering local circumstances and standards standards standards standards 3.9; 9.4;
5.0 CEA MoE, MoInd
implementability (particularly non-combustion developed and regularized enforced 11.6
sources) enforced
3.7 Support the industry to identify most effective No. of training programmes/ yr MoE, MoInd,
emission reduction technologies/ processes 9.4; 17.6;
(i) for enforcement officers - 6    50.0 CEA IDB, NERD,
(Environmentally Sound Technology Compendium) 17.7
(ii) Industry - 8    SMoSVR&I
Strategy 4: Manage indoor air pollution issues.

4.1 Publish guidelines for management of indoor air Preparation of IAQ Guidelines Draft Guidelines Published Published - - MoE MoH,
3.9; 7.1 No additional
quality (IAQ) guideline guideline CEA NIOSH, CEA,
11.6 cost
NBRO
4.2 Support the creation of awareness on IAQ No. of consultative meetings held - 6 
issues and potential mitigation options Formulation of communication strategy (and
Communication Endorsed 
through development and implementation of MoE, CEA,
knowledge products) strategy communication 11.6; 12.8
communication strategy and knowledge products 45.2 MoH NBRO,
developed strategy 13.3
(both technical and non-technical) NIOSH
No. of national communication campaigns/ yr - 1 -  
No. of awareness programmes conducted/yr - 12   
4.3 Update and enhance the scope of IAQ guidelines, No. of pilot IAP studies conducted - 3 -  -
including sector specific guides and schemes for 9.4: 11.6 MoE, MoH,
No. of exposure assessment studies - 3 -  -
regularization and compliance, with the aid of pilot conducted 15.4 CEA NBRO,
12.2 NIOSH
studies No. of TWG meetings held - 6 -  -
4.4 Improve the enforcement aspects of the IAQ Total no. of training programmes conducted - 12 4 8 -
guidelines, through awareness on regulatory 9.4: 11.6 MoPP&L,
15.0 UDA
interventions (particularly related to building Total no. of Field measurements campaigns - 6 2 4 - 12.2 MoE, CEA
approval process) conducted
4.5 Facilitate mitigation of indoor air pollution due to No. of national awareness campaign - 2   
cooking, through the creation of awareness and conducted/yr 9.4: 11.6 MoE, MoH,
50.0 SLSEA
technology deployment (improved cook-stoves 12.2 CEA, NERD
and cleaner fuels) No. of pilot ICS dissemination programmes - 10 2 3 5
4.6 Characterize indoor air pollution sources and No. of awareness campaigns/yr - 1   
9.4: 11.6
processes and take action to manage IAP (including No. of field measurements campaigns/yr - 1    25.0 CEA MoE, NBRO
12.2
establishment of IMS)
Strategy 5: Prevent air pollution due to unethical, unintentional,

unprofessional and harmful actions.
5.1 Characterize air pollution as a result of unethical, No. of field measurements campaigns - 1   
MoE, MoH,
unintentional unprofessional and harmful activities conducted/yr 3.9; 11.6 SMoDM,
/ practices and establish a proper IMS 50.0 CEA
12.4 DMC, NBRO,
Operationalize IMS - Operational IMS Established IMS Operational Operational
MoInd
IMS IMS
26 27
Target/s (LKR M)
Theme 1
5.2 Create awareness to reduce air pollution from No. of TWG meetings conducted - 16  - - MoE, MoH,
unethical, unintentional, unprofessional and No. of awareness programmes conducted/yr - 6    3.9; 11.6 SMoDM,
harmful activities / practices 100.0 CEA
No. of media campaigns conducted/yr - 6    12.4 DMC, NBRO,
No. of pilot projects conducted - 8 2 2 4 MoInd
5.3 Prepare a contingency/emergency AQM action No. of TWG meetings held - 8  - - SMoDM,
plan for air quality degradation situations (improve 3.9; 11.6 MoE, MoH,
5.0 CEA
resilience) Contingency plan prepared - Approved Contingency - - 12.4 DMC, MEPA,
contingency plan plan approved NBRO
5.4 Establish more information and specifications No. of field-testing campaigns conducted - 10 4 6 -
MoE, MoH,
on critical pollution processes such as the
MoInd,
construction industry, open burning and Comprehensive report on critical pollution - Comprehensive - Final - 3.9; 11.6;
30.0 CEA SMoDM,
agricultural/fisheries sectors’ endeavours processes prepared report comprehensive 12.4
DMC, MEPA,
(including emission inventory - activity rates / report NBRO, ITI
emission factors)
Strategy 6: Reduce air pollution by deploying environmentally sound technologies, processes and cleaner fuels.
6.1 Promote electric mobility as an energy-efficient No. of TWG meetings held/yr - 2   
and environmentally sound technology (E3ST) No. of national e-mobility projects - 1 GEF Project GEF Project Follow up 7.3; 7.4;
MoE, SLSEA,
option for transport implemented document implementation including 7.a;7.b; 1,750.0 MoT
PUCSL, DMT
preparation and including Sharing lessons 12.a, 17.7
initiation piloting learnt
6.2 Promote local value addition/ manufacture of EVs Annual funding allocated (M LKR/yr) - 2   
and related components / infrastructure, including 7.3; 7.4; MoE, CEA,
20.0 SLSEA
sustainable management system for electric 7.a;7.b MoInd
vehicle batteries (reuse/recycle/safe disposal)
6.3 Promote use of renewable energy (RE) (particularly No. of awareness programmes conducted/yr - 4    7.3; 7.4; MoE, CEB,
solar PV) for e-mobility 5.0 SLSEA
7.a;7.b PUCSL
6.4 Introduce a fuel economy/carbon emission No. of fuel economy labels developed - 6 4 2 -
labelling programme for road vehicles: (i) Phase 1:
7.3; 7.4; SLSEA, MoE,
LDVs; (ii) Phase 2: HDVs (covering gasoline, diesel 10.2 SLSI
7.a;7.b DMT
and EVs) (link to Activity 4.4 in Theme 8)
No. of pilot projects implemented 1 2 1 2 -
6.5 Develop/update fuel quality standards (FQS) No. fuel types covered by updated FQS - 5 5 - -
covering all types (gasoline, diesel, furnace oil, MoE, MoEn,
25.0 CPC
kerosene, coal) and sectors (transport, power, 7.a MoP. MoInd
industry/commercial)
6.6 Introduce cleaner fuels to all sectors through % of fuels complying with FQS produced and - 100% - 60% 100% 200.0
upgrading of local refinery processes (CPC) imported CPC MoEn, MoP
6.7 Study the potential and feasibility of alternative Preparation of the study report and roadmap - Completion of: Completed - -
(cleaner) fuels in the transport sector (such as Study report; study report; MoEn, CPC,
7.4; 7.a 5.0 MoE
biodiesel, ethanol; biogas/methane; NG) to Roadmap Completed SLSEA
establish a roadmap for introduction roadmap
28 29
Target/s (LKR M)
Theme 1
6.8 Create awareness to prevent miscommunications No. of awareness programmes conducted/yr - 2   -

on fuel additives and combustion improvement MoE, CPC,
7.a 10.0 ITI
devices by revealing performance characteristics CEA
through scientific tools
6.9 Promote natural processes to improve air quality, No. of media campaigns conducted/yr - 1   
MoE,
including ventilation, outdoor tree plantations and 11.6 5.0 UDA
MoUDH
indoor houseplants
Strategy 7: Establish comprehensive and integrated air quality monitoring and modelling facilities,
with a centralized data sharing platform.
7.1 Establish a nationwide-integrated AQ monitoring Development of the plan for the integrated - Approved plan AQM plan - -
system, comprising of both a network of central AQM system endorsed
fixed and mobile stations and a complementary/ No. of fixed stations commissioned as per the 2 8 2 2 4
supplementary remote sensing techniques/ 5.0 (program
plan CEA, ITI,
satellite data platform and sensor/sampling 3.9; 11.6 cost) + 414.4 MoE
No. of mobile stations commissioned 2 4 2 2 - NBRO
network (Investment)
Comprehensive remote sensing techniques/ - 1 Establishment of Operation of Operation of
satellite data platform sensor/passive the network the network the network
sampling network
7.2 Sustainable management and operation of the TWG meetings held/yr - 4 -  
nationwide-integrated AQ monitoring system, 15.0 (program
Comprehensive training programmes - 3 -  
including the quality assurance and quality control cost) + 839.6 MoE, MoF,
conducted/yr 3.9; 11.6 CEA
procedures, and financing (Operation ITI, NBRO
General awareness programmes conducted/ - 3    cost)
yr
7.3 Foster AQ modelling though capacity building, No. of AQ modelling activities for - 3   
financial assistance, and modelling/software enforcement conducted/yr
tools (including harmonized standards developed CEA, ITI,
No. of Training programmes conducted/yr - 2    3.9 30.0 MoE
though AQ modelling) NBRO, Univ
Annual funding for AQ modelling allocated (M - 1   
LKR/yr)
7.4 Disseminate AQ information with the use of TWG meetings held - 8  - -
AQ data analysis and reporting protocol and
information dissemination platforms
Improved AQ Indices Present AQ Improved Improved New IAQ Index -
Index AQ indices AAQ index formulated CEA, ITI,
3.9; 11.6 25.0 MoE
formulated formulated NBRO
Information dissemination platform - Information Information Information
established and operationalized dissemination dissemination dissemination
platform platform platform
established operational operational
30 31
Target/s (LKR M)
Theme 1
7.5 Establish and regularly update a national emission Development of template for the inventory Draft template Emission Emission - -
inventory for air pollutants, with referencing to inventory inventory
progression in regional platforms template Template
available established 3.9; 11.6 6.0 CEA MoE
% of key pollutants covered - 100% 20% 50% 100%
% of key sources covered - 100% 20% 50% 100%
Minimum no. of updates/yr - 3 1 2 3
7.6 Enhance the capabilities of the AQ monitoring No. of mobile AQM stations for None 1 - RFP for AQM station 57.0
network, to cover transboundary air pollutions transboundary air pollution AQM station procured and (Investment) MoE, ITI,
3.9; 11.6 CEA
prepared operational + 82.7 NBRO
(Operational)
Strategy 8: Encourage information and knowledge management, including citizen science, for better air quality.
8.1 Foster awareness on AQ issues and potential Development of communication strategy - Communication Approved - -
options and alternative for mitigation with the strategy communication
aid of a communication strategy and knowledge prepared strategy
products (Link to Activity 2.1, Activity 2.2, Activity 3.9; 3.a: MoH, CEA,
Development of knowledge products - Knowledge Approved - - 14.8 MoE
2.7, Activity 4.2, Activity 4.5, Activity 4.6, Activity 11.6; 12.8 Uni
products knowledge
5.2, Activity 5.4 and Activity 6.9) prepared products
8.2 Enhance knowledge on and response to AQ issues Development of educational strategy - Educational Approved - -
and solutions, including establishment of a Citizen strategy educational
Science platform with the aid of an education prepared strategy
strategy/plan and training Development of educational materials - Educational Approved - -
3.9; 3.a: CEA, MoH,
materials educational 25.0 MoE
11.6; 12.8 Uni
prepared materials
No. of ToT programmes conducted/yr - 6   
No. of active citizen science platforms - 3 1 2 3
managed
8.3 Conduct advocacy with policymakers and other key No. of TEC meetings held/yr - 2   
stakeholders through regular communication and No. of National advocacy programmes - 4  
consultations to ensure stronger commitments for conducted/yr 3.9; 3.a:
9.8 MoE CEA, MoH
AQM 11.6
No. on Local government level advocacy - 18   
programmes conducted/yr
Strategy 9: Foster innovation, research and development for effective AQM.

9.1 Establish a research agenda and a roadmap for Development of agenda for prioritized - Research agenda Approved - -
AQM and communicate to research community research prepared research agenda
SMoSVR&I,
Development of roadmap - Research Approved - -
3.9; 4.b; CEA, Uni,
roadmap research 5.0 MoE
9.5; 9.b NBRO, NSF,
prepared roadmap
NRC
No. of communication meetings conducted/ - 2   
yr
32 33
Target/s (LKR M)
Theme 1
9.2 Establish a sustainable funding scheme for AQ No. of TEC meetings conducted/yr - 3   
research and development through consultation VET Fund,
No. of consultative meetings conducted/yr - 2    3.9; 4.b;
with funding/financing agencies 54.1 MoE MoF, NSF,
No. of awareness programmes conducted/yr - 2    9.5; 9.b
NRC
No. of research projects funded/yr - 2   
9.3 Assess and value air pollution impacts (health, No. of TEC meetings conducted/yr - 3   
environmental, social and economic) No. of awareness programmes conducted/yr - 2   
No. of impact assessments and valuations - 3    3.9;4.b; MoH, CEA,
77.1 MoE
conducted/yr 9.5;9.b NBRO, Uni
No. of communications on impacts - 1   
conducted/yr
9.4 Disseminate/Communicate research findings No. of seminars and symposia organized/yr - 1   
Uni, CEA,
by means of local and regional/international
20.0 MoE NBRO, VET
symposia, communication to a larger section of 3.9; Fund
the society and general public 4.b; 9.5;
9.5 Promote innovations and creativity through No. of mentoring sessions conducted/yr - 2    9.b MoE, VET
mentoring, facilitating and incentivizing Annual funding to support inventions (M LKR/ - 0.5    7.0 SLIC Fund, Uni,
yr) CEA
Strategy 10: Enhance global participation and collaboration for furthering AQM.
10.1 Strengthen the existing partnerships with Clean Air Strengthened partnerships with CAA Existing Strengthened Strengthened Continuation Continuation
Asia (CAA) partnership partnership with partnerships No additional CEA, ITI,
17.16 MoE
with limited CAA with CAA is cost NBRO; Uni
activities established
10.2 Explore opportunities to form formal partnerships No. of global partnerships initiated - 3 1 1 1
/ obtain membership of global institutes / No additional CEA, ITI,
17.16 MoE
partnerships (such as Climate and Clean Air Minimum no. of active global partnerships in - 2 1 2 2 cost NBRO, Uni
Coalition – CCAC) each year
10.3 Engage in regional and international initiatives, No. of international symposia engaged with 1 in 2 yr 5 in 10 yrs 2 3 5
projects, and symposiums related to AQM (BAQ) (Continuation) No additional CEA, ITI,
17.16 MoE
cost NBRO, Uni
No. of projects / programmes participated/yr - 1   
10.4 Appraise outcome/benefits of the engagement Appraisal report Initial phase Comprehensive Appraisal report - - 17.16 No additional MoE CEA, ITI,
with regional platforms experience appraisal completed cost NBRO, Uni
10.5 Record and update the AQM programmes and No. of updates performed/yr - 4 2 3 4 11.c; 17.16 No additional MoE CEA,NPD, ITI,
projects implemented with the participation of cost NBRO, Uni
international organizations (link to Activity 1.6)
34 35
© Thilanka Bodikotuwa
Theme 2
Biodiversity Conservation
and Sustainable Use
Sri Lanka boasts of a suite of terrestrial, inland aquatic, coastal and marine
ecosystems, a variety of species, including many endemic and range-restricted
species, which provide humans with life-sustaining ecosystem services. Globally,
Sri Lanka’s biodiversity is highlighted as ‘biologically rich and deeply threatened’
when it was declared as one of 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world with the
Western Ghats of India (Conservation International, 2021). Direct threats include
habitat destruction and degradation, overexploitation, pollution, invasive alien
species and the overarching driver of ecosystem change - climate change, which
exacerbates the impacts of every other threat (MEA, 2005). With the effective
implementation of this theme’s action plan, it is expected that the threats to the
survival of species and to the ecosystems of Sri Lanka will be reduced.
36 37
2.2.1 Overview
Sri Lanka is endowed with rich natural capital (MoMD&E, 2016a; 2019). Globally, Sri Lanka’s biodiversity was
highlighted, when with the Western Ghats of India, it was declared as one of 36 biodiversity hotspots in the
world, that is, areas that are ‘biologically rich and deeply threatened’ (Conservation International, 2021).
Sri Lanka is also recognised globally for its 92 Key Biodiversity Areas (CEPF, 2007; KBA, 2020); 70 Important
Bird Areas (BirdLife International, 2021a & b); two UNESCO natural World Heritage Sites1 listed for their
‘outstanding universal value to humanity’ (UNESCO, 2021); seven Wetlands of International Importance/
Ramsar sites2 (Ramsar, 2014), and four international Man & Biosphere Reserves3 (UNESCO, 2017).
Theme 2
Globally, there has been a slow shift in thinking about biodiversity conservation from the classic model of
delineating protected areas4, to an understanding that agricultural lands, villages, cities and towns, places
of cultural and historical significance, state and private lands are all interdependent mosaics in ‘a fully
integrated landscape’ and therefore, must be managed on a larger, landscape scale (Network for Landscape
Conservation, 2021). Thus, management must shift a) to a bigger geographic scale; b) to include private
areas; and c) from sectoral to collaborative governance (Network for Landscape Conservation, 2021). The
model of Environmentally Sensitive Areas - that balances wise use with conservation measures5 within
human-dominated sites and engages local communities - provides a means of moving management towards
a landscape approach (Janson, 2020).
Technological advances in the last few decades have revolutionised biodiversity conservation: Geographic
Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) coupled with biotelemetry6, camera traps7,
conservation drones and satellite tracking tools are now integral to understanding species populations
and distributions, for precisely following species; assessing vegetative cover and land use change, as well
as mapping habitats and managing human-elephant conflict (Audubon International, undated; Hahn et al.,
2016, Pacheco, 2018; López & Mulero-Pázmány, 2019). Habitat modelling allows for the prediction of the
distribution of a species across geographic space and time. The advances in molecular biology too have
been phenomenal – using artificial methods of reproduction8 and cloning to augment critical endangered
populations (O’Brien, 2015), as well as gene editing techniques, which can now be used delete a harmful gene
or insert a beneficial one (Pacheco, 2018). In Sri Lanka, in the last two decades, phylogenetic studies (using
molecular methodology) have revealed many endemic or range-restricted species.
Many of these technological tools are being used already in Sri Lanka and have contributed greatly to
knowledge about biodiversity, but there are gaps - for example, the use of conservation drones, cutting-edge
ex-situ conservation methods and gene editing - which are yet to be filled.
The ecosystems of Sri Lanka provide humans with life-sustaining ecosystem services. However, the values
of these services are rarely publicised. For example, the value of fish and shellfish from three lagoons -
Batticaloa, Negombo and Puttalam - was estimated to be 2,866 M LKR9 (Samarakoon and Samarawickrama,
2012); the annual value of flood protection from Muthurajawala marsh is 1,710 M LKR10 (Emerton and
Kekulandala, 2002) and carbon sequestration per annum from the mangroves around Puttalam lagoon was
worth 306 M LKR11 (Emerton et al., 2016). In 2019, there were 7.3 M local and foreign tourists visiting areas
1 Sinharaja and the Central Highlands (comprising Horton Plains National Park, Peak Wildnernes Nature Reserve and Knuckles Conservation
Forest).
2 Bundala National Park; Annaiwilundawa Sanctuary; Maduganga Sanctuary; Vankalai Sanctuary; Kumana Wetland Cluster (within the national
park); Wilpattu Wetland Cluster (within the national park), and Colombo Wetland City.
3 Sinharaja, Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiadeniya complex, Bundala and Hurulu (UNESCO, 2017).
4 which usually locked out people, and managed these areas using ‘site-specific, parcel-by-parcel’ methods (Network for Landscape Conservation,
2021).
5 For example, for Threatened, endemic or range-restricted species, as well as sensitive ecosystems, or areas for migratory species, nesting or as
nurseries (Janson, 2020).
6 Radio telemetry, acoustic telemetry, satellite tracking.
7 Motion detection cameras that trigger when an animal passes by (O’Brien, 2015).
8 In vitro fertilisation, surrogacy in domestic species.
9 Current value at 2020.
10 As above.
11 Current value at 2020.
38 39
under the jurisdiction of the DNZG, DNBG, DWC and FD; earning a revenue of 2,966 M LKR for these agencies, twin it with an update of the schedules of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, to achieve congruence
from entrance tickets sales alone (SLTDA, 2019). between conservation science and practice16.
Agriculture, fisheries and tourism rely on natural resources. In 2017, there were 2.1 M households and 8.1 M Through Red Listing, species needing ex-situ conservation can be identified. However, although breeding/
people engaged in agriculture (DCS, 2017); in 2020, 249,680 fisheries households and 295,325 active fishers cultivation ex-situ is being carried out for a range of flora and fauna, except for a few of these species, the
(MFARD, 2020); and 402,607 persons directly and indirectly employed in the tourism sector (SLTDA, 2019). next step of ex-situ conservation - release/transplanting into the wild - has not properly occurred, because of
This means that 40.35% of the estimated population of Sri Lanka for 2019, in just three sectors, depended on the lack of guidelines for release/transplanting and monitoring, as well as capacity building/strengthening in
biodiversity for their livelihoods. all ex-situ centres.
Theme 2
Yet, this natural capital is being damaged and destroyed by indirect and direct drivers of ecosystem change Habitat fragmentation and ensuing isolation outside protected areas of many Threatened species have
(threats). Direct threats are discussed in the following section. resulted in human-wildlife conflict/incidents. In 2019, 405 elephants (Prakash et al., 2020) and reportedly,
in 2020, 12 leopards - which are Endangered - died because of such incidents. Planning and pilot testing
2.2.2 Current status12 innovative methods of mitigation, as well as scaling-up of effective measures will be essential.
In Sri Lanka, the primary driver of ecosystem change (threat to biodiversity) is habitat destruction, as well Some 150 fossil sites17 have been found in many parts of the island. Except for five allotments in Aruwakkalu
as fragmentation and degradation (MoMD&E, 2016). The connectivity among various protected areas is gazetted recently (GoSL, 2021), these are completely unprotected. Preparing management plans and
maintained by state forests not currently within the protected area system, and these need urgent assessment conserving sites that represent key evolutionary links, establishing paleo-biodiversity centres and promoting
and inclusion, as necessary, into the protected area system, because they are crucially needed for the paleo-tourism are needed.
movement of large vagile13 mammals (otherwise existing human-wildlife conflict will likely be exacerbated),
as well as for pollinators and plant propagules. Sri Lanka has lost some 600 traditional, long-lived wild varieties of rice, replaced mostly by varieties improved,
for example, for yield and withstanding pest and disease (MoMD&E, 2016). Therefore, preservation of
It is now known that blue carbon ecosystems - mangroves, inter-tidal flats, salt marshes and seagrass traditional crop varieties and sustainable cultivation methods need continued focus. Other species of concern
meadows - sequester carbon at a rate of 2-4 times greater than that of tropical forests. Therefore, they include endemic and range-restricted species, forestry species, medicinal and aromatic plants - particularly
are critically important to climate change mitigation (Conservation International, 2019). Salt marshes are in the context of climate change. Developing, promoting and implementing bio-prospecting programmes
only just being recognised as ecologically important (Ranawana et al., 2020) but are also largely outside the with benefit sharing will be needed. A National Genome Centre/s, which use(s) cutting-edge molecular
protected area system. methodology for sequencing of genomes, of among other species, traditional varieties/ wild relatives, native
and medicinal plants to ensure wise use of genetic resources must be established. The formulated biosafety
Habitat destruction has been identified as the key driver of the emergence of zoonotic14 diseases (Roe et action plan for the safe use of GMOs18 must be implemented concurrently.
al., 2020). In the current context of the pandemic and with future predictions about the increase of such
diseases, the sheer danger of continuing habitat destruction cannot be over-emphasised (FAO, 2020). The The lack of integration of the economic value of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use into the
phrase, used in the original National Conservation Strategy (CEA, 1988), that protected areas should ‘be made national economy is a critical challenge that needs to be addressed to ensure the long-term conservation of
inviolate by statute’ is now of utmost importance. the island’s natural wealth.
The use of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs), as a different model for conservation, will be critical within Ecotourism - which is inherently sustainable - is often used incorrectly to mean ‘tourism to natural areas’
the context of unsustainable development. In this UN decade of restoration (UN/UNEP/FAO/CBD, 2021), which is not sustainable, as over-visitation and irresponsible behaviour are issues of considerable concern
assessing degraded ecosystems and conducting an island wide programme of ecological restoration is also in Yala National Park (NP), Horton Plains NP, Minneriya NP and Knuckles Conservation Forest. Social carrying
needed. capacities must be enforced and the SLTDA and associations of tour guides must change the tourists’ and
guides’ attitudes as well as promote new sites for visitation.
In addition to habitat destruction, there is overexploitation. This is a main area of concern in the coastal and
marine fisheries sector, discussed under Theme 415. Illegal fishing and collection of endemic freshwater fish Traditional knowledge and practices (such as paddy cultivation, land preparation, shared ownership during
for the ornamental fish trade is still ongoing (Goonatilake et al., 2020). Continuing for decades is the illegal water scarcity, cropping patterns, eco-friendly pest control, and diverse, food-supplying home gardens)
collection of ornamental plants, especially endemic orchids and aquatic ornamental plants. New interests are now slowly dying out. Preservation of these practices will allow for the involvement of communities in
in gardening following COVID-19 lockdowns and the use of social media for advertisement, have greatly biodiversity conservation (Padmasiri, 2018).
increased illegal collection and sale of range-restricted orchids (Fernando, quoted in Sunday Times, 2020).
An applied research agenda to support the strategies proposed is needed. For example, studies of blue carbon
Consequently, many species have become threatened with extinction. Among groups assessed in the last ecosystems are rare (Ranawana et al., 2020). Although forest ecosystems have been studied, the value of
National Red List™, about 48% of assessed plants were threatened (Wijesundara et al., 2020), and among forests not already within the PA system must be assessed in the context of their ongoing destruction. There
land snails, dragonflies, bees, freshwater crabs and amphibians, more than half the recorded species are is also a major gap in relation to research related to predictive studies on the impacts of climate change on
Threatened. For bees and freshwater crabs more than 80% are Threatened (MoE, 2012). The update of the species and ecosystems, as well as studies related to alternative uses of invasive alien species (IAS).
Red List is ongoing, with several groups completed. It is imperative to complete this process quickly and
12 The topics of pollution and climate change – two identified threats to biodiversity (MEA, 2005) – are dealt with under other themes.
13 Able or tending to move from place to place or disperse. 16 There is a difference between the threat level and the protection provided for certain groups, for example, for freshwater fish (Miththapala,
14 Is an infectious disease caused by an infectious agent such as a virus or a bacterium that is transmitted between animals (usually vertebrates) 2015).
and humans. 17 From the Jurassic, Miocene and Holocene periods
15 The issue of poaching of marine mammals and reptiles is also discussed under Theme 4. 18 Based on the Cartagena protocol.
40 41
The exponential growth in the use of social media has increased communication concerning threats to ‘conserve traditional knowledge and practices within the sustainable development framework and thereby
biodiversity. Some understanding is now spreading among the public about ecosystem services. Yet, there is manage the use of natural resources and ensure the upliftment of the life pattern of the local people’ is also
a gap in linking ecosystem well-being to human well-being. Information sharing about biodiversity is not yet implemented by BDS, MoE.
routinised, nor is it readily available even for researchers in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
The ‘Constitution of Sri Lanka’ (1978), Article 27 (14) states that ‘The State shall protect, preserve and
Perhaps the most severe bottleneck in relation to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use is in improve the environment for the benefit of the community’ and Article 28 (f) adds that every person has
institutional issues. There are specific policies for forests, mangroves, watersheds and wetlands, but their a duty ‘to protect nature and conserve its riches’. The ‘Fauna and Flora Protection Act No. 2 of 1937’ last
implementation needs considerable improvement. While many of the policies mentioned above promote amended in 2009, implemented by the DWC, provides direct protection to ecosystems and species. Habitats
holistic, multi-stakeholder management, they appear not to have been absorbed into the national planning are protected by making them parts of a protected area network as national reserves (only state land) and
Theme 2
framework, because often, there is competition for space between development and conservation actions. sanctuaries (both on state and private lands), where each category has different levels of legal prohibition
of activities and restrictions. Species are protected under this ordinance through a series of lists (schedules),
Also lacking among the policies is an overarching one for biodiversity. Before the 2004 tsunami, the value in which there are categories of protection, based on penalties for infractions. The ‘Forest Ordinance No.
of mangroves as a means of protection from extreme weather events was unknown, and before the MEA 16 of 1907’ also amended in 2009, implemented by the FD, provides for the declaration of three types of
(2005), IAS may have been known but their adverse ecological and economic costs were not yet understood. protected areas: Conservation Forests, Reserved Forests (Forest Reserves) and Village Forests. All these can
Using the precautionary principle, an overarching policy for biodiversity must be formulated, as protection be declared on state land only and there are different restrictions imposed and penalties detailed, within
from what is yet unknown. the different categories of reserves. Implemented by the CEA, the ‘National Environmental Act No. 47 of
1980’ and its amendments, are important for this theme as it requires mandatory Initial Environmental
There is a need to carry out a review of all biodiversity-related laws and resolve overlaps and gaps, as well Examination (IEE), or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports for certain development projects,
as conflicting aims, it is also necessary to legislate the inclusion of community participation, as in general, which need identification of the biodiversity of the area that will be affected by the proposed project, and
there is inadequate community participation in conservation, though fisheries and forestry legislation have recommendations for mitigation measures. In addition, there are provisions in this act to designate areas
mechanisms to mobilise communities. as Environmental Protection Areas, in areas of value in biodiversity. The ‘Coast Conservation Act No. 57 of
1981’ as amended, mandates the CC&CRMD to be involved directly in natural resource conservation and
The main weakness in Sri Lanka’s legislation is that there need to be considerable improvement in
management, including conservation and management of mangroves and seagrass meadows in the coastal
implementation. Both the DWC and FD are operating with only about 76% and 81% of their expected strength
zone. The ‘Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 02 of 1996’ and its amendments, implemented by the
of officers as approved cadres (MoF, 2020). Improving the capacity of all officers in these organisations is also
DFAR, prohibit the harvest of marine mammals, marine turtles and thresher sharks; prohibit/regulate export
needed, ensuring the use of modern technological tools and new approaches to conservation. There are now
and import of certain species; provide for ecosystem-based collaborative management of designated fisheries
many virtual webinars and workshops run by various agencies, such as IUCN’s Commissions of Ecosystem
reserves and fisheries management areas, and prohibit removal, cutting or altering mangrove ecosystems.
Management and Protected Areas, which provide low-cost training.
The ‘National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan’ (NBSAP) (2016-2022) is based on the following five strategic
Almost every recent policy states the need for an inter-sectoral multi-stakeholder approach. This will require
objectives: ensuring the long-term conservation of biodiversity; promoting sustainable use of biological
institutionalised multi-stakeholder platforms, at national and district levels.
resources; conserving agrobiodiversity; promoting equitable sharing of benefits from biodiversity; and
improving human well-being through an ecosystem approach. It has 12 targets and 87 actions. However,
2.2.3 Policy and Legal Framework19 under this theme, several of these actions have moved to Theme 3 (Climate actions for sustainability); Theme
The key national policy framework under which this theme is written is ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ 4 (Conservation of Marine and Coastal Resources), Theme 5 (Land); and Themes 1 and 6 (Pollution). The
(2019), Chapter 8: A Sustainable Environmental Policy, where biodiversity ‘will be protected, conserved and oversight agency is BDS, MoE. The Haritha Lanka Programme (HLP) (2009-2016) Mission 2: Saving the Fauna,
restored, ensuring the increase national forest cover by 30%. The wise use as well and planned and systematic Flora and Ecosystems had ten strategies and 52 actions. Haritha Lanka Programme (2015-2022), Mission
integration into other sectors are also envisioned’. The ‘National Policy on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in 2: Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation for Sustainable Development had 11 strategies and 72 actions.
Sri Lanka Strategies and Action Plan’ (2016), implemented by the BDS, MoE, envisages a comprehensive, The National REDD+ Investment Framework and Action Plan (NRIFAP) (2017), implemented by FD, is a five-
coordinated, and efficient system, with adequate laws to protect both natural and human-made aquatic, year framework for REDD+ in Sri Lanka. This framework identifies 13 Policies and Measures within three
marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Sri Lanka from risks associated with IAS and provides guidance for actions key policy areas: i) Forests, Wildlife and Watershed; ii) Land Use Planning and iii) Other Forested Lands.
related to IAS’. The ‘National Policy for Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Mangrove Ecosystems in Many of the Policies and Measures – improving forest law enforcement and monitoring; scaling-up of forest
Sri Lanka’ (2020) (implemented by the BDS, MoE) has four goals: i) both human and ecological well-being in boundary surveys; demarcating and declaring reserves; restoring degraded forests and wildlife ecosystems;
areas where mangroves are found; ii) ensuring the intake of concerns regarding mangrove ecosystems into strengthening sustainable forest management; supporting the inclusion of Strategic Environmental
policies, legislation, plans, programmes and projects; iii) the empowerment of social capital and protection Assessment; and strengthening the protection of other non-state forested lands – are repeated in some way
of traditional knowledge for mangrove conservation allowing equitable access to these ecosystems and or another under the actions of this theme.
iv) the creation of awareness island wide for mangrove conservation. Also implemented by the BDS, MoE,
the ‘National Policy on Access to Biological Material and Fair and Equitable Benefit Sharing’ (2020) aims to The ‘UN Convention on Biological Diversity’ (CBD) (1992) (Focal Point: BDS, MoE) is the overarching and
‘ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biological material, while securing ownership guiding international convention for biodiversity and sustainable use. Countries commit to achieving the
of such material and associated traditional knowledge among the people of Sri Lanka, with appropriate public targets developed every 10 years. The current ‘Post 2020 framework’ has eight milestones for 2030, and
participation, to support conservation and sustainable use of biological material in the country’. The ‘National 20 ‘action-oriented’ targets for 2030. Of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (2015) (Focal Point:
Policy and Strategies on Traditional Knowledge and Practices related to Biodiversity’ (2020) which aims to BDS, MoF), ‘Goal 15 - Life of Land’ (protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,
sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt
19 Except when central to the theme, only policies, laws and plans in the last decade are shown here. biodiversity loss) - and its 12 targets are important, as well as targets 14.2 and 14.5 of ‘Goal 14 - Life below
42 43
Water’. ‘The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity’ (2003) (Focal Point: 2.2.5 Strategies for Management
BDS, MoE), a supplementary agreement to the CBD, is a treaty governing the movements of living modified
Strategy 1. Optimize the conservation of ecosystems, their services and integral biodiversity, through
organisms (LMOs) resulting from modem biotechnology from one country to another. The ‘UN Convention
a well-connected and effective protected area system and other area-based conservation
Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage’ (1972) (Focal Point: Sri Lanka UNESCO
measures.
National Commission, MoEd), seeks to encourage the . . . protection and preservation of cultural and natural
heritage around the world . . . of outstanding value to humanity. Signatories are expected to ensure the Strategy 2. Ensure viable populations of native species in all terrestrial and aquatic systems.
protection of their natural and cultural heritage.’ Sinharaja and the Central Highlands (comprising Horton Strategy 3. Mainstream the wise use, fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from fauna, flora and
Plains National Park, Peak Wilderness Nature Reserve and Knuckles Conservation Forest) are UNESCO natural the genetic resources.
world heritage sites. The ‘Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance’ (1971) (Focal Point:
Theme 2
DWC) for wetlands that is implemented through, inter alia, the wise use of wetlands, and the designation and Strategy 4. Safeguard and promote traditional knowledge and practices in biodiversity conservation and
management of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites). Countries commit to inform the Ramsar sustainable use.
Secretariat if there are changes in the ecology of these sites because of human activities. The ‘Convention on Strategy 5. Assess and apply economic values of biodiversity and ecosystem services in decision making.
the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals’ (also called the Bonn Convention) (1979) (Focal Point:
Strategy 6. Promote research, ensure data governance and sharing for evidence-based decision-making
DWC) ‘provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their
and communication.
habitats. This convention brings together the States through which migratory animals pass, the Range States,
and lays the legal foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures throughout a migratory Strategy 7. Apply the necessary policy frameworks, legal and organizational arrangements for biodiversity
range’. The ‘Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora’ (CITES) (1963) conservation and sustainable use.
(Focal Point: DWC) regulates exports and imports of species that are traded. It is important in the context of
unregulated trade.
2.2.4 Introduction to the Action Plan

The strategies and actions for Theme 2 were adapted from the base of strategies and actions in Mission 2
of HLP2 but were altered/removed/or added to reflect the current threats to biodiversity. This action plan is
aligned with SDG 15 – Life on Land and its targets, as well as targets 14.220 and 14.521 of SDG 14 – Life below in
Water. It heavily uses the CBD post-2020 framework, is also aligned with Chapter 8 of ‘Vistas of Prosperity and
Splendour’ and is guided by the second principle of NEAP 2022 of ‘using strategies that ensure that strong
safeguards are integrated into development’. The strategies and actions were also aligned with those of the
NBSAP (2016).
It should be noted that there was considerable overlap between Theme 4 and this theme, and it was often
difficult to decide which action or strategy belonged under which theme (for example. marine species are
dealt with under Theme 4). Regarding the protection of sensitive habitats and areas, there is replication
under Theme 5. The strategies and actions of Theme 3 (Climate actions for sustainability), as well as Themes
1 and 6 (Pollution) also have considerable bearing on this theme.
20 ‘By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their
resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans’ (UN, undated b)
21 ‘By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best
available scientific information’ (UN, undated b).
44 45
2.2.6 Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use

Actions Key Performance Indicators Baseline Target Time Frame (in years) Relevant Indicative Implementation Responsibility
(KPIs) SDG Budget
S M L Target/s (LKR M) Lead Agency Other Key Agencies
1-2 2–5 5–10
Strategy 1. Optimize the conservation of ecosystems, their services and integral biodiversity,
through a well-connected and effective protected area system and other area-based
Theme 2
conservation measures.
1.1 Existing PAs are managed No. of PAs with management plans prepared 105 PAs under DWC All PAs   
effectively22 to achieve identified with stakeholder engagement > 875 PAs under the FD
6.6, DWC, FD
conservation goals23, connectivity of % of PAs managed according to management Participatory management of PAs 50% of the PAs  
PAs and true representation of the 14.5,
plans being considered CC&CRMD, DFAR, CEA,
island’s biodiversity 15.1, 1,500.0
No. of other declared management areas - SMAs and FMAs are not yet All other management   MoE, DS, MASL
15.4,
such as SMA, FMAs and EPAs - implemented properly implemented areas have management CC & CRMD
15.5
with management plans with conservation plans, with identified
goals conservation goals
1.2 New PAs24 are established through No. of ha of blue carbon ecosystems in the PA 18,000 ha mangroves are protected. At least 1,500 of blue At least At least At least 14.5 5.0
evidence-based justifications, network25 Other blue carbon ecosystems are carbon ecosystems are in 10% 30% 35% MoE, CC&CRMD, DS,
including safeguarding of blue not protected unless they fall within the PA network academic/ research
DWC, FD
carbon ecosystems and vegetation an existing PA institutes, INGOs,
cover outside protected areas Extent of forest cover outside PAs declared as There are potential areas under OSF 100,000 ha of new PAs    15.5 60.0 NARA, CCF
new PAs covering approximately 340,000 ha
1.3 Physical identification of ESAs for Stakeholder-validated ESAs and policy Draft policy under review ESA policy adopted 
declaration available
14.2 16.0 MoE for
MoE, academic/
facilitation
14.5 research institutes,
LUPPD for INGOs, CEA,
15.1
Identified ESAs are ground-truthed Three pilot sites in the Kala Oya Ground-truthed ESAs At least At least All the physical communities, including
basin 10% 50% end of 15.2 identification CSOs, and public
identified identified this time 15.5 30.0 institutions
Some critically important and DSs, DivSs
frame
environmentally sensitive OSF
remain outside the PA system
1.4 Declaration of ESAs and their No. of ESAs declared No ESAs declared yet. National 5 ESAs declared  
optimal management scale-up for the identification of MoE, LUPPD,
ESAs is in progress 14.2 1.0 academic/research
15.1 CEA, FD, DWC institutes, INGOs, local
and other communities, local
15.2 Gov Agencies government/ local
Strategic plan for ESAs developed and adopted Handbook for developing ESA is Strategic plan adopted  
available 15.5 state agencies, NGOs,
25.0 private sector
ESA management structure agreed and Functional management  
functioning structures for 30% of ESAs
22 Conservation goals are identified, management plans are prepared and implemented.
23 This strategy is replicated under Theme 5.
24 Including terrestrial, inland aquatic, coastal and marine ecosystems (repeated under Theme 4 for coastal and marine).
25 The final expectation is that all blue carbon ecosystems are within the PA network.
46 47
(KPIs) SDG Budget
1-2 2–5 5–10
1.5 Revival of ecosystems through No. of degraded areas prioritized for Restoration is carried out in Priority areas are  
appropriate restoration programmes restoration selected areas identified for restoration
MoE
FD, DWC, MASL, ID,
Theme 2
15.1
10.0 SLLDC, UDA, DS, DivS,
15.2
academic/research
No. of guidelines and procedures developed Currently, scattered scientific papers Three Guidelines are  15.3
institutes, INGOs,
and adopted for restoration and a draft guideline for forest developed 15.5 FD, DWC private sector
restoration
No. of scientific restoration programmes Draft mangrove restoration 15,000 ha restored 1,500 ha 5,000 ha Target FD, DWC,
6,000.0
carried out guideline restored restored achieved MASL
Strategy 2. Ensure viable populations of native species in all terrestrial and aquatic systems.
2.1 Periodic update of the conservation No. of taxonomic groups updated National Red List of 2020, updated Red List of Threatened    Different expert groups
MoE for red
status of species through Red Listing for flora, fish, birds done; mammals species completed for taxonomic groups
list, DNBG
and amendment of schedules of the ongoing of flora and fauna
15.5 5.0
FFPO, FD, FARA to reflect the uptake Amendments to relevant schedules according Last FFPO update in 2009 FFPO Schedules updated  
of Red Listing into implementation DWC for
to Red List recommendations to match the Red List
including the use of data for taking FFPO IUCN (for technical
selected species off the Red List assistance) office of the
Initiatives to improve the population size Species recovery  
through conservation efforts legal draughtsman
under threatened species programmes 20.0 DNBG
implemented
2.2 Continuing inventorisation of No. of lesser-known taxa26 studied Studies have been carried out for Lesser-known taxa    15.5 7.0 DNH (NBG), NSF, Uni/ Research
taxonomic groups found in Sri Lanka, limited taxa identified and inventoried DNM, MoE28 institutions,
along with upgrading of data and Researchers
specimen repositories
No. of biodiversity repositories upgraded27 Limited number of molecular Capacities developed in   15.8 2.0 NH / DNBG, DNM, DNZG
phylogenetic studies repositories Uni, Research
institutes
2.3 Implementation of conservation Mechanism for prioritization of species Prioritization mechanism   15.5 5.0 MoE DoA
plans for effective in-situ requiring in-situ conservation adopted
conservation of threatened and/or
endemic that also include models to No. of conservation plans implemented Plans exist; coordinated effort is Action plans implemented   15.5 50.0 DWC FD, MoE, MWFC
accommodate biodiversity in private needed for implementation
lands
Public - private partnerships for in situ PPP promoted by 50%   15.5 No DWC FD, CEA
conservation promoted and periodically additional MoE
reported cost
26 Including but not limited to algae, fungi, many lower plants, and coastal, marine and terrestrial invertebrates, coastal and marine vertebrates.
27 The expectation is that the species inventory of Sri Lanka is updated.
28 MoE will have to play a coordinating role, but all these institutions have biorepositories.
48 49
(KPIs) SDG Budget
1-2 2–5 5–10
2.4 Recovery, release and monitoring for No. of facilities established for ex-situ Six Botanic Gardens, 04 DNZG exist Two additional facilities   
threatened and/or endemic species conservation DNZG, DNBG
resulting from ex-situ conservation for captive DWC, FD, for release
Adequate skilled personnel available for Breeding and propagating Skilled personnel available    breeding/ into the wild,
Theme 2
efforts are implemented, with
effective management of ex-situ conservation programmes exist 250.0 ex-situ
relevant stakeholders, for identified MoE oversight
facilities 15.5 (seed propagation
species Academics for
No. of recovery programmes implemented Limited number of programmes29 10 programmes    bank)
NARA for monitoring
exist completed NAQDA
aquatic
No. of species bred/propagated into viable 02 species  species
populations through ex-situ conservation
2.5 Conservation of genetic diversity No. of resource centres and skilled personnel There is no data about the genetic Resource centres  
of traditional / native varieties / available diversity of remaining local breeds30 established with skilled NLDB,
breeds/wild relatives of crops and personnel DAP&H for
livestock No. of conservation efforts in place Conservation of major crops is Native/traditional To be domestic MoE, VRI, Uni/
  15.5
established varieties/breeds/wild estimated fauna Research institutes
relatives identified and PGRC for flora
NIFS has started a repository of
conserved
fungi
2.6 Safeguard key paleo-biodiversity No. of sites declared Approximately 150 sites have been At least 30% declared and   4.0 DArch MoE for oversight,
sites through the declaration of identified so far32 conserved PGIAR, DWC, FD, GSMB
such areas under appropriate acts,
No. of management plans prepared and Five sites in the Aruwakkalu All declared sites  
preparing management plans, with
implemented quarry have just been gazetted as are manged with
the promotion of some sites that
archaeological reserves management plans.
represent key evolutionary links as
Three new paleo 11.4
tourism destinations31 Five allotments just declared in
biodiversity sites CCF, SLTDA, DWC, FD,
Aruwakkalu 6.0 DArch
outside PAs declared for GSMB, MoE, SLC
protection
No. of paleo-biodiversity sites popularised Not commenced yet Three paleo biodiversity  
serving as centres of awareness sites popularised
29 Conservation actions for the CR Bandula barb resulted in a population increase from 500 to 1,300; a multi-species plan for amphibians is
proposed for Morningside, in Sinharaja; the DNBG propagates Threatened native orchids, trees and shrubs; the Dehiwela Zoo breeds some
endemic freshwater fish and reptiles.
30 Cattle breeds are improved using artificial insemination. A local breed of goats has been developed. There may be many local varieties for
buffaloes.
31 Through fossils, sub-fossils, as well as living organisms.
32 The earliest known fossils are from the Jurassic period: there are fossils in the tank bund and spill gate canals in Thabbowa tank bund spill
gate canals; in Pallama and Andigama, fossils have been discovered when digging farm well, some 30’ deep. Miocene sites are found from
Aruwakkalu, in Puttalam along the coastal belt to Jaffna and in Minihagalkanda in Yala. In Aruwakkalu, there are Miocene fossil sites, and two
prehistoric human habitations, one with stone tools, and the other a shell midden site. In Alawala there are caves, with evidence of prehistoric
humans. There are Pleistocene sites in the Sabagamuwa Province, Medirigiriya, Pol, Lunugala and Passara area. In Bundala there is a prehistoric
human settlement established. In caves and shelters there are both fossils and subfossils.
50 51
(KPIs) SDG Budget
S M L Lead Agency Other Key
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agencies
Strategy 3. Mainstream the wise use, fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from fauna,
flora and the genetic resources.
3.1 Access to genetic diversity by mapping genetic data of No. of useful genes identified, cloned Some scattered Five patents obtained   14A PGRC (flora),
Theme 2
native biodiversity and creating repositories through and patented studies are NARA (aquatic
15.6
National Genome Centre/s available33 fauna), VRI
NASTEC, NSF,
(domestic fauna)
SLIBTEC, Uni/
No. of ornamentals (floriculture) No focus yet on rDNA technology   14A DNBG Research institutes
produced for export using rDNA ornamentals for floriculture well
15.6 3.0 Collaborate as
technology established
needed with
No. of DNA Barcoding carried out for No focus yet on Barcoding well   14A DNBG, PGRC,
relevant institutes,
endemic flora and fauna species used traded species established for Universities
SLC
in international trade endemic species used
in the international
trade
3.2 Strengthening biosafety by enhancing technical Biosafety Act passed Draft Biosafety act Enact the Biosafety Act  MoE, CEA
SCAs34
capacity for the detection and identification of LMOs and regulation
15.1 2.0
in all related institutes with required infrastructure and Biosafety regulation gazetted Draft Biosafety Regulations for   MoH for SCAs, universities,
skills guidelines biosafety in place disclosure relevant
Labelling policy adopted and enforced Formulate a labelling   15.1 2.0 MoE, CEA laboratories
policy
3.3 Management of under-utilised /illegally utilised Review of related legislature and There are many At least 30% of under-   
species through the implementation of pilot level recommendations private sector utilised food crops/
projects to promote wise use, income generation and nurseries that other species and wild 2.1
PGRC DNBG, arboreta,
the establishment of mechanisms to promote with advertise online relatives are explored 2.5 2.0 local communities,
national and international visibility and deliver such through pilot projects DoA private sector
15.5
No. of successful programmes crops Two programmes  
implemented implemented
3.4 Provide benefits to communities by promoting eco- No. of livelihoods identified and There are a few Implemented the   
friendly income-generating livelihoods around PA supported projects ongoing Identified prioritised
12.2
network, ESAs, along coastal belt and river network with the foreign and proposed
financing such as programmes under 14.1
2.0
UNDP, GCF and BIOFIN 14.2
some are proposed CCC SLTDA, MoE, EDB
under BIOFIN 15.1
project 15.2
No. of eco-friendly income generating Efficiency of conversion  
15.5
livelihoods established improved for products 5.0
from natural resources
33 Some scattered studies are available for rubber genes (Liyanage et al., 2014) have been cloned, fragrant (Kottearachchi et al., 2010.) and salt-
tolerant gene have been identified in rice; other field crops undergoing biotech research are finger millet, onion, and maize (USDA Foreign
Agricultural Service, 2018).
34 Other agencies include MoH, MoA, DFAR, DWC, FD, SLC, DHQU, FCAU, DAP&H, SLC, authorized inspectors, laboratories.
52 53
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agencies
Strategy 4. Safeguard and promote traditional knowledge and practices in biodiversity

conservation and sustainable use.
4.1 Traditional knowledge and indigenous people and local TK practices and indigenous people Traditional Traditionally important    6.6
Theme 2
community are recognised and mainstreamed into and local community recognized in knowledge policy ecological sites,
11.4
conservation planning conservation plans and publication indigenous people and PGIAR, DAD, MoA
available associated knowledge 14.1 Uni/Research
3.0 MoE
is recognised 14.2 institutes, NGOs,
and private sector
15.1
15.5
4.2 Cultural practices and traditional wisdom related to No. of practices mobilised National Cultural practices   6.6 3.0 MoE PGIAR, DAD, MoA
biodiversity conservation and sustainable use35 are mobilisation, mobilised Uni/Research
11.4
adopted and popularised with economic benefits promotion yet institutes
to be carried 14.1
out. Scattered 14.2
information
No. of community bio-cultural Available some 3 BCPs related to   11.4 3.0 DAyur, MoE
protocols established information on BCP biodiversity are Universities/
identified and Research
promoted institutes
Strategy 5. Assess and apply economic values of Biodiversity and ecosystem services
in decision making.
5.1 The values of ecosystems are mainstreamed into No. of ecosystems valued and Study on Value major    15.5 21.0 MoE, Environmental
regional and national planning through the Green mainstreamed into regional and integration of ecosystems that are economists, CEA
15.9 MoF
Accounting Task Force national planning Forestry Sector under stress Uni/Research
Contribution to the institutes, IPS,
System of National Relevant Dept
Accounts in Sri
Lanka
5.2 Values of biodiversity and ecosystem services No. of pilot projects carried out on Documents such as 03 pilot projects carried  15.5 5.0 MoE, MoF Environmental
are absorbed into regional/ national financing financing mechanisms BIOFIN are available out economists, Uni/
15.9
mechanisms and voluntary payment and rewarding at a national level research institutes,
mechanisms for biodiversity and ecosystem services IPS, CEA, relevant
(BES) are adopted No. of rewards and payment for At the initial stage 03 financing  15.5 No additional MoE dept.
ecosystem services adopted of developing the mechanisms cost
15.9
mechanism introduced on RES and MoF, private
PES into selected BES sector, relevant
institutions
Local Exchange Trading System (LETS) LETS introduced as a  15.5 2.0 MoE MoF, private
initiated potential biodiversity sector, relevant
15.9
conservation measure institutions
35 Such as cascade agroecosystems that support home garden diversity, Kandyan home garden agroecosystems, ovita (wet vegetable beds)
(Goonatilake & Ekanayake, 2016)
54 55
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agencies
5.3 Use the Environmental Conservation Levy Act to tax No. of tax/subsidy mechanisms Available taxes Three taxes introduced   15.1 No additional CEA MoE,
activities that damage biodiversity established in the biodiversity sector under Environmental cost MoF
(Document of 15.2
conservation levy
Implementation
15.5
Theme 2
of Economic
instruments SL)
5.4 Extended Cost Benefit Analysis (ECBA) Guidelines ECBA guidelines reviewed and revised ECBA guidelines at Revised ECBA   15.5 2.0 CEA, Project
prepared and adopted at both project and policy to cover project and policy analyses project level exist guidelines adopted environmental proponents, MoE
15.9
level where decisions to be taken relating to critical and used in some economists
biodiversity EIAs but without
consistency
Strategy 6. Promote research, ensure data governance and sharing for evidence-based
decision making and communication.
6.1 An applied research agenda is developed and research Research agenda developed No national Research agenda  14, 15 (all 0.6 NRC, MoE NSF, Uni/Research
priorities for taxa, ecosystems, environmental services, research agenda adopted targets) institutes
valuation, invasive, proxy species, paleo- biodiversity, for biodiversity
bio products and restoration are identified and plans conservation and
are implemented for the identified research with in- sustainable use
house and stakeholder support Funding for
No. of priority research funded biodiversity At least 75% of the   14, 15 (all 2.0 Uni, research MoE, NSF, Pvt
research is not priorities in research targets) institutes Sector, NGO, NIFS
according to a agenda is funded
national agenda
6.2 The PA Gap Analysis (2006) and National Conservation Review, selection and adoption Gap analysis not A strategic plan based   14.2 10.0 MoE Academic/
Review (1997) are reviewed and updated to provide of priority recommendations in reviewed, nor field- on the reviews of GAP research institutes,
support for informed decision making with regards to the PA Gap Analysis and National tested analysis and NCR is DWC, FD, CEA,
biodiversity and ecosystems Conservation Review implemented 15.1 CC&CRMD, MoP36
6.3 Ecosystem Red Listing is carried out to categorise No. of officers trained in Red Listing of National ecosystem At least 50 officers  
threatened ecosystems, according to IUCN standards Ecosystems Red Listing has not trained in RLE
and are managed accordingly been done DWC, FD, CEA,
CC & CRMD
No. of databases with required data Databases developed  
15.5 20.0 MoE academic/
for RLE for RLE
research institutes,
No. of RLEs conducted and adopted Red Listing of   INGOs
Ecosystems is
completed
6.4 Research on bioprospecting is promoted and No. of bio-prospecting projects Likely to be many in Bioprospecting   15.6 Benefit
MoE, NSF, NIFS,
conducted to facilitate use of data at ground level funded the Department of programmes Transfer
Uni/Research
Ayurveda established; GDP
institutes
increased
ITI / DAyur MoE to ensure
No. of research symposia There are More research on   15.9 5.0
adherence to the
no symposia bioprospecting is For research
CBD Article 15
specifically for this promoted
IPR, NIPO
purpose
36 Currently, there is a GEF 7 proposal for the estate sector, where critical highland habitats will be included in the PA system. This project must be
integrated into this action.
56 57
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agencies
6.5 Public and key stakeholder awareness, willingness to No. of citizen science projects Not formally Citizen science  
engage, informed decision-making, citizen science and promoted supported at programmes promoted
5.0
activism are promoted and facilitated for conservation present
of biodiversity
Theme 2
Extent of coverage in print and other This facet is not At least some  
media on biodiversity conservation yet highlighted, conservation-oriented Communication
14, 15 (all
and sustainable use although there content covers in all MoE experts and media
targets)
is a lot of current media personnel
coverage about 4.0
habitat destruction
No. of programmes supported on Do not consider At least 10 programmes  
environmental activism as an important in supported
national level plans
6.6 Update and strengthen national biodiversity CHM Availability of infrastructure and CHM exists CHM is maintained,   
for sharing/ receiving information with regards skilled person updated and
biodiversity Information sharing
is routinised and Biodiversity
- 1.0 MoE
supports inter-sectoral related agencies
collaboration
No. of users sharing the updated CHM No measurement Users per month   
taken on usage
6.7 Review and update the information in curricular of No. of curriculum revisions and new Discussion on 2 curricular revisions at   - 2.0 NIE, MoEd
primary, secondary, tertiary and adult education with modules biodiversity is all levels
regards to biodiversity and ecosystems, including now included
facilitation of development of new curricular, in curricula, but Uni, other
educational material and delivery in outdoors data provided on professional
species, ecosystems training institutes
No. of educational programmes Educational   5.0 MoE for
and ecosystem
conducted outdoors for children and programmes coordination
services need
young adults conducted and technical
updates
guidance
58 59
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agencies
Strategy 7. Apply necessary policy frameworks, legal and organizational arrangements for
biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
7.1 Harmonising laws related to environment, biodiversity Gap analysis report Some overlaps and Gap analysis report 
Theme 2
conservation, wise use and development are resolved gaps in laws
through amendments to existing laws and adoption of
National
new laws
biodiversity
strategic action
plan and policies
and strategies
exists in relation to 3.0 MoE
biodiversity but not Biodiversity and
covered all aspects policy experts,
14,15 (All LDD, CEA
Overlaps and gaps
targets) DWC, FD,
in mandates
CC&CRMD, DFAR,
National policy on Biodiversity National policy on   NARA, NAQDA
Conservation and Sustainable Use biodiversity adopted
adopted
Amendments to existing laws Biodiversity not Resolution of gaps,   1.0
including provisions for ESAs considered in the overlaps
Patent Act MoE,
No. of biodiversity related patents To include biodiversity   1.0 IPRO
included in the Intellectual Property in the IPR to protect
Act No.36 biological resources
7.2 Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) SEA included in NEA Draft is ready Amendment of NEA   CEA for
for all provinces37 are conducted, ensuring legal incorporating SEA conducting SEAs
requirements38 and integration into provincial and No. of SEAs conducted SEA done for SEAs conducted and   PCs for Academic/
sectoral plans northern province used in conservation 15.9 15.0 integrating them research institutes,
but fully used in planning into provincial INGOs, LDD
planning. Others plans
not done
7.3 Appropriate policy/ policy recommendations Review and recommend potential Perverse incentives Review report   12.2 2.0 MoE DWC, FD, MoF,
and regulatory mechanisms to manage perverse innovative financing mechanisms, MBI such as fertilizer prepared INGOs
14.1 For initiation
incentives, innovative financing mechanisms to and removal of perverse incentives for subsidy existed for
Recommendations
generate sustainable self-financing for biodiversity biodiversity conservation many years and 14.2 2.0
adopted
conservation are introduced and practised lack of initiatives 15.1
to promote MBI 2 mechanisms
for conservation are selected 15.2
objectives and proposed39 15.5
to mainstream
recommendations 15.5
60 61
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agencies
7.4 Guidelines for establishment and management of No. of rules and guidelines for DNZG and DNBG Acts amended    15.5 To be DNBG, DNZG MoE, LDD
ex-situ conservation facilities are developed, adopted establishment and management of acts are available as needed. Rules estimated
and practised ex-situ conservation facilities reviewed and need updating and guidelines for
(DNZG Act40 and DNBG Act41) establishing and
Theme 2
managing ex-situ
centres are developed
to support strategy 5
7.5 Review, amend and introduce laws and regulations, No. of amendments to relevant laws Available but Legal instruments    15.5 2.0 FD, DWC, DoA MoE, DAyur, LDD,
procedures, guidelines and benefit sharing scattered reviewed and update MoF
mechanisms for genetic resources and establish to support the ABS
Access and Benefit
institutional commitments policy
Sharing Policy is
available
7.6 Gaps in enforcement of international conventions Gap analysis report There is a Report of gap analysis 
Sri Lanka is signatory to with regards to biodiversity Biodiversity, Cultural
and ecosystems are addressed and amendments are and National
introduced aligned with international standards Heritage Protection DWC, MoE,
(BCNP) at the SLC MEPA for
has a detection detection in
No. of amendments to existing laws and database, Amendments to laws   country
15.5 2.0 FD, SLPA, SLN, LDD
regulations DWC detection and regulations
database
No. of new conventions entry into force New conventions SL   SLC for
enters into force detections of
exports and
imports
7.7 Inter-sectoral and inter-agency cooperation is fostered No. of district environment committees MoE has initiated All DEC revived   
by institutionalising multi-stakeholder committees re-established and functioning this establishment
re-establish via functioning District Environment in 2021
Committees (DEC)42 To be estimated MoE, CEA DS
Matters from DEC included in DCC Minutes of the DEC
and DCC reflecting
decisions on biodiversity
conservation
37 To identify best pathway to achieve developmental goals within minimal loss or fragmentation of ecosystems.
38 Ties in with Strategy 15.
39 PES Mechanisms for selected BES have been proposed, specially under the BIOFIN project but they are yet to be implemented. The possibility of
introducing MBIs has been examined.
40 Government of Sri Lanka (1982). National Zoological Gardens Act, No. 41 of 1982.
41 Government of Ceylon (1928). The Botanic Gardens Ordinance No. 31 of 1928 as amended.
42 Ensure this at national level too
62 63
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agencies
7.8 Inter-sectoral linkages among the various sectors of the No. of environmental valuations dealt PES, Tourism Identify and implement   
economy and biodiversity resources are recognised and with under the proposed mechanism certification, 4 relevant linkages All natural resource
institutionalised (water sector /forest) related institutes in
Green Bonds the country
Theme 2
established MoE,
No. of relationships established 04 number of linkages    8, 13, 14, 15 2.0 Environmental
in physical terms covering forest established covering economists
and health, forest and fishery and forest and health, WRB, ID, DWC,
biodiversity and recreational income forest and fishery DFAR
linkages43 and biodiversity and
recreational benefits
7.9 Capacity is strengthened for effective biodiversity No of agencies operating with full cadre Currently the DWC and FD operate at  
conservation and sustainable management in mandated DWC and FD, are full cadre
agencies operating with only
about 76% and 81%
of their approved 14.2
DWC, FD,
cadre strength. 14.5
15.0 CC&CRMD, MoE, MWFC, MoF
No. of officers per district and below All conservation sector   All targets
DFAR, CEA
(DWC, FD, CC&CRMD, DFAR) trained agency capacities of 15
based on the capacity building plan, to strength and full
update and upgrade their knowledge carder is trained in
about biodiversity and genetic diversity modern methods of
conservation
43 This can be established as negative linkages as well. biodiversity depletion and health etc.
64 65
Theme 3
Climate Actions for
Sustainability
Global warming is caused by human activities, which cause emissions of
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping the Earth’s heat. Besides the
direct impact of the rising temperatures on plant and animal life, global warming
is causing a rise in sea level and changes in the Earth’s weather. These changes
are expected to increase rainfall in wet areas and to aggravate water shortages
in dry areas. Although human-induced global warming is already established,
the scale of its impacts will depend on the extent to which the global community
adopts measures to restrict emissions. Sri Lanka recognizes its responsibility to
uphold the Paris Agreement’s underlying principle of limiting global warming to
under 2°C. It will strive to steer development along a low-emission trajectory,
that supports both mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
66 67
2.3.1 Overview
NASA (2021) defines climate change as ‘a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come
to define Earth’s local, regional and global climates’ and global warming as ‘anthropogenic temperature
increases’. Changes observed in Earth’s climate since the early 20th century are driven primarily by human
activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s
atmosphere, raising Earth’s average surface temperature’. Natural processes such as El Niño and La Niña can
also contribute to climate change (NASA, 2021). Established in 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) provides policy-makers with regular scientific guidance through their periodic assessments on
climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as options for adaptation and mitigation.
Human activities continually emit greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere, progressively causing global
warming by entrapping the Earth’s heat. Carbon dioxide (CO2) causes the highest impact; the others are
methane, oxides of nitrogen and chlorofluorocarbons. Besides the direct impact of the rise in temperature
on plant and animal life, climate change will cause perturbations in the Earth’s weather patterns and a rise in
Theme 3
sea level.
The occurrence of this human-induced climate change is now inevitable, but its scale will depend on the
extent to which the global community adopts measures to restrict the emission of greenhouse gases, as well
as how well they understand potential effects and build resilience to those vulnerabilities and the anticipated
changes. Since the genesis of United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992,
there have been many global attempts to combat the challenge of climate change. Within the UNFCCC, the
Kyoto Protocol of 1997 is notable as it globally reduced GHG emissions with limited success, while the Paris
Agreement of 2015 obtained commitment by a majority of its member countries to contribute to the reduction
of GHG and to build resilience to vulnerabilities through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which
covered both adaptation and mitigation.
As a global citizen, Sri Lanka recognizes its responsibility to uphold the Paris Agreement’s underlying principle
of containing global warming to well below 2oC, preferably to 1.5oC, compared to pre-industrial levels. Sri
Lanka will strive to steer development along a low-emission trajectory that supports both adaptation and
mitigation to climate change, with a strong focus on reaching high income and human development during
the next decade.
Temperature rise, changing patterns of rainfall, increased severity and frequency of extreme events and sea
level rise are the anticipated climate consequences for Sri Lanka. The island’s adaptive or coping capacity as
a developing economy is very limited. These vulnerabilities are a result of climate-induced hazards such as
floods, droughts, landslides, cyclones, and coastal erosion and inundation. Sri Lanka ranks within the first
third of assessed countries as being vulnerable to climate change-induced hazards (Eckstein et al., 2021). Sri
Lanka’s important economic sectors are climate-sensitive and are impacted by increased irregularities of the
normal monsoon pattern and rainfall intensities.
Historically, Sri Lanka’s carbon footprint has been small. At 0.88 tonnes/per person (Worldometer, 2021), its
per capita emissions are among the lowest globally, especially for a middle-income, high-human development
country. However, Sri Lanka is still on an upward development trajectory with ambitions of achieving upper-
middle-income status and further improving its human development outcomes. Demand for energy, clean
water, efficient transportation, better connectivity and waste management is growing among both rural
and urban populations. The government has pledged accelerated rural development and to provide better
infrastructure for increasing urban centres.
The government’s current policy framework/new development vision “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”
highlights addressing issues of climate change, national policies for climate change and sustainable development
and provides impetus for further culturally sensitive and environmentally sustainable development. Sri
Lanka has some unique advantages and experiences in this journey. Historically, sustainable principles were
68 69
embedded in land management, agriculture and other economic practices, through prevalent religious and 2.3.4 Introduction to the Action Plan
cultural practices, and values of simplicity, non-materialism and sustainable consumption.
Climate change is now considered the biggest challenge with which humanity is confronted. Therefore,
In recent years, however, development investments have been eroded by floods, drought and landslides and no sector escapes the need for integrating climate change considerations into their planning. The NEAP’s
in the past decade, the economy has been burdened hugely by disaster relief expenditure. Reflecting this thematic area on Climate Action for Sustainability, therefore, can be considered an overarching section that
trend, Sri Lanka’s national climate change policy leans heavily on adaptation, with a vision to minimize climate captures the climate change essence of all sectors. The actions relating to NDC implementation are more fully
change impacts on its economy. presented in submitted NDC-related documents, while the NEAP provides higher-level actions for guidance.
In order to reduce the adverse effects of climate change, many strategies and corresponding actions have
been proposed within the above-mentioned framework.
2.3.2 Current Status
Prolonged drought, extreme rainfall and associated floods (river/flash), landslides, coastal erosion and Although not a significant contributor to emission of global GHG, Sri Lanka has mapped out strategies and
inundation because of strong winds and cyclones and severe thunderstorms are some of the major impacts a series of actions to contribute to addressing this global problem. These include a wide range of actions to
associated with climate change in Sri Lanka. Many economic sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, reduce the GHG emission in the six sectors listed above. Investments in mitigation activities are prioritized
tourism, industry and the service sectors are highly vulnerable. Severe incidents of floods and landslides, according to their contribution to country’s overall development and economic, social or environmental co-
benefits derived from these investments.
Theme 3
which usually occur during southwest monsoon in the Southern, Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central
provinces, have intensified in the recent years, The May 2017 impacts are notable, as floods affected 15
districts, killed at least 208 people and 698,289 people were affected, while 11,056 houses were partially As a country highly susceptible to climate-induced hazards, the National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change
damaged and another 2,093 houses completely destroyed. In contrast, increased and worsening of droughts Impacts in Sri Lanka 2016-2025 prioritizes adaptation needs and resilience-building activities, focusing on
are experienced in drier parts of the country. Severe saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers, coupled with key sectors. Focusing on adaptation is critical to ensure that development investments are not eroded by
sea level rise and droughts are also a concern for domestic water supply in coastal areas. constant exposure to weather and climate extremes; and to ensure that the country remains on an upward
development trajectory in terms of economic growth and human development.
Climate change will also have a wide range of other adverse impacts. The incidence of vector-borne diseases
is expected to increase; harmful insect pests in the dry zone, benefiting from the rise in temperature, will To achieve the targets of the NEAP, the Ministry of Environment will closely work with relevant ministries,
grow in abundance; people in the dry zone – experiencing more prolonged dry weather – will have severe sector agencies and provincial/district/local level authorities to embed presented interventions into the
water and food shortages; and the fauna in the dry zone forests, including those in the national parks, will regular development planning framework at national and sub-national levels, ensuring that adaptation and
experience a shortage of food and water. In contrast, in the wet zone will experience increased rainfall and mitigation priorities are integrated into regular work plans, annual budgets and donor proposals of these
ensuing floods, there will be an increase in associated landslides in the hill county. sectors/provinces.
2.3.3 Policy and Legal Framework 2.3.5 Strategies for Management
To address the challenges posed by climate change, Sri Lanka has introduced national policies, strategies and Strategy 1. Strengthen enabling environment through policy support, legal and institutional framework
actions. The National Climate Change Policy of Sri Lanka (2012); National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy related to climate change.
for Sri Lanka 2011-2016 (2010); Sri Lanka’s Second National Communication on Climate Change (2011); Strategy 2. Assess vulnerability and build resilience to address adverse impacts of climate change.
Technology Needs Assessment and Technology Action Plans for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
Strategy 3. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through low carbon development pathways.
(2014); the National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change Impacts in Sri Lanka 2016-2025 (NAP) (2016); and
the Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement for Climate Change Sri Lanka (NDC) Strategy 4. Manage losses and damages due to climate-induced disasters.
(2016); submitted to the UNFCCC are some notable actions. Strategy 5. Enhance national capacity through the creation of awareness, education, research and
development, technology transfers and information dissemination for climate change
With the overall policy framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ guiding Sri Lanka along a low carbon
mitigation and adaptation.
development pathway with environmental sustainability, the country’s Climate Change and National
Sustainable Development Policies seek to mainstream climate change into key development sectors. Actions Strategy 6. Strengthen partnerships and resource mobilization for adapting to climate change impacts
are being identified carefully in the path of low carbon development to reduce GHGs from the energy, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
waste, transport, forestry and agriculture sectors. These actions also include building climate resilience in
nine vulnerable sectors: agriculture, biodiversity, coastal and marine, fisheries, health, livestock tourism, and Of the above six strategies, certain actions of strategies 2, 3 and 4 are detailed in the national NDC
urban and human settlements. Both adaptation and mitigation priorities have been addressed in detail under Implementation Action Plan and therefore, only the actions at a broader level are indicated to avoid duplication
the submitted NDC review, with a detailed implementation and monitoring plan, covering the period 2021- in two important national documents.
2030 in progress.
70 71
2.3.6 Action Plan for Climate Actions for Sustainability
Actions Key Performance Baseline Target Time Frame Relevant Indicative Implementation Responsibility
Indicators (KPIs) (in years) SDG Target/s & NDC Budget
(LKR M)
S M L Lead Agency Other Key Agencies
1-2 2-5 5-10
Strategy 1: Strengthen enabling environment through policy support, legal and institutional
framework related to climate change.
1.1 Review and update the National Policy Revised climate Existing climate Revised climate change  13.2 0.5 MoE Other relevant ministries and line
on climate change change policy change policy policy agencies
Mitigation and adaptation
NDCs of all sectors
Theme 3
1.2 Integrate climate change considerations No. of climate Existing policies, laws, 15 policies and    13.2 0.5 MoE Other relevant ministries and line
into new policies, laws, acts and change integrated acts and regulations legislations agencies
regulations or revision of existing ones new and revised requiring climate
NDCs of all sectors
policies and change integration
legislations
1.3 Integrate early warning to policies, No. of early warning Existing policies, 10 policies and    13.2 0.5 SMoDM DMC, NBRO, MET, Relevant
enforceable legislations and implement integrated policies, legislations and action legislations ministries and line agencies
All adaptation NDCs
action plans in all sectors legislations and plans requiring early
action plans warning integration
1.4 Facilitate the preparation of provincial No. of provincial 01 Western Province, 09  13.2 10.0 MoE MoPP&L, PCs, LAs
climate change adaptation plans adaptation action 01 in draft stage
plans prepared (Southern Province)
NDCs of all sectors (Mainly
focusing on building
resilience)
1.5 Facilitate the establishment of Provincial No. of Provincial Initial discussions held 09 Cells  13.2 5.0 MoE MoPP&L, PCs, LAs
Climate Cells and Provincial Climate Climate Cells and
09 Units Mitigation and adaptation
Units Unit established
NDCs of all sectors (Mainly
focusing on building
resilience)
1.6 Incorporate climate change aspects into Revised National Existing National Revised plan is in place    13.2 No additional NPPD MoE, NPD, UDA, LAs
the National Physical Plan Physical Plan with Physical Plan cost
climate change
NDCs of all sectors
aspects incorporated
1.7 Enhance the resilience of human Progress reporting to be done under Theme 8   13.2 Included in
settlements and infrastructure through Theme 8
Human settlement sector
mainstreaming climate change
NDC 1
adaptation into national, sub-national
and local level physical planning
(Covered by Theme 8)
1.8 Establish multi-functional sectoral No. of sectoral Proposed planning 16 cells   - 0.5 MoE All stakeholder institutions
climate cells/ focal points or strengthen climate cells and monitoring
the existing ones established committees for NDC
implementation
50 data sharing
agencies supported
72 73
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
1.9 Appoint a multi-disciplinary assessment Multi-disciplinary None Multi-disciplinary  13.2 No additional MoH MoE, DMC, PMoH, DivS, Relevant
team to assess the effects of Climate assessment team assessment team cost academics
Change on health appointed
1.10 Adopt policies and prepare action Policies and action Existing policies, and  13.2, 13.3, 13.b No additional MoE Relevant ministries and line agencies
plans to establish a robust MRV system plans action plans cost
Policies and action plans All mitigation NDCs
for climate change mitigation related
are in place
interventions
1.11 Establish climate resilient built Revised climate Existing climate Climate resilient design   
Theme 3
environment by integrating climate resilient design resilient design strategies reviewed and
risk projections into the strategies strategies strategies updated
implemented by respective stakeholder
institutions
Human settlement Existing human All new and existing   
13.1 MoUDH, NBRO, GSMB, DMC, CEA,
plans prepared settlement plans human settlement plans UDA, LAs,
To be MoE, NPPD, LUPPD, CIDA, FD, CC &
integrating climate without climate integrating climate Human settlement sector UDA, MASL,
estimated CRMD, DWC, USDA, MASL, SLTDA,
resilient strategies resilient strategies resilient strategies NDC 3 academics
professional organizations
integrated
Sustainable built Existing sustainable Sustainable built   
environment built environment environment concepts
concepts in concepts in introduced or revised
Architecture and Architecture and in Architecture and
Engineering curricula Engineering curricula Engineering curricula
1.12 Promote the use of wastewater for Policy initiatives None Policy initiatives and   6.3 To be MoWS, BoI, LAs, Academics, Research
gardening, sanitary, construction and and enforceable enforceable legislations estimated UDA, Agencies including IWMI,
(There are voluntary Water sector NDC 4
other purposes to reduce demand for legislations introduced NWSDB, construction co (high rises), high
initiatives by some
treated water MoE water consuming industries, tourism
private sector entities
sector agencies, MoH, SLLDC, MoInd,
and LAs)
BoI, CEA, CIDA, SMEs
1.13 Integrate policy initiatives for enhancing Climate resilience 04 Policy initiatives in 04 Policy initiatives  13.2 2.0 MoH MoE, MoInd, CEA, MET, other
climate resilience of the health sector integrated policy progress with climate resilience agencies within MoH
Health sector NDC 1
initiatives integrated
1.14 Adopt policies for enforcement of Environmentally Draft transport policy Environmentally  11.2 2.5 MoT MoE, MoP, MoF, NPD, CEB, SLSEA,
legislations and implementation action Sustainable Transport Sustainable Transport BoI, UDA, CTB, SLR, DMT, CTB, public
All Transport sector
plans to support an environmentally Policy Policy in place bus operators’ associations, relevant
Mitigation NDCs
sustainable transport (EST) system academics
1.15 Adopt policies for enforceable Environmentally None Environmentally   11.2, 14.1 2.5 MoPorts MoE, MoF, MoD, NPD, SLPA,
legislations and implement action plans Sustainable Maritime Sustainable Maritime CC&CRMD, MEPA, SLN, SLCG,
Transport sector NDC 13
to include climate change measures in Transport Policy Transport Policy in place academics, shipping line associations
maritime transport
74 75
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
Strategy 2: Assess vulnerability and build resilience to address adverse impacts of climate change.
2.1 Generic
2.1.1 Facilitate the implementation of Readiness plan Readiness plan Readiness plan   13.1, 13.3 600.0 MoE Relevant Ministries and line agencies
National Adaptation Plan 2016-2025 implementation implemented
initiated
2.1.2 Review and update the National National Adaptation Existing National NAP 2026-2035   13.2 Included in MoE Relevant Ministries, line agencies
Adaptation Plan 2016-2025 covering the Plan 2026-2035 Adaptation Plan 2016- completed 2.1.1 and academics
Theme 3
period 2026-2035 2025
2.1.3 Update sector vulnerability and climate Climate change Existing climate All sectors   13.3 Included in MoE DMC, NBRO, MET, relevant
change risk for all priority adaptation sector vulnerability / change sector 2.1.1 ministries, line agencies and
sectors risk profiles vulnerability / risk academics
profiles
2.1.4 Conduct Technology Needs Assessment Technology Needs Existing Technology Technology Needs   13.3 5.0 MoE Relevant ministries, line agencies
for all priority adaptation sectors Assessment Needs Assessment Assessment conducted and academics
2.2 Agriculture
2.2.1 Promote Integrated Pest Management No. of IPM and IPNS Existing IPM and IPNS All climate vulnerable   2.4 20.0 DoA
(IPM) and Integrated Plant and Nutrition programmes programmes agricultural areas
Agriculture sector NDC 2
Systems (IPNS) in agricultural areas of
most vulnerable to climate change
2.2.2 Develop/introduce varieties resistant/ Varieties resistant/ Existing research Varieties introduced and    2.4 To be DoA RRDI (Rice), FCRDI (OFC), HORDI
tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses tolerant to biotic and initiatives developed estimated (vegetables), FRDI (fruits)
targeting the most vulnerable abiotic stresses
agricultural crops to climate change
2.2.3 Revisit the Agro-ecological Regions Agro-ecological Existing AERs map Agro-ecological Regions    13.2, 13.3 To be NRMC MET
(AERs) map of Sri Lanka with current Regions (AERs) map (AERs) map updated estimated
and future climate scenarios and
Appropriate crops
recommend appropriate crops for Current crops
recommended
different regions to reduce vulnerability Appropriate crops recommended
to climate change impacts
2.2.4 Enhance sustainable land and water % coverage of target Existing coverage of 100%    15.1, 6.6 To be NRMC, DAD MASL, LUPPD, HBASL, PDoA, DoA,
management practices (SLMP) in areas area by SLMP target area by SLMP estimated ID, TSHDA
where anticipated climate vulnerability
is severe (Detailed info available in
relevant NDCs)
2.3 Biodiversity
2.3.1 Management of climate sensitive areas Extent of managed No baseline All climate sensitive    15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5 To be MoE FD, MWFC, CC&CRMD, CEA, MEPA,
and restoration of degraded areas inside climate sensitive areas managed estimated DWC academics and researchers, NGOs,
Biodiversity sector NDC 1
and outside the protected areas (PAs) areas MET, DMC, NARA, LAs
25% of degraded areas
network to conserve habitats which are
% of restored restored
highly vulnerable to climate change
degraded areas
76 77
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
2.3.2 Increase connectivity in the zones that % of declared No baseline 25% of declared land    15.3 To be MoE, FD, MWFC, MASL, ID, DAD, SD,
will be subjected to climate driven land extent out of extent out of identified estimated DWC, academics, research institutes, CEA,
changes according to current predictions identified climate climate sensitive LAs, private sector
through landscape approaches sensitive corridors corridors
2.3.3 Expansion of Protected Area (PA) extent % of PAs extent Existing PAs 25% of PAs extent    15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5 To be MWFC FD, DWC, academics, MoE, research
to enhance the ability of the PA network declared and declared and expanded estimated institutes, CC &CRMD, LRC, SD, ID,
to function as a buffer for climate expanded MASL, CEA, LUPPD
change
Theme 3
2.3.4 Strengthen ex-situ conservation No. of programmes Currently no focus on 08 programmes    15.1, 15.5 To be DNBG, PGRC, arboreta, LAs, LRC, academics,
programmes covering climate vulnerable climate vulnerable estimated DNZG, research institutions
taxa and regions taxa and regions NARA, DWC,
FD, VRI,
DNM
2.3.5 Effective management of spread of Priority areas Currently no focus All priority areas    15.8 To be MoE FD, DWC, academics, research
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) triggered by identified on climate triggered identified estimated institutions
favourable climatic conditions spread of IAS
% of priority 25% of priority areas
areas covered by covered by interventions
interventions
2.4 Coastal and Marine
2.4.1 Establish an accurate sea level rise Sea level rise Existing sea level rise Accurate sea level rise   13.3 To be NARA CC&CRMD, SD, DMC, MET, SLPA, SLN
forecasting system for Sri Lanka forecasting system forecasting system forecasting system estimated
Coastal and marine sector
established
NDC 1
2.4.2 Prepare updated vulnerability and risk Vulnerability and risk Existing vulnerability Vulnerability and risk   13.3 To be CC&CRMD NARA, SD, academics, DMC, UDA,
maps for the coastal belt of Sri Lanka maps for the coastal and risk maps for the maps for the coastal belt estimated ID, DS
belt coastal belt updated
NDC 2
2.4.3 Adopt optimal shoreline management Shoreline Existing shoreline Optimal shoreline    13.1, 14.5 To be CC&CRMD Academics, MEPA, NARA, GSMB,
works/measures covering affected management works/ management works/ management works/ estimated LAs, NGOs
length of shoreline using a combination measures measures measures adopted
NDC 3
of hard and soft solutions to prevent
coastal erosion in areas most vulnerable
to SLR
2.4.4 Identify and declare coastal and marine Coastal and marine Currently such areas Coastal and marine   13.1, 14.5 To be CC&CRMD Academics, MEPA, NARA
natural areas of high priority for building natural areas not identified natural areas declared estimated
resilience for climate change impacts
NDC 4
2.5 Fisheries
2.5.1 Adopt Ecosystem-based Approach to No. of EAFM plans Existing fishery 05 EAFM plans    14.2, 14.4, 14.6, 14.b, 14.c To be DFAR NARA, CC&CRMD, MEPA, academics,
Fisheries Management (EAFM) in areas developed and management areas developed and estimated NAQDA, SLN, SLCG
Fisheries sector NDC 1
of high climate vulnerability to enhance implemented not managed under implemented
resilience EAFM
78 79
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
2.5.2 Expand aquaculture and culture-based No. of fish barricades Existing barricades 50 fish barricades   1.5, 14.b To be NAQDA MoFish, academics, NARA, CEA,
fisheries to address food security issues established in climate tolerant estimated CC&CRMD, ID, Chambers of
Currently no focus Fisheries sector NDC 2
relating to climate change perennial reservoirs fingerlings culture and Commerce, MoE, MASL, DAD,
on climate tolerant
stocking programmes farmer org, DWC, private sector
No. of climate- species
conducted
tolerant fingerlings
culture and stocking
programmes
Theme 3
2.5.3 Breeding of aquatic resources of Climate tolerant Currently no focus Climate tolerant   14.b To be NAQDA NARA, DFAR, academics
commercial importance tolerant to fingerlings culture on climate tolerant fingerlings culture and estimated
changing climate and stocking species stocking programmes
programmes conducted
2.5.4 Increase the production capabilities of Production Existing level Production capabilities    14.b To be NARA, DFAR CC&CRMD, NGO, LAs, SD
fisheries, aquatic resources in 30 lagoons capabilities of of production of fisheries, aquatic estimated
which are highly vulnerable to (sea level fisheries, aquatic capabilities of resources in 30 lagoons
rise and rain fall changes) climate change resources in lagoons fisheries, aquatic increased
resources in lagoons
2.5.5 Enhanced safety of fishermen at sea Early warning Existing early warning Effective early warning   8.8 To be DFAR MoFish, SMoSVR&I, ITI, SLPA, SLN,
against climate change influenced transmission systems transmission systems transmission systems for estimated DMC
extreme conditions for fishers (including for fishers (including fishers (including small
small boats and small boats and boats and traditional
traditional crafts) traditional crafts) crafts) introduced
Insurance schemes Existing insurance New or improved
schemes insurance schemes
Weather information
introduced
management and Existing weather
communication information Efficient weather
system management and information
communication management and
system communication system
established
2.5.6 Diversification of livelihoods of fisherfolk New livelihood Existing livelihoods New livelihood options    1.5 To be DFAR SMoSVR&I, NARA, ITI, banks,
to build resilience to climate change options introduced estimated insurance, EDB, diplomatic missions,
BoI
2.6 Livestock
2.6.1 Introduce adaptation measures to Adaptation measures Education and Adaptation measures   13.1, 13.3 To be DAP&H Provincial DAP&H, VRI, NLDB,
address adverse impacts of climate awareness materials introduced estimated academics, milk processing agencies
Livestock sector NDC 1
change on ruminant livestock distributed NGOs, MoA, SMoLs, VICs
2.6.2 Introduction of technological Technological Existing technological Technological   13.1, 13.3 To be DAP&H Provincial departments, NLDB,
innovations and interventions in building innovations and innovations and innovations and estimated private sector farms, NERD,
resilience in poultry and swine farming interventions interventions interventions introduced academics
against climate change
80 81
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
2.7 Health
2.7.1 Improve capacity to manage Non- A road map in Existing programmes A road map in managing   3.d To be MoH NCD Bureau of the MoH
communicable Diseases (NCD) and managing climate and plans climate change induced estimated
Health sector NDC 2
health conditions directly attributable to change induced NCDs developed
climate change NCDs
Management guidelines
Management for the prioritized
guidelines for diseases and health
Theme 3
the prioritized conditions including
diseases and clinical and preventive
health conditions guidelines developed
including clinical and
preventive guidelines
2.7.2 Manage worsening of under-nutrition Programmes Current programmes Programmes conducted   1.5 To be MoH DoM,
and malnutrition due to climate change not focused on estimated
Health sector NDC 3 MoEd, MoA
climate change
2.7.3 Strengthen surveillance and Programmes Existing surveillance Programmes conducted   3.d To be MoH PMoH, DMC, LAs, DoGI, MoE, MoEd,
management of climate-sensitive vector and management estimated MoFish, MoD, MoUDH, Media, CEA,
Health sector NDC 4
and rodent borne diseases (Dengue, programmes MET, Health Promotion Bureau
Malaria, Filaria, Leishmaniasis and
Leptospirosis)
2.7.4 Reduce morbidity and mortality from Morbidity and Existing level of % reduction of morbidity  3.1, 3.2, 3.4 To be MoH Health Promotion Bureau, media
extreme weather/climate events (floods, mortality morbidity and and mortality estimated unit of MoH, RDHS, DMC, DS, DoGI,
Health sector NDC 5
drought, landslides and other climate mortality MoE
related emergencies)
2.8 Tourism
2.8.1 Build resilience through sustainable Sustainable tourism Existing programmes Sustainable tourism   8.9 To be MoE, SLTDA UDA, CEA, MEPA,
tourism practices and improved risk practices and risk practices promoted estimated Ministry of CC&CRMD, NARA, SDC, CCF, DWC,
Tourism sector NDC 1
preparedness in destinations of highest preparedness and risk preparedness Toursim FD, DMC, MoPP & L, SLINTGLA,
climate change vulnerability improved PCs, international education
organizations, promotion bureau,
SDC, private sector tourism
associations, civil society partners,
UNDP, IUCN
2.8.2 Promote climate resilience in tourism Green Building No. of new No. of Green Building   7.3, 12.2, 13.1, 13.3 To be UDA, SLTDA Ministry of Tourism, MoE, GBCSL,
sector through introducing Green designs to new constructions and designs introduced to estimated SLSEA, Tourism Advisory Committee,
Tourism sector NDC 3
Building design to all new constructions constructions and refurbishments new constructions and CEA, LAs, CC&CRMD, MEPA, NBRO
and refurbishments refurbishments adopting Green refurbishments
Building designs
82 83
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
2.9 Human Settlement

2.9.1 Incorporate Disaster Risk Reduction DRR initiatives Existing programmes DRR initiatives   13.2 To be MoUDH MoPP&L, NBRO, UDA, NHDA, USDA,
(DRR) mechanisms into urban incorporated estimated MoE, ID, RDA, CEA
Human settlement sector
and human settlement planning
NDC 2
/ implementation in areas of high
vulnerability to climate change risks
(Connected to Theme 8)
2.10 Water
Theme 3
2.10.1 Adopt Integrated River Basin IRBM No. of existing rivers IRBM approach adopted    6.5 To be MoIrri, ID, MASL, MoE, DoA, DAD, MET,
Management (IRBM) approach in 15 adopting IRBM in 15 river basins estimated MoWS, WRB, PDoI, FD, NPPD, DWC, DCWS,
Water sector NDC 1
prioritized river basins in Sri Lanka State Min NWSDB
of Tanks,
Reservoirs
2.10.2 Monitor ground and surface water in New monitoring Existing monitoring New monitoring    6.1 To be NWSDB, LAs, CEA, ID, plantation sector co,
the Northern, North Central and North programmes programmes programmes conducted estimated DCWS, WRB DAD, DoA, IWMI, NGOs, CBOs
Water sector NDC 2
Western provinces and other areas
of high drinking water vulnerability to
drought
2.10.3 Promote climate resilient water supply Climate resilient Existing climate Climate resilient   13.1, 13.3 To be MoWS, NWSDB, DCWS, CEA, LAs, IWMI,
schemes water supply resilient water supply water supply schemes estimated UDA, SLRWHF, WRB, ID, NBRO, DoM,
Water sector NDC 3
schemes schemes promoted SMoDM, MoH, FD, DWC, DoA, private sector
MoE
2.10.4 Establish salinity barriers in 03 rivers Salinity barriers No. of rivers with Salinity barriers    6.3 To be MoWS NWSDB, ID, WRB, IWMI, PUCSL,
where intakes are subjected to climate salinity barriers established in 03 rivers estimated CBOs, DoA, CEB, MASL, DCWS, NPPD
Water sector NDC 5
change influenced saline water
intrusion during the drought season
(covering Kelani Ganga, Kalu Ganga, and
Malwathu Oya)
2.10.5 Restore, rehabilitate and augment 25 Restoration, No. of major / 25 major /medium    6.6 To be DAD, ID, CSIAP, NWPCP, NCPCP
major /medium reservoirs and 300 rehabilitation and medium reservoirs reservoirs and 300 estimated PDoI, MASL
Water sector NDC 7
minor irrigation systems and 200 km augmentation of and minor irrigation minor irrigation systems
length of irrigation canals of Sri Lanka major /medium systems and length of and 200 km length
for enhancing climate resilience in reservoirs and minor irrigation canals of irrigation canals
agriculture sector irrigation systems restored, rehabilitated
and irrigation canals and augmented
2.10.6 Introduce or promote alternative water Alternative water Existing systems Alternative water    6.1, 6.4 To be ID, WRB SLRWHF, NWSDB, DCWS, DAD
resources as a climate change resilience resources resources introduced estimated
Water sector NDC 8
building intervention for domestic and
supplementary irrigation
2.10.7 Enhance water management in 40 Enhancement of No. of irrigation Enhance water   Water sector NDC 9 To be ID, DAD, DoA, PDoA, PDoI, private sector
irrigation schemes water management schemes management in 40 estimated MASL
in irrigation schemes irrigation schemes
enhanced
84 85
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
2.10.8 Assess river floods and mitigation Floods early Existing systems 05 priority basins    13.3 To be ID MET, DMC, NBRO, LUPPD
measures and early warning systems warning and estimated
Water sector NDC 10
for possible flash floods for five mitigation measures
priority basins (covering Kelani Ganga, implemented for
Attanagalu Oya, Kalu Ganga, Kirindi Oya priority basins
and Malwathu Oya on pilot basis)
2.10.9 Store rainwater within subsurface for No. of Managed Monitoring of 14 sites to cover the   6.6 To be WRB and Relevant ministries and line agencies
later use through Managed Aquifer Aquifer Recharge groundwater aquifer systems (two estimated NWSDB
Theme 3
Recharge scheme schemes enhancement sites per each aquifer
system)
Strategy 3: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through low carbon development pathways.
Generic
3.1 Conduct Technology Needs Assessment Technology Needs Existing Technology Technology Needs   13.3 5.0 MoE Relevant ministries, line agencies
for all priority mitigation sectors Assessment Needs Assessment Assessment conducted and academics
Energy
3.2 Implementing mitigation actions in the GHG reduction BAU scenario of 25% (5% unconditionally    7.2 and 7.3 To be CEB and MoP, relevant academics
energy sector to reduce greenhouse gas the Long-Term and 20% conditionally) estimated SLSEA
All mitigation NDCs of
emissions Generation Expansion
49,093,000 MT of CO2 Energy sector
Plan 2013-2032 of
equivalent (9,819,000
CEB published in
MT unconditionally
October 2013
and 39,274,000 MT
conditionally)
3.2.1 Enhance renewable energy contribution Renewable energy Renewable energy 3,867 MW over the    7.2 To be CEB SLSEA, MoP, relevant academics
to the national electricity generation mix capacity addition in capacity considered renewable energy estimated
Energy sector mitigation
by increasing solar PV, wind, hydro and MW in business-as-usual capacity considered
NDC 1
sustainable biomass-based electricity scenario in business-as-usual
generations scenario
3.2.2 Implement Demand Side Management Energy saving in Baseline to be 7,800 GWh    7.3 To be SLSEA CEB, MoP, relevant academics
measures by promoting energy GWh established estimated
efficient equipment, technologies and
NDC 2
system improvements in a national
energy efficiency improvement and
conservation programme
3.2.3 Improve transmission and distribution Energy saving in Baseline to be 1,850 GWh    7.3 To be CEB SLSEA, MoP, relevant academics
network efficiency GWh established estimated
NDC 3
3.2.4 Convert existing fuel oil-based power LNG capacity in MW Baseline to be 1,300 MW   7.3 To be CEB SLSEA, MoP, relevant academics
plants to LNG and establishment of new established estimated
LNG plants
NDC 4
86 87
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
3.2.5 Conduct R & D activities to implement Appropriate NCRE In R&D or planning Appropriate NCRE    7.2 To be CEB SLSEA, MoP, relevant academics
pilot scale projects for non-conventional and supporting stage harnessed and estimated
renewable energy (NCRE) sources infrastructure supporting infrastructure
NDC 5
that have not yet reached commercial developed
maturity and develop other grid
supporting infrastructures44
Industry
3.3 Implementing mitigation actions in the GHG reduction BAU scenario 7% (4% unconditionally    3.9, 4.7, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 7.1, To be MoI, BoI, MoE, MoP, SLTB, TRI, SLTDA, DCS,
Theme 3
industry sector to reduce greenhouse and 3% conditionally) 7.2, 7.3, 8.3, 8.4, 8.8, 8.9, estimated RISC, IDB, CIAs
gas emissions 9.3, 9.4, 9.c, 11.6, 11.c, NEDA, ISB,
3,570,000 MT of CO2
12.2, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, LINDEL,
12.8, 13.3, 17.18 UDA
MT unconditionally
and 1,482,000 MT
conditionally)
3.3.1 Promote the use of sustainable biomass % of industries Baseline to be 100%    7.2 and 7.3 150.0 SLSEA, CEA, MoInd, MoE, MoP, SLTB, TRI, SLTDA,
energy and improve user efficiency having access to established SLSI, MoE BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB, LINDEL,
Industry sector mitigation (Pvt)
sustainable biomass UDA, relevant CIAs
NDC 1
No. of user efficiency 500 300
improvements
3.3.2 Enhance the application of Resource % of relevant Baseline to be 50% relevant industries    6.3, 6.4, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 9.4, To be SLSEA, MoP, SLTB, TRI, BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA,
Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP) industries engaged established 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 estimated MoInd, CEA, ISB, LINDEL, UDA, NCPC, NERD,
practices in: NWS& DB GBCSL, SLTDA, DAP&H, CDA, RRI, ITI,
Industry sector mitigation
SLEMA, service providers of EE, RE,
Energy use efficiency NDC 2
SCP&WM, CIAs
Water use efficiency
Material use
efficiency
Waste minimization
44 Such as geothermal energy, ocean thermal energy (OTEC), ocean energy (Wave) Pumped storage hydro power plants and pilot scale storage
systems such as Behind the Meter and Grid Scale Battery Energy Storage)
88 89
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
3.3.3 Promote eco-industrial parks (E-IPs) No. of existing BOI 0 04 (BOI to upgrade    BoI CEA, NCPC, ITI, MoPP& L, CECB,
EPZs transformed to existing infrastructure of service providers of SCP, WM& ICT,
eco IPs waste water treatment CIAs, academics
plants in Seethawaka,
Horana, Koggala and
Mawathagama EPZs)
9.4, 9c, 12.4
% of existing non-BOI 0 50% Non-BOI IPs    RISC, IDB, MoInd, CEA, NCPC, ITI, MoPP&L,
Industry sector mitigation 4,000.0
IPs transformed to ISB, LINDEL, CECB, ICTA, service providers of SCP,
Theme 3
eco IPs NDC 3 UDA WM& ICT, CIAs, academics
Establishing new 0 All new IPs    BOI, MoInd RISC, IDB, ISB, LINDEL, UDA, CEA,
E-IPs NCPC, ITI, MPP&L, CECB, ICTA,
service providers of SCP, WM& ICT,
CIAs, academics
3.3.4 Introduce Circular Economy concept % of relevant Baseline to be 50% relevant industries    8.8, 9.4, 12.4 & 12.5 365.0 MoInd, CEA NCPC, RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB, UDA,
industries engaged in established (Facilitation) SLSI, service providers of EE, SCP&
Waste minimization + To be WM, CIAs
NDC 4
Waste reuse estimated
Waste recycling (private
Resource recovery sector)
3.3.5 Introduce “Tri-generation” facilities Pilot tri- generation 0 1    7.2 and 7.3 08 state SLSEA, BoI, CIAs, academics
facility established sector MoInd
NDC 5 39,000.0
private sector
3.3.6 Reduce industrial process GHG GHG reduction in BAU scenario 180,034 tCO2/year    3.9, 7.2, 7.3, 9.4, 12.4, 12.5 To be MoInd, SLSEA, BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
emissions clinker production in estimated MoE, CEA, LINDEL, UDA, NCPC, CIAs, academics
cement industry SLSI
NDC 6
Waste
3.4 Implementing mitigation actions in the GHG reduction BAU scenario 11% (8.5%    2.3, 2.4, 6.3, 6.4, 7.1, 9.4, To be SMoUD, MoInd, MoUDH, MoPP&L, BoI, RISC,
waste sector to reduce greenhouse gas unconditionally and 2.5% 11.6, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 estimated CEA, IDB, ISB, LINDEL, UDA, MoH, PMoH,
emissions conditionally) WMAWP, NWPEA, service providers of WM,
MoE, LAs CIAs
2,549,000 MT of CO2
MT unconditionally
and 580,000 MT
conditionally)
90 91
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
3.4.1 Improve “Circular economy’’ practices in Reduced MSW To be established Reduced MSW
all MSW generation sources generation growth generation growth by
10%
% of segregation 60% 75% by 2025
No. of segregation 2 3 in all LAs by 2027
categories at source
6.3, 6.4, 11.6, 12.3, 12.5
Increased waste To be established Up to 75% in Western To be
Theme 3
collection percentage Province and 60% in    Waste sector mitigation MoE, CEA WMAWP, NSWMSC, MoInd, CIAs
estimated
(on generation basis) other provinces NDC 1
Increased percentage 2% 7% in Western Province
of waste recycled (on and 5% in other
collection basis) Provinces by 2030
No. of high wastes To be established 15 high wastes
generating products generating products
regulated
3.4.2 Manage biodegradable waste Composted as 15% 30%    2.3, 2.4, 7.2, 7.4, To be DoA, SLSEA, CEA, WMAWP, NSWMSC, MoInd, BoI
component through biological a percentage of estimated LAs
03% 30% 12.4
treatments (composting and biogas) collected waste
Approximately 10,000 15,000 Waste sector mitigation
i) Western Province
NDC 2
ii) Other Provinces
No. of biogas units
3.4.3 Introduce resource recovery from Resource recovery Baseline to be 70% of resource    11.6, 12.5 To be SLSEA, CEA, WMAWP
non-recyclable waste which cannot be using non-recyclable, established recovery using non- estimated SMoUD
Waste sector mitigation
managed by other means and waste recyclable, and waste
NDC 3
3.4.4 Increase the use of sanitary landfills for Disposal of residual Current level 5% on 100% on weight basis    6.3, 11.6, 12.3, 12.4 To be SMoUD, MoE, WMAWP, NSWMSC,
the disposal of residual waste waste to sanitary weight basis estimated CEA, LAs MoInd, UDA
Waste sector mitigation
landfills
NDC 4
Transport
3.5 Implementing mitigation actions in the GHG reduction BAU scenario 4% (1% unconditionally    3.6, 11.2, 11.6, 12.c To be MoT, CTB, MoPE, MoE, MoF, MoUDH, MoPP&L,
transport sector to reduce greenhouse and 3% conditionally) estimated SLR, DMT, NTC, LAs UDA, SLSEA, CEB, private
gas emissions 5,348,000 MT of CO2 RDA bus operators’ associations, relevant
equivalent (1,337,000 academics
MT unconditionally
and 4,011,000 MT
conditionally)
3.5.1 Improve systems in the transport sector % reduction of Baseline to be 20%    3.6, 11.2, 11.6, 12.c To be MoT, ICTA MoE, MoUDH, MoPP&L, NTC,
to avoid the need to travel number of trips per established estimated LAs UDA, private bus operators’
Transport sector mitigation
person associations, relevant academics
NDC 1
92 93
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
3.5.2 Promote public passenger transport % of passengers Baseline to be 30%    11.2, 11.6, 12.c To be MoT, CTB, MoP, MoE, MoF, MoUDH, MoPP&L,
shifted from established estimated SLR NTC, LAs UDA, private bus operators’
individual to public associations
NDC 2
transport
3.5.3 Shift freight to efficient modes Freight shifted from Baseline to be Covered by relevant NDC    3.6, 11.6, 12.c To be MoT, SLR Relevant private companies
road to rail in ton km established in detail estimated
NDC 3
3.5.4 Introduce rapid transport for passenger Distance covered/ Non-existent Target to be established    3.6, 11.2, 11.6, 12.c To be MoT MoF, MoE, MoUDH, NTC, UDA, CEB
Theme 3
transport Passengers served by estimated
functioning light rail
NDC 4
transit
3.5.5 Promote non-motorized transport Distance covered Baseline to be Target to be established    11.6, To be UDA, LAs MoT, MoE, MoF, MoUDH, MoPP&L,
modes (km) by new bicycle established estimated RDA
lanes
NDC 5
No. of cycle parking
established, number
of cities covered and
total capacities
No. of school
transports replaced
and number of
students using
bicycles
Length of improved
facilities for
pedestrian walkways
or number and
number of cities
covered
3.5.6 Introduce inland water transport modes No. of km in canal Baseline to be Target to be established    11.2, 11.6, 12.c To be ID, MASL, MoT, MoE, MoUDH, MoPP&L, LAs,
transport established estimated SLN UDA
No. of boats in NDC 7
service
No. of passenger-km
/ year
3.5.7 Modernize and upgrade suburban Electrification of Baseline to be Covered by relevant NDC    11.2, 11.6, 12.c To be MoT, SLR MoF, MoUDH, UDA
railway railway established in detail estimated
New railway lines NDC 8
and expansion of
existing railway
network
94 95
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
3.5.8 Promote electric mobility and hybrid Increased tax Baseline to be Target to be established    11.2, 11.6, 12.c To be MoT, CTB MoP, MoE, MoF, MoUDH, MoPP&L,
vehicles concessions for established estimated NTC, LAs, UDA, SLSEA, CEB, PUCSL,
electric and hybrid relevant academics
NDC 9
vehicles, vehicle
import statistics and
percentage
No. of charging
stations, mechanism
Theme 3
for battery swapping
and replacements
No. of batteries
import using new HS
code
3.5.9 Improve vehicle fleet efficiency Improvement in fuel Baseline to be 40%    11.2, 11.6, 12.c To be MoT, CTB, MoPE, MoE, CPC, SLSEA, private bus
economy established estimated SLR operators’ associations, relevant
academics
NDC 10
3.5.10 Develop road infrastructure Length of provincial Baseline to be Target to be established    3.6, 11.2, 11.6, To be MoT, RDA MoUDH, MoPP&L, LAs, UDA
and rural road established estimated
network resurfaced
NDC 11
and modernized
Length of expressway
roads developed
3.5.11 Change the existing vehicle emission Upgraded system Existing vehicle Upgraded system in  11.2 To be DMT MoT, MoE, CEA
charging system from the present emission charging place estimated
vehicle based to vehicle type, fuel used system
and emission-based system plus the
total km travel.
3.5.12 Restrict the entry of individual modes % reduction of Baseline to be Target to be established    11.2 To be LAs UDA, MoPP&L
of transport to sensitive areas and vehicles entering in established estimated
congested areas of major cities during to restricted zones
the peak hours
3.5.13 Develop park and ride infrastructure No. of facilities 01 in Makumbura Target to be established    11.2 To be MoT MoPP&L, LAs, UDA, CTB, SLR, private
facilities combined with cordon-based developed and estimated bus operators' associations
pricing mechanism average
No. of vehicles
parked per time
96 97
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
3.5.14 Reduce GHG emission from marine Annex VI of MARPOL BAU scenario Target to be established    11.6, 12.c, 14 To be MoPorts, MoE, CC&CRMD, CFHC, MoFish, SLN,
sector convention ratified estimated MEPA SLCG
Impact of shipping NDC 12
on GHG emission
studied/published
No. of containers (20
or 40ft) transported
Theme 3
through coastal
shipping per year
No. of energy
efficiency
programmes
introduced, number
of fishing boats/
vessels covered by
the programmes
Forestry
3.6 Implementing mitigation actions in the Increase of carbon BAU scenario 7% (2% unconditionally    15.1 and 15.2 To be FD MoE, MoPla, MASL, RPCs, ID, DAD,
forestry sector to reduce greenhouse gas sequestration and 5% conditionally) estimated RDA, LAs, UDA
emissions
2,357,000 MT) of CO2
equivalent (705,000
MT unconditionally
and 1,652,000 MT
conditionally)
3.6.1 Increase forest cover including Increase of forest 29.2% 32%    15.1, 15.2 To be FD MoE, MoPla, MASL, RPCs, ID, DAD
plantations by strengthening the cover estimated
Forestry Mitigation NDC 1
catchment protection of major rivers
and 3
and cascade systems of Sri Lanka
3.6.2 Improve quality of growing stock of Reduction of Baseline to be 200,000 ha    15.1, 15.2 To be FD MoE, MoPla, MASL, RPCs
natural forests and plantations degradation index established estimated
3.6.3 Promote tree planting along roadside, Increase of forest Baseline to be Target to be established    15.1, 15.2 To be FD, RDA, MoE, MASL, RPCs, LAs
urban forestry, religious, schools and cover established estimated UDA
other government lands, home gardens
3.6.4 Adopt policies and enforceable Policies and Recognized in Specific policies and    15.1, 15.2 To be MoE FD, MASL, RDA, UDA LAs
legislations for the promotion of urban enforceable “National Policy enforceable legislations estimated
forestry and establish a robust MRV legislations Framework” adopted
system for forestry related interventions
MRV system MRV development MRV system established
initiated
98 99
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
Agriculture and Livestock

3.7 Implementing mitigation actions in the GHG reduction BAU scenario 7% (4% unconditionally    2,4, 6.4, 6.5, 7.2, 12.3, 12.4, To be MoIrri, DoA, MoA, MoE, SMoLs, DoM, MoF,
agriculture sector to reduce greenhouse and 3% conditionally) 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 14.2, 14.4, estimated DAP&H DoF, CC&CRMD, DMC, SLSEA, CEB, IDB,
gas emissions 14.b, 15.9 NAQDA, PMoA, PMoLs, NFS, RoP, relevant
4,335,400 MT CO2
NEDA, academics
NARA
MT unconditionally
and 1,858,000 MT
Theme 3
conditionally)
3.7.1 Reduce post-harvest losses % reduction of losses Existing level of losses 50%    12.3 To be DoA MoA, DAD, PMoA
estimated
Agriculture Sector
Mitigation NDC 1
3.7.2 Increase agriculture productivity of crops % increase of Existing level of Target to be established    2.4 To be DoA MoA, DAD, PMoA
productivity productivity estimated
Agriculture Sector
Mitigation NDC 2
3.7.3 Improve adoption of renewable energy No. of farmers using Existing number Target to be established    2.4, 7.2 To be DoA MoA, DAD, PMoA, SLSEA, CEB
for crop farming/value addition renewable energy of farmers using estimated
Agriculture Sector
renewable energy
Mitigation NDC 3
3.7.4 Improve dairy sector productivity % increase of Existing level of Target to be established    2.4 To be DAP&H SMoLs, PMoLs
productivity productivity estimated
Agriculture Sector
Mitigation NDC 4
3.7.5 Improve the productivity of % increase of Existing level of Target to be established    2.4 To be DAP&H SMoLs, PMoLs
monogastrics productivity productivity estimated
Agriculture Sector
Mitigation NDC 5
3.7.6 Improve adoption of renewable energy No. of farmers using Existing number Target to be established    2.4, 7.2 To be DAP&H SMoLs, PMoLs, SLSEA, CEB
for livestock applications renewable energy of farmers using estimated
Agriculture Sector
renewable energy
Mitigation NDC 6
Strategy 4: Manage losses and damages due to climate-induced disasters

4.1 Conduct a gap analysis to assess the Gap analysis DESINVENTAR45 Gap analysis conducted  1.5, 3.9, 3.d, 11.c, 11.9, To be DMC SMoDM, MoIrri, MoH, DoM, NBRO,
current status and understand loss and database 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 estimated PMoH, DivS, relevant LAs
damage, weather and climate related
extreme events, slow-onset disasters
and natural processes attributed to
climate change
4.2 Strengthen the existing weather and Weather and climate Existing weather and Weather and climate   1.5, 3.9, 3.d, 11.c, 11.9, To be MET SMoDM, MoIrri, MoH, NBRO, DMC,
climate forecasting system forecasting system climate forecasting forecasting system 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 estimated PMoH, DivS, LAs
system strengthen
45 DesInventar is a Disaster Information Management System under Sendai framework operated under UNDRR
100 101
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
4.3 Improve sector wise data management Data management DESINVENTAR Data management   1.5, 3.9, 3.d, 11.c, 11.9, To be DMC SMoDM, MoIrri, MoH, MET, NBRO,
systems to record loss and damage, systems database systems improved 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 estimated PMoH, DivS, LAs
taking 2015 as the base year
4.4 Establish an overarching nationally Institutional Non-existent Institutional mechanism    1.5, 3.9, 3.d, 11.c, 11.9, To be DMC SMoDM, MoF, MoIrri, MoH, DoM,
appropriate, functional institutional mechanism established 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 estimated NBRO, DMC, PMoH, DivS, LAs
mechanism for loss and damage in
line with the ‘Warsaw International
Mechanism for Loss and Damage’
Theme 3
4.5 Develop a Comprehensive Risk Risk Management Comprehensive Risk Management    1.5, 3.9, 3.d, 11.c, 11.9, To be DMC SMoDM, MoIrri, MoH, DoM, NBRO,
Management Framework founded on Framework Disaster Management Framework developed 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 estimated PMoH, DivS, LAs
the provisions of the 2005 Disaster Programme 2014
Management Act
Strategy 5: Enhance national capacity through the creation of awareness, education, research
and development, technology transfers & information dissemination for climate change
mitigation and adaptation.
5.1 Establish a national clearing house National clearing Existing CCS website National clearing house   12.8, 13.2, Mitigation and To be MoE Relevant line agencies
for climate change mitigation and house in place adaptation NDCs of all estimated
National data sharing
adaptation related information sectors
network
5.2 Establish a national network of Technology transfer Isolated interventions Technology transfer  17.6, 17.7, 17.8, Mitigation To be SMoSVR&I MoE, SLSEA, ITI, academics
institutions for the facilitation of network network in place and adaptation NDCs of all estimated
technology transfer sectors
5.3 Establish a R& D promotional R&D promotional Isolated interventions R& D promotional  17.6, 17.7, 17.8, Mitigation To be SMoSVR&I MoE, MoEd, SLSEA, ITI, relevant
mechanism mechanism mechanism established and adaptation NDCs of all estimated academics
sectors
5.4 Make a national database for climate National database Existing CCS website National database in  17.6, 17.7, 17.8, 17.18, To be MoE To be identified
change information in various forms for place Mitigation and adaptation estimated
National data sharing
the benefits of various target groups NDCs of all sectors
network
5.5 Introduction of technological Technological Not focused on Number of technological   13.3 To be DAP&H Provincial DAP&H, VICs, NLDB,
innovations and interventions in building innovations and climate change innovations and estimated private sector farms, private feed
resilience in poultry and swine farming interventions interventions introduced manufacturers
against climate change
5.6 Improve research, education, No. of programmes To be established To be set    13.3 To be DAP&H Provincial DAP&H, VRI, NLDB, DAD,
awareness, and capacity building for conducted estimated NGOs, farmer organizations, private
climate change adaptation in livestock sector breeder farms
sector
5.7 Build capacity of the water sector No. of programmes To be established To be set    13.3 To be MoWS, NWSDB, ID, MASL, DCWS,
personnel and raise awareness of the conducted estimated MoIrri academics, international
Water sector NDC 6
public in building resilience to climate organizations, NGOs, private sector
change including plantation companies,
PUCSL, LAs, CBOs, IWMI, CEA, BoI,
MoInd, SLSI, CIDA
102 103
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
5.8 Conduct fisheries and aquatic resources Fisheries and aquatic Not focused on No. of Fisheries and    14.a To be NARA Academics
research targeting building resilience to resources research climate change aquatic resources estimated
climate change research conducted
5.9 Enrich the climate change concepts in Curricula of schools, Existing modules Curricula of schools,   4.7, Mitigation and To be NIE, UGC, MoEd, MoE, relevant academics
the curricula of school, higher education higher education and higher education and adaptation NDCs of all estimated relevant
and professional groups by giving more professional groups professional groups sectors professional
emphasis to real life practical aspects enriched groups
(Covered by Chapter 5)
Theme 3
5.10 Conduct a national level public Public awareness on Present level of public Increased public    4.7, 12.8, Mitigation and To be MoE Media
awareness campaign through print and climate change awareness on climate awareness on climate adaptation NDCs of all estimated
electronic media change change sectors
Strategy 6: Strengthen partnerships and resource mobilization for adapting to climate change
impacts and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
6.1 Strengthen national and international No. of partnerships Existing partnerships 15 Partnerships    13.1, 13.3, 17.6, 17.7, 17.8, To be MoE MoF, MoFA, ERD, NPD
cooperation and partnerships to combat strengthened strengthened 17.16, 17.17, 17.18 estimated
climate change
6.2 Increase women’s participation to Women’s Present level of Increased women’s    5.5, 5.b, 13.b To be MoE SMoWCP&P, CBOs, NGOs
combat climate change participation to women’s participation participation to combat estimated
combat climate to combat climate climate change
change change
Gender aspect included
Gender aspect to all the new policies
included to the new and plans related to
policies and plans Climate Change
related to Climate
Change
6.3 Strengthen the participation of state Participation of state, There are instances Participation of state,    13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 17.17 To be MoE State and non-state actors (private
and non-state actors including the non-state actors where all 3 parties did non-state actors estimated sector, CBOs, NGOs, service
community to combat climate change and community not participate and community providers)
in programmes in programmes
coordinated by CCS coordinated by CCS
strengthened
6.4 Mobilize national and international No. of project Existing number of 10 project proposals    13.a, 17.1, 17.2, 17.3 15.0 MoF, MoE MoFA, ERD, NPD, relevant line
financial resources required for proposals submitted projects and financial submitted agencies
addressing climate change resources committed
Financial resources Financial resources
mobilized mobilized
104 105
© P.B. Terney Pradeep Kumara
Theme 4
Conservation and Sustainable Use
of Marine and Coastal Resources
Sri Lanka’s coastal and marine resources and biological diversity, as well as the
coastal and marine environment, provide a range of critical ecosystem services
that benefit the people, sustaining livelihoods, as well as playing a vital role in
economic development and strengthening protection from natural disasters. Sri
Lanka’s coastal zone is also under threat from increasing population pressure
and unmanaged human activities that cause coastal water pollution, coastal
erosion, sedimentation and siltation, habitat destruction, resource depletion
and loss of biodiversity. These threats are exacerbated by climate change that
affects coastal ecosystem health, livelihoods (e.g., fisheries, aquaculture, and
tourism) and the increased frequency and severity of natural hazards - such as
storm surges and storm waves. This theme’s action plan addresses these issues.
106 107
2.4.1 Overview
Sri Lanka’s coastal zone is defined in the Coast Conservation Act No 57 of 1981 as the “area lying within a
limit of three hundred meters landwards of the mean high-water line and a limit of two kilometres seawards
of the mean low-water line. In the case of rivers, streams, lagoons, or any other body of water connected to
the sea either permanently or periodically, the landward boundary shall extend to a limit of two kilometres
measured perpendicularly to the straight baseline drawn between the natural entrance points thereof and
shall include the waters of such rivers, streams and lagoons or any other body of water so connected to the
sea”. The Coast Conservation (Amendment) Act No. 49 of 2011 has incorporated 100 m of riparian land of the
water bodies that connect to the sea within the coastal zone. However, the coastal region that influences the
coastal marine environment comprises all parts of the 74 Divisional Secretary areas with coastal boundaries
and extends about 50 km inland from the coast, which is approximately 23% of the total land area of the
country (IUCN, 2018), accommodating over 33% of the population (World Bank, 2017a).
Sri Lanka’s Maritime Zones Law No. 22 of 1976 proclaims several areas of national maritime jurisdiction, in
conformity with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982. The Exclusive
Economic Zone which extends 200 nautical miles from the base line include the Internal waters (waters
landward of the baseline), Historic waters (Palk Bay, Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar), Territorial Sea (extends
to a distance of 12 nautical miles from the baseline) and the Contiguous Zone (extends to a distance of 24
nautical miles from the base line). The total sea area of 530,817 km2 under the jurisdiction of Sri Lanka is
Theme 4
approximately eight times that of its total land area.
Sri Lanka’s coastal and marine resources, biodiversity and ecosystems provide a range of critical ecosystem
services that benefit the people - sustaining livelihoods, contributing to economic development and
strengthening protection from natural disasters. Blue carbon ecosystems are invaluable for combating the
impacts of climate change (Conservation International, 2019).
Coastal and marine fisheries, tourism, industry, maritime transport (ports and shipping), are some major
economic activities associated with the coastal and marine environment. Among all economic activities,
fisheries and tourism are the most dependent on the natural resources of the coast. Together, these two
sectors generate 10% of Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings and account for 6.7% of employment (DCS,
2020).
Marine fisheries contribute only 1.1% to the national GDP but play an important role in food security and
livelihoods. There are 185,390 fishing households and 224,610 active fishers in the marine fisheries sector,
sustaining a coastal population of over 800,000 in 2019 (MoFish 2020). The marine fish catch of 415,490
Mt in 2019 was equivalent to 82% of the total fish produced in the country. Export of tuna, shrimp, lobster,
chank, sea cucumber and marine aquarium fish earned over 350 million USD in 2019 (MoFish, 2020). Recent
initiatives to expand brackish water aquaculture include the establishment of aquaculture industrial parks,
crab cities - which are initiatives by NAQDA and NARA to mobilize the private sector (including under a foreign
investment) and communities in seaweed farming, sea-cucumber breeding, as well as sea-bass culture and
farming (NAQDA, 2018).
Tourism is the fifth largest income earner for Sri Lanka, contributing 4.3% to the GDP and providing direct
and indirect employment to 402,607 persons (SLTDA 2019). Over 75% of tourism infrastructure (18,800
hotel rooms) in 2018 was located within the coastal region (IUCN, 2018). There is substantial investment
in new hotels with the opening of the east coast and Kalpitiya, in the north-western coast for resort-type
hotel projects. Sri Lanka has also become a major global attraction and destination for watching whales and
dolphins (IUCN, 2018).
The coastal region is also the hub of industrial production in the country and houses approximately 62% of
all industrial units - mostly in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara and Puttalam. The
Colombo and Gampaha districts account for 42% of the small industries and nearly 59% of the medium and
large industries (CZ&CRMP 2018). The coastal zone also assumes high importance in maritime trade and
108 109
transportation. There are five major seaports located in Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, Kankasanthurai and Sri Lanka’s marine fisheries are conducted largely under an “open access” environment resulting in excess
Hambantota. Close to 4,000 vessels berthed at these ports in 2019 and sea traffic is increasing continuously. fishing pressure on many resources (NARA, 2018). Under foreign funded projects, there have been many
The boat and shipbuilding sector is identified as an emerging export sector in the National Export Strategy, attempts to promote community-based and collaborative fisheries management, however, these have not
2018-2020 (EDB, 2021). been sustained after the completion of those projects, implying that these management concepts are not
institutionalized within DFAR. Enforcement activities are compromised, as the 132 fisheries field officers
Sector agencies work very closely with regional and international organizations such as the IOTC, FAO and IMO attached to the 15 coastal districts are called upon to play diverse and conflicting roles viz à viz the fishing
to promote sustainable resource management and environment conservation. Sri Lanka is also embracing communities. Despite regulations banning the use of resources and/or environmentally harmful fishing gear
new technologies and concepts in the management of coastal and marine resources - such as the use of and methods, these are still being practised at different levels of intensity, both in the sea and lagoons.
satellite-based vessel tracking in fisheries, use of remote sensing for fisheries forecasting, the green harbour
concept and adoption of ‘Blue Economy’, an emerging concept which encourages better stewardship of ocean With the rapid growth of the population and urbanization, environmental pollution by solid waste has become
or ‘blue’ resources (World Bank, 2017b). a serious problem in Sri Lanka, including in the coastal areas. Many local authorities lack adequate facilities
and financial resources for efficient solid waste management. Waste is often disposed in open dumps, nearly
Sri Lanka’s coastal and marine environment and resources are under threat from increasing population 30% of which are located in low-lying marshy lands within the coastal region.
pressure and unmanaged human activities and exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. This National
Environment Action Plan provides a platform to all stakeholders, for greater integration and coordination Industrial effluents with little or no treatment are discharged frequently into near shore waters, lagoons
for sustainable use of coastal and marine resources, as well as the conservation of the coastal and marine and estuaries through run-off, leakage and seepage (CZ&CRMP, 2018). Major commercial ports contribute to
environment. pollution of coastal waters because of the accidental release of oil. Out of the 21 fishery harbours, only the
Dikovita fishery harbour is reported to have a waste management system and oil spill protection equipment.
2.4.2 Current Status Waste oil from service stations also ends up in coastal waters. Spills of crude oil in Sri Lanka’s marine waters
Theme 4
were reported in 1994, 1998, 1999 (Joesph, 2004) and more recently in 2020, when MT Blue Diamond, an oil
Habitat destruction and fragmentation for conversion to various other land uses are by far the most tanker transporting crude oil, caught fire 38 nautical miles off east of Sri Lanka and was contained successfully.
widespread and damaging threats across all coastal ecosystems such as mangroves (Weragodatenna and However, the container ship MV X-Press Pearl caught fire, spilled tons of toxic acid, chemicals and plastic into
Gunaratna, 2015; Bournazel et al., 2015 and Udagedara and Kumara, 2013), coral reefs (Weerakoon et al., the sea and sank in the outer harbour of Colombo Port in early June 2021, creating Sri Lanka’s worst maritime
2018), and lagoons, with adverse impacts not only the habitats themselves but also on their flora and fauna disaster.
(Weerakoon et al., 2018 and Dahdouh-Guebas et al., 2005). The status of fishery resources in many lagoons
were deemed “bad” by Silva, et al. (2018) because of overexploitation and destructive fishing practices. Other Investigations on coastal water pollution have been largely isolated, single-effort initiatives and published
causes of ecosystem damage include pollution due to the inflow of sewage; untreated industrial effluents; literature rather limited. However, the few that are available provides clear indications of increasing coastal
discharges from shrimp farms; the retting of coconut husks; urban wastes and waste oil; the spread of invasive water pollution46 over time (Jayaweera, 2003; Jayawardhane et al., 2015; Bandaranaike et al., 2014; Hettige
alien species; unauthorized encroachment and the impacts of climate change. et al., 2014 and Weerasekara et al., 2015). Ballast water discharge from ships typically contains a variety
of biological materials, including plants, animals, viruses, and bacteria. Some species of zooplankton and
Small whales and dolphins are landed as incidental catches and/or harpooned during large-mesh drift gillnet dinoflagellates, which have not been recorded previously from the inner harbour area, have been traced to
fishing operation (Dayaratne & Joseph, 1993 and Miththapala, 1998), but there are no recent published data to ballast water samples (MEPA, 2013).
assess the effectiveness of regulations enacted since 1990s, which banned the capture, possession, transport
and sale of marine mammals. Harassment of whales during commercial whale-watching operations is another Microplastic pollution of ocean waters is now becoming an environmental challenge of unprecedented
area of concern because monitoring and enforcement of the regulations “Sea Mammals (Observation, proportion. The annual plastic consumption around the world has now reached over 340 million tons and
Regulation and Control) Regulations, No. 1 of 2012” seems to be weak (Buultjens et al., 2016). an estimated 5.25 trillion plastic particles weighing 268,940 tons are currently floating at sea (Arterbury,
2020). Microplastics are lethal to a wide spectrum of marine life. NARA (2018) has reported the presence of
Sri Lanka is a signatory to the MOU on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs which operates under polythene and plastic waste in the gut contents of yellowfin tuna caught by Sri Lanka boats.
the United Nation’s Environment Program (UNEP) and Convention of Migratory Species (CMS). Under the
Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project, supported by the UNDP/GEF Phase 6 programme, a dugong Sri Lanka’s 103 river basins receive wastes such as agrochemicals, industrial effluents and domestic sewage.
seagrass conservation management plan for Sri Lanka was formulated, but has not yet been implemented These are extremely relevant in the context of non-point source pollution in coastal waters. The need for a
fully. landscape approach that addresses conservation and sustainable use from ‘ridge to reef’ has now become
critical.
Sharks, skates and rays are landed as incidental catches, mainly in drift gillnet fisheries. Targeted fisheries for
rays are reported from Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar (DFAR, 2018). Five shark species are currently protected Sand dunes, barrier beaches, etc. are degraded because of the expansion of human settlements, unplanned
under Sri Lanka regulations. All the shark species currently banned under Sri Lankan regulations, and all siting of hotels and agricultural activities. Beaches are also treated as dumping grounds for solid waste,
manta rays and devil rays appear in Appendix II of CITES, where international trade is regulated. In spite particularly in urban areas. Natural causes and anthropogenic interventions undermine beach stability,
of decades long legal protection, marine turtles continue to be exploited by coastal communities for their resulting in loss of beaches and damage to public and private properties and infrastructure. Reduction in
eggs, meat and carapace, while there is also entanglement of turtles in gillnet fisheries (IUCN, 1999). Most supply of sand to the beaches is identified as one of the crucial factors affecting beach stability. Priority action
of the existing turtle hatcheries are not managed scientifically but operate more as commercial enterprises. is needed to obtain a clear understanding of the extent of sand mining in and outside the coastal zone, strict
Release of hatchlings to the sea is delayed for maximum economic benefits, compromising their survival enforcement of guidelines, as well as the search for an alternative to river sand for the construction industry.
(Amarasooriya, 2000, & DWC & IUCN, 2005).
46 Oil, effluents, faecal pollution
110 111
The potential climate change effects, especially the global warming-induced impacts will have negative impacts (IPOA-Sharks) of FAO (MFAR/DFAR&NARA, 2018). The Sri Lanka National Plan of Action to prevent, deter and
on coastal processes, ecosystems and human well-being, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring, eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing reflects the intent and actions promoted in the FAO’s
establishing systems for timely adaptive and mitigatory action and coastal community resilience programmes. 2001 International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
(IPOA-IUU).
The conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine resources suffers from weak institutional integration
and inadequate community participation. There is insufficient inter-agency coordination. All coordination The National Environmental Act No: 47 of 1980 (NEA) serves as the principal legislation for environmental
efforts between agencies are ad-hoc without institutionalized mechanisms to ensure accountability and protection and pollution control. The Act and its amendments in 1988 and 2000 include provision for the
sustainability. EIA process for “Prescribed Projects” through designated Project Approving Agencies as prescribed by the
Minister. Under the NEA, there are Regulations for obtaining Environmental Protection Licenses and the
2.4.3 Policy and Legal Framework Waste Management Regulations which aim primarily to prevent pollution of inland waters by prescribed
activities and irresponsible disposal of waste. The North-western Province (NWP) Environmental Authority
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of 1992 sets the context for managing biological resources. acts as “project approving agency” and administers IEE’s and EIAs for the NWP.
The National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan 2016-2022 (NBSAP, 2016) is implemented in response to the
CBD. The Coast Conservation Act No. 57 of 1981 established the legal basis for coastal area management under
CC&CRMD. The Coastal Zone and Coastal Resources Management Plan (2018) and the establishment of
National legislation such as the Maritime Zones Act No. 22 of 1976, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act Special Management Areas (SMAs) represent important management tools for mobilizing community and
No. 2 of 1996, Coast Conservation Act No. 57 of 1981 and the Marine Environment Protection Act 2008 are other stakeholders in coast conservation. The Marine Environment Protection Act No. 35 of 2008 provides for
compatible with the international law on the subject, introduced by UNCLOS III. The 1995 Code of Conduct for the prevention, control and reduction of pollution in the territorial waters of Sri Lanka or any other maritime
Responsible Fisheries remains the key to achieving sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. The UN Sustainable zone, its foreshore and the coastal zone of Sri Lanka. The Merchant Shipping Act No.52 of 1971 applies to
Development Goal 14, Life Below Water - Conserve and Sustainably Use the Oceans, Seas and Marine
Theme 4
all vessels (local and foreign) within Sri Lanka territorial waters. It allows the Merchant Shipping Secretariat
Resources (UN, 2021) - guides the strategies of this theme. Other international conventions important for (MSS) to check foreign vessels on compliances related to certification, safety aspects, conventions etc. (Port
this theme are the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), State Control, 2016).
which deals with international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants; the Convention on Migratory
Species (CMS), which deals with terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species; the Basel convention on the The Urban Development Authority (UDA) mandate extends one kilometre from the beach inland and the
control of transboundary movement of hazardous waste and their disposal; the Warsaw convention, which Urban Development Authority Law No. 37 of 1978 provides for the development of environmental standards
regulates liability for international carriage of persons, luggage, or goods performed by aircraft for reward; and schemes for environmental improvement in areas identified as UDA areas. The Department of Coast
and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, which Guard Act, No. 41 of 2009 allows the Sri Lanka Coast Guard to assist relevant agencies in prevention and
provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use control of marine pollution, conservation of marine species, etc.
of wetlands and their resources.
The National Climate Change Policy of Sri Lanka, 2012 and the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Sri Lanka has also ratified important international conventions related to fisheries - such as the UN Fish Stocks for Sri Lanka, 2011-2016, provide guidance and directions for all stakeholders to address the impacts of
Agreement 2001, FAO Compliance Agreement 2003 and the Port State Measures Agreement 2016. Sri Lanka climate change, with detailed strategies for climate change adaptation, etc.
intends to ratify some important conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) related to
Dumping of waste, Ballast Water management, Oil Pollution Preparedness, Limitation of Liability for Maritime
Claims, Control of Harmful Anti-fouling paints on Ships and, Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, which
addresses air pollution from ocean-going ships. The action plan for this theme has been developed within the existing policy framework of relevant sector
agencies, as well as local initiatives such as a Sustainable Environmental Policy integrating balanced social and
The Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (1938 and its amendments) provides for the declaration of marine economic practices towards sustainable development. This plan also complies with national and international
national parks and marine reserves as protected areas and the provision to protect certain categories of laws and conventions.
animals and plants, including threatened species of corals, fish, turtles and all marine mammals in Sri Lanka’s
waters. Mangroves come under the purview of the Forest Department, and many have been and are being 2.4.5 Strategies for Management
declared as Forest Reserves under the Forest Ordinance (Amendment) Act, No. 65 of 2009. The Customs
Ordinance, as well as several other related enactments enable the Department of Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) to The main national strategy for alignment of actions is sustainable utilization of Ocean Resources and
enforce various statutes relating to biodiversity, at the point of importation and exportation, both locally and Environmental Education as articulated in the “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”, as well as international
internationally. initiatives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals –SDG 14 – Life below in Water, which seeks to promote
sustainable utilization of coastal and marine resources, conserve marine biodiversity and, minimize adverse
The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act (FARA) No. 2 of 1996 is the primary legislation governing fisheries impacts on coastal and marine environment.
in Sri Lanka. FARA was amended in 2013 to enable wider stakeholder participation in applying the ecosystem
approach47 to fisheries management. The Sri Lanka National Plan of Action - Sharks 2018 - 2022 was
developed in response to the International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks
47 ‘The ecosystem approach is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and
sustainable use in an equitable way. . . It recognizes that humans, with their cultural diversity, are an integral component of ecosystems’ (CBD,
2021).
112 113
The nine strategies are as follows;

Strategy 1. Conserve, manage and sustainably use coastal and marine ecosystems.
Strategy 2. Conserve marine mammals and other threatened species.
Strategy 3. Conserve, sustainably develop and manage coastal and marine resources.
Strategy 4. Administer and manage affected areas along the coast.
Strategy 5. Control coastal and marine pollution.
Strategy 6. Control sand mining and manage extraction of other mineral resources to enhance beach
stability, habitat and biodiversity conservation.
Strategy 7. Adapt to climate change and natural hazard impacts on coastal features, infrastructure,
coastal communities and livelihoods.
Strategy 8. Carry out research and development to support the conservation and sustainable use of
coastal and marine resources.
Strategy 9. Strengthen policy, legal and institutional framework for coastal and marine resource
Theme 4
114 115
2.4.6 Action Plan for Conservation and Sustainable use of Marine and Coastal Resources
Actions Key Performance Indicators Baseline Targets Time Frame Relevant Indicative Implementation Responsibility
(KPIs) (in years) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10
Strategy 1: Conserve, manage and sustainably use coastal and marine ecosystems.
1.1 Identify, declare and manage No. of marine protected areas managed by Some coastal and marine 27 MPAs are protected and    14.2 10.0 - DWC DWC, FD, CEA, MoE
ecosystems of special importance DWC areas and ecosystems managed by DWC CC&CRMD,
35.0 - DFAR
(e.g., blue carbon ecosystems and protected and/or declared DFAR
No. of mangrove forests declared and protected 20 mangrove forests (Reserved
lagoons)48 as protected/managed under DWC/ FD/ and DFAR
as Reserved Forests by FD Forests) managed by FD
areas (FMAs)
No. of FMAs declared and managed by DFAR 07 FMAs managed by DFAR
1.2 Identify and use sound ecological Extents and ecosystems restored by DWC FD is currently carrying out Restoration of 6000 m2 of coral;    14.2 100.0 -DWC DWC, CC&CRMD, FD, MEPA,
practices to restore damaged a district-wise mangrove 10.5 ha of mangrove by MEPA. EPA, FD, MoE, communities,
Extents and ecosystems restored by MEPA 60.0 - MEPA
coastal ecosystems island wide e.g., restoration programme Restoration of 1000 ha of CC&CRMD INGOs, private sector,
mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass Extents and ecosystems restored by FD mangroves by FD 200.0 - FD NARA
meadows
Theme 4
Extent and ecosystems restored by CC&CRMD 50.0 -
CC&CRMD
1.3 Curtail dumping of solid waste into No. of coastal cleaning programmes undertaken SMA concept has little 20 coastal cleaning    14.1 60.0 - MEPA, SLC, CEA, FD, LAs,
coastal and marine areas, designated or no legal mandate at programmes conducted. CC&CRMD CC&CRMD, DFAR, MoPP&L,
No. of awareness programmes for stakeholders
protected areas, sensitive areas, present 20 awareness programmes DWC WMAWP, CFHC
critical habitats and declared SMAs No. of joint inspections and actions taken conducted. 30 waste traps
No joint strategies/actions
through inter-agency collaboration against violators deployed
at present
No. of waste traps deployed to trap waste Legal mandate for SMA
entering the sea strengthened
Strategy 2: Conserve marine mammals and other threatened species.

2.1 Conserve the natural habitat of No. of protected areas established in Palk Bay/ No. of PAs of dugong 03 protected habitats for    14.2 50.0 DWC DFAR, NARA, MoE,
dugongs in Palk Bay/Gulf of Mannar Gulf of Mannar area habitat in Palk Bay /Gulf of dugong in Palk Bay /Gulf of conservation NGOs,
area Mannar area Mannar area established and private sector, INGO,
No. of awareness creation programmes
managed with community/ Uni
targeting all stakeholders
stakeholder collaboration
No. of MOUs signed between stakeholders
2.2 Implement regulations for whale No. of awareness creation programmes among Regulations exist but are 10 awareness creation    14.4 1.0 DWC SLTDA, MoE,
and dolphin watching activities to stakeholders not strictly enforced programmes for stakeholders conservation NGOs,
minimize stress on these animals conducted. MOUs with all SLN, SLCG
No. of MOUs between DWC and tour operators No recorded data on
tour operators established.
incidences of harassment
Increased monitoring and enforcement of Monitoring reports obtained
regulations from observers on board
48 Either as traditional protected areas under the jurisdiction of the DWC or FD (only state land) or as SMA/ FMAs /EPA or ESAs (with a different
model of management with private lands and participatory management.) This strategy and some actions are also presented in Theme 2. For
further discussion see under Theme 2
116 117
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10
2.3 Provide protection to breeding All turtle breeding grounds enumerated and Irresponsible behaviour Enumeration and listing of all    14.4 10.0 DWC SLP, LAs, NGOs,CBOs,
grounds of turtles and their listed such as allowing tourists breeding grounds. Registration MoE, NARA
hatcheries to touch and release of all hatcheries enabling
No. of hatcheries registered with the DWC
hatchlings into the scientific management.
No. of regulations formulated for management, water, delayed release Legislation enacted to
with penalties for infractions and requirement of hatchlings, keeping strengthen management
for 90% of hatchlings to be released to sea large marine turtles in Awareness creation
within three days of hatching tanks, although they are conducted for community and
No. of awareness programmes protected under the FFPO stakeholders
etc
No. of DWC inspections /No. of penalties
imposed
2.4 Minimize target and non-target No. of awareness programmes conducted No recent published data 15 awareness programmes    14.4 4.0 DFAR, DWC NARA
Theme 4
removal of protected coastal and or reports available on the on marine mammals and
Established collaboration with conservation- MoE
marine species49 extent of removals turtles conducted. Active
related NGOs
collaborations with NGOs Conservation NGOs
No. of arrests and convictions commenced
Increased enforcement
2.5 Implement Sri Lanka National Plan of No. of gazette notifications, including protection Shark and skate catches Legislation enacted. Targeted    14.4 10.0 - DFAR DFAR, DWC NARA
Action (SLNPOA –Sharks 2018 – 2022) for CITES listed species under FFPO lumped together in fisheries monitored. Species-
SLC
for conservation of sharks national statistics and also wise shark/skate catches
Improved monitoring
not identified up to species reported. MoE
Improved shark statistics level
No. of published Targeted fisheries not
research articles on skates and rays monitored
2.6 Control targeted removal of highly No. of regulations/ statutes of existing laws Existing regulations are not Existing laws strengthened.    14.4 5.0 DFAR NARA, NAQDA, MoE,
vulnerable marine resources/species amended strictly enforced Enforcement activities NGOs, CBOs, Private
(lobster, chank, sea cucumber, marine increased. Community sector
No. of raids / No. of convictions Little or no community
aquarium fish, etc.) participation mobilized.
participation
No. of awareness creation activities
Strategy 3: Conserve, sustainably develop and manage coastal and marine resources.
3.1 Establish and implement EAFM50 No. of managed fisheries Past initiatives not 07 coastal and lagoon fisheries    12.2 /14.4 35.0 DFAR CC&CRMD, NARA,
approach to fisheries management sustained. On-going managed applying EAFM DWC, FD
No. of management plans prepared and
for selected marine and lagoon initiatives at two lagoons.
gazetted
fisheries
No. of outcomes of management plans
achieved
No. of stakeholder meetings /trainings
(minutes/attendance)
49 including but not limited to marine and coastal vertebrates including reef fish, migratory birds, invertebrates including coral
50 Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management
118 119
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10
3.2 Manage high seas and EEZ fisheries in No. of high seas boats 1,189 high seas boats and 1,189 High seas and 3,696 EEZ    12.2 / 14.4 750.0 DFAR MoFish
compliance with IOTC guidelines on 3,696 EEZ boats in 2020 fishing boats are managed
No. of positive vessel inspection reports NARA,
species, fishing gear, etc in compliance with IOTC
No. of additional staff allocated guidelines and catch quotas BoI, SLN, SLCG
3.3 Improve and strengthen fisheries No. of tablets used in EEZ and High seas Pilot testing of tablets on- Provide electronic tabs for    14.4 15.0 DFAR MoFish
data collection systems to support fisheries going 1,189 High Seas boats and
NARA, NAQDA, Uni,
sustainable fisheries management 3,696 EEZ boats
Separate data collection and reporting systems High seas and EEZ data INGO
developed for High seas, EEZ and Lagoon lumped Develop 3 separate annual
fisheries statistics reports for High Seas,
Lagoon catch data lumped
EEZ and lagoon fisheries
with coastal catch data
3.4 Minimise illegal, unregulated and Increased staff and facilities for the Investigation 06 Officers in 2020 15 officers deployed to the    14.4 10.0 DFAR MoFish, SLN, SLCG,
unreported (IUU) fishing Division Investigation Division / SLP, SLC,
Theme 4
No. of raids conducted and prosecutions under 10 district-wise annual MoFA, BoI
different fisheries reports prepared on raids and
prosecutions
3.5 Develop and promote community- No. of coastal communities selected and no. of Tourism development 30 - new community-based    14.7 270.0 SLTDA Donor agencies,
based and nature-based, sustainable sustainable, nature-based products developed plans recognizes ecotourism programmes
INGOs,
tourism contributing to biodiversity communities as active implemented
No. of awareness programmes and No. and
conservation and economic participants in all NGOs,
types of skills development programmes SLTDA, donor agencies, INGOs/
enhancement of coastal communities aspects of the tourism Private sector
conducted NGOs support community-
development process.
based ecotourism programmes
No. of community groups supported
3.6 Expand nature-based, sustainable Improved database on shipwrecks On-going activity by few Nature-based dive-tourism    14.7 5.0 DWC SLTDA DArch,
tourism through promotion of ship- diver groups established at 06 new
Guidelines developed on operations and 114.0 SLTDA DWC,
wreck targeted dive tourism shipwreck sites within 30-40 m
protection of shipwrecks in consultation with
depth, under agreed guidelines Private sector
dive groups
and active participation of dive
Database on local and foreign visitors to groups and visitors
shipwrecks
Strategy 4: Administer and manage affected areas along the coast.

4.1 Regulate, administer and manage No. of Affected Areas declared /gazetted 02 sites gazetted / 05 sites 07 Coastal affected areas    14.2 12.5 CC&CRMD MoUDH, LA’s, SLCG
coastal areas declared as affected to be gazetted managed through legal and
No. of boundary demarcations of affected areas
areas administrative provisions
40 SMAs listed in
Prepared management guidelines
coastal zone and Coastal 20 SMA sites managed by
No. of SMA sites managed by CC&CRMD Resources Management CC&CRMD
Plan, 2018
4.2 Restore coastal affected areas No. of coast protection structures built Continuous programme Completion of 10 coast    14.2 6,000.0 CC&CRMD MoUDH, DMC
through hard and soft solutions since 1980s protection structures and 5
No. of sand nourishment programmes
sand nourishment programmes
undertaken
along 600 km of coastline
Length of coastline rehabilitated
120 121
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10
4.3 Develop guidelines for reclaiming No. of conceptual plans developed 5 conceptual plans and 5    14.2 45.0 CC&CRMD UDA, SLLDC
coastal frontages for development development guidelines
No. of development guidelines prepared
possibilities and provide additional developed to reclaim coastal
nature-based buffers No. of sites provided with nature-based buffers frontages. 10 sites provided
with nature-based buffers
Strategy 5: Control coastal and marine pollution.

5.1 Support to control discharge of No. of high polluting industries identified
NEA, Waste Management Survey to find high polluting    9.4 /14.1 10.0 MEPA, MoInd, MoE, BoI, LA’s
effluents degrading ambient water Policy. The National Policy industries
No. of outreach programmes conducted on CEA
quality of coastal waters from high and Strategy for Cleaner
pollution abatement and cleaner production 20 outreach programmes for
polluting industries Production 2005 provides
technologies pollution abatement conducted
for the industrial processes
No. of industries supported for pollution to be focusing on the 15 industries supported in
Theme 4
abatement output to have minimum pollution abatement
impact on the environment
5.2 Promote Ocean related industries No. of signed partnerships established between Very little inter-sectoral 04 homogenous, sectoral    9.4 / 14.1 6.0 MEPA MoPorts, MoFish,
under the concept of “Blue Economy” ocean resource users and economies. collaboration and and agency partnerships MoFA, DFAR, CFHC,
for sustainable use of ocean community participation established. 04 MOUs MoE, CEA, NARA,
No. of signed MOUs between sectors and
resources while preserving the health in the context of “Blue formulated among agency/ CC&CRMD, SLTDA
affected groups for economic development and
of ocean ecosystem Economy” sectoral partnerships and
environment sustainability
affected other stakeholder
groups
5.3 Carry out customized training/ No. of customized programmes for different Sector agencies conduct 06 customized programmes    14.1 558.4 MEPA, CEA CC&CRMD, private
awareness programmes for all target groups their own sector-specific for different target groups sector, DWC, FD
relevant target groups (including awareness programmes prepared. 3920 awareness
No. of training and awareness programmes and
competitions for school children) and ad-hoc beach programmes conducted by
competitions conducted
and beach management (pollution management programmes MEPA. Beach management
abatement) programmes through No. of beach management programmes held programmes at 120 sites
inter-agency and private sector conducted by MEPA
participation
5.4 Support studies and agency linkages No. of reports documenting land-based Very little inter-agency 08 reports prepared by MEPA    14.1 20.0 MEPA, CC&CRMD, CEA, SLCG
to minimize coastal and marine pollution linkages, information DWC
20 joint operations conducted 1.0 DWC
pollution caused by illegal activities exchange and joint
No. of joint operations to minimize illegal activities
through information exchange and operations on pollution
joint operations Database control
5.5 Facilitate adoption of Green Harbour No. of signed MOUs MEPA has prepared waste Green harbour concept    9.4 / 14.1 40.0 MEPA, CFHC, MoFish, CEA, fisher
concept for fishery harbours to management plans for 21 adopted in 21 fishery harbours CBOs, MoE, SLCG,
No. of fishery harbours adopting ISO 14001/ CC&CRMD
reduce negative impacts on the fishery harbours LAs, SLSI
waste management (re-cycling, composting
environment
etc.)
5.6 Facilitate application of business and No. of awareness creation programmes 72 registered boatyards. 10 awareness creation   9.4 /14.1 5.0 DFAR, MEPA, CFHC, CEA,
environment management practices conducted Few boatyards exporting programmes conducted and 72 MoFish MoE, SLSI, LAs, boat
for local fishing boat industry to boats are adopting MOUs signed with boatyards builders association
No. of MOUs signed with boatyards
control land-based pollution business and environment All 72 boatyards adopted 5S
No. of boatyards adopting 5S and ISO 1400-1 management practices and ISO 1400-1
122 123
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10
5.7 Apply polluter pay principle in coastal Guidelines developed on environmental loss/ Very limited application at Develop environmental loss /    14.1 6.0 MEPA, CEA, MoE, SLCG
and marine pollution control damage assessment present damage assessment guidelines CC&CRMD
No. of new regulations gazetted for punitive Enact 02 new regulations
action and provisions for restoration of affected
03 no of agencies train 09 no of
environment/ecosystems
officers
No. trained on new and innovative polluter pay
Develop and implement 05
initiatives
new polluter-pay strategies
Strategy 6: Control sand mining and manage extraction of other mineral resources to enhance
beach stability, habitat and biodiversity conservation.
6.1 Conduct a survey on sand mining in No. of participated agencies No national report National report on sand mining  12.2 /14.2 60.0 GSMB, MoE, CEA, SLLDC
the Coastal Zone; as well as landward available in Sri Lanka integrating all site CC&CRMD
Theme 4
No. of sites covered
and seaward of the Coastal Zone reports from participating
(including rivers upstream), covering No. of reports prepared agencies
mining techniques, compliance
with regulations on mining and
transportation etc. in collaboration
with relevant institutions
6.2 Prepare strategy for enforcement Integrated strategy developed to enforce Adherence to existing Integrated strategy for more  12.2 /14.2 60.0 GSMB, DS, DivS, LAs, MoE,
of Guidelines for Sand Mining in the guidelines on sand mining guidelines unsatisfactory stringent enforcement CC&CRMD CEA, NBRO
Coastal Zone; as well as landward developed. Guidelines for Sand
No. of enforcement activities conducted
and seaward of the Coastal Zone Mining developed
(including rivers upstream), in No. of actions taken against violators
collaboration with relevant state
agencies
6.3 Promote sustainable extraction of Reports on sand extraction studies in West, Offshore sand used in Sea sand to become the    12.2 /14.2 90.0 SLLDC GSMB, CC&CRMD,
offshore sea sand in construction South and East coasts construction industry since sole source of sand for the CEA
industry 2013 construction industry by 2023
Cubic metres of sea sand extracted
Over 600,000 m3 used in
Cubic metres of sea sand used in the
2017 and 2018
construction industry annually
6.4 Promote sustainable extraction of No. of evaluation reports on heavy mineral Heavy mineral sand Exploratory surveys on heavy    12.2 To be NARA, CEA, SLCG
other mineral resources in the coastal availability concentrations occur mineral resources conducted. estimated GSMB,
and marine areas along NE and NW coasts. Environmental assessments CC&CRMD,
No. of exploration licenses issued
Extraction largely limited conducted. Exploration licenses MEPA
No. of environmental assessments conducted to NE for extraction at new sites
issued
124 125
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10
Strategy 7: Adapt to climate change and natural hazard impacts on coastal features,
infrastructure, coastal communities and livelihoods.
7.1 Increase monitoring activities related No. of sites covered NARA monitors sea surface Sea surface temperature    13.3 105.0 NARA MET
to climate change parameters in the temperatures, sea level recording stations increased
No. of voyages by RV Samudrika CC&CRMD, Uni
marine environment rise and ocean acidification from 2 to 4. Sea level
No. of monitoring reports published from onshore sites with monitoring stations increased
inadequate facilities and from 3 to 7. RV Samudrika
using RV Samudrika voyages increased from 2 to 3
7.2 Analyse impacts of climate change/ No. of district-wise maps /tables on potential Available data needs Climate change/natural hazards    13.3 10.0 MoE MET, NERD,
natural hazards in the coastal zone climate change and natural hazards related updating impacts analysed and adaptive CC&CRMD, DS, DivS
and establish mechanisms for timely disasters and mitigatory mechanisms
adaptive and mitigatory action for all 15 coastal districts
No. of adaptive and mitigatory mechanisms
Theme 4
through inter-agency collaboration established
established
7.3 Develop mechanisms for recovery of Strategies and guidelines available for speedier Currently implemented Guidelines and strategies   13.3 To be DMC, DS, DivS
losses and damages due to impacts of assessment of damages/losses in an ad-hoc manner for speedier damage/loss estimated
NDRSC, LAs
climate change and natural hazards in due to lack of standard assessment and compensation
Detailed compensation packages available on
coastal areas mechanisms based on standardised NDMC MoE, MoF, MoUDH,
loss and/or damages to households and assets/
packages on type and level of DSS
livelihoods etc.
damage/loss available
Inter-agency mechanism for compensation
established. Access to funds
7.4 Initiate collaborative coastal Most critical coastal hazard-prone areas Coastal hazard- prone 05 programmes developed    13.1/13/3 75.0 DMC, MoE CC&CRMD, DS, DivS
community resilience programmes identified areas need updating to meet challenges of coastal
based on early designation of coastal hazards in all critical coastal
No. of coastal communities mobilized
hazard-prone areas hazard-prone areas
No. of community resilience programmes
developed
7.5 Establish an Incident Command ICS is in place to manage marine hazards Currently the concept of ICS is legalized for managing   13.1 To be DMC MEPA, CC&CRMD,
System (ICS) to command, control, ICS is not practised in Sri marine hazards estimated SLCG, SLPA, MoFish,
and coordinate emergency Lanka CFHC, MoE, DS, DivS
responses, to manage marine hazards LAs
leading to environmental pollution/
destruction
7.6 Use nature-based solutions or green- No. of restoration programmes undertaken Few restoration activities 06 nature-based solutions    14.2 50.0 DWC MEPA, CC&CRMD,
grey solutions to enhance ecosystem developed and implemented to INGOs, private sector
resilience to natural hazards enhance ecosystem resilience
to natural hazards
126 127
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10
Strategy 8: Carry out research and development to support the conservation and sustainable
use of coastal and marine resources.
8.1 Identify and prioritize research on No. of project proposals submitted for funding Current focus more on 05 research proposals    14 A / 15.5 20.0 NARA DWC, NSF, BDS, Uni,
marine biodiversity and coastal corals and mangrove prepared, submitted, funded conservation NGOs
No. of research projects completed
ecosystems and results published.
Less attention to other
No. of reports / publications Collaborative research
ecosystems such as
No. of linkages established with NGOs involved linkages established with 03
seagrass meadows as well
in research and surveys on critical marine conservation NGOs
as marine biodiversity
species
8.2 Establish regional research facilities to No. of new research facilities established NARA has 03 regional One regional research facility in  14 A 25.0 NARA Uni, MoFish, DWC,
enhance research and monitoring in research facilities in South/ East Coast CC&CRMD, MEPA,
coastal and marine sector Southwest and Northwest NAQDA, MoE
Theme 4
8.3 Promote research on lesser-known No. of research studies conducted and reported Red Listing of many coastal 50% more studies on lesser-    14 A 65.0 NARA NSF, Uni, MoE, DWC,
marine and coastal species and marine species is not known species and groups NAQDA
No. of new groups studied
possible due to lack of data are conducted and reported,
No. of new taxons identified highlighting new taxa
8.4 Develop and promote local, No. of collaborative research conducted Preliminary investigations 05 collaborative local, regional    14 A 8.0 - MEPA MEPA, NARA CEA, MoE, NSF,
international and regional research conducted on ballast water and international research INGOs, MoFA
No. of publications 50.0 - NARA
collaborations on ballast water, bio and plastic pollution conducted. 05 publications by
fouling species, bio-toxins, micro No. of marine IAS identified NARA 09 publications by MEPA
plastics, etc.
Strategy 9: Strengthen policy, legal and institutional framework for coastal and marine resource
9.1 Strengthen institutional capacity No. of trainings and workshops conducted for Agencies have on-going 48 training workshops for    14.1 /14.2 / 634.0 - MEPA MEPA CC&CRMD, SLN, SLCG
of relevant agencies for maritime capacity building (HRD) programmes and facilities conducted for HRD
14.4 34.0 -
surveillance activities
No. facilities upgraded New technology, database, ISO CC&CRMD
certification introduced
No. of new regional stations established
02 new regional stations
9.2 Build institutional capacity to Dedicated co-management sub-units at Head No co-management sub- Dedicated and separate co-    14.4 30.0 DFAR MoFish
facilitate and promote ecosystem Office and District Offices for coastal and marine unit for coastal and marine management sub-units with
approach (EAFM) to fisheries co- fisheries fisheries adequate staff and facilities
management at Head Office and 15 district
Increased staff and facilities for Brackish Water Small Brackish Water
offices established for coastal/
Unit at Head Office fisheries sub-unit at Head
marine and brackish water
Office
fisheries
9.3 Strengthen and widen No. of trainings conducted and trainees for Chemical spills not NOSCOP revised to include    14.1 2,020.6 MEPA SLPA, SLCG, CEA
implementation of the National Oil capacity building of agencies included in the Plan chemical spills
Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP)
National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP) 48 training drills, workshops
revised to include chemical spills conducted and equipment
purchased.
List of equipment purchased
128 129
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10
9.4 Strengthen regulatory mechanisms No. of gazette notifications Existing regulatory Regulations, standards and   14.1 1.0 MEPA CC&CRMD, CEA
related to offshore oil and other mechanisms inadequate guidelines formulated on
No. of standards, guidelines published
natural resources exploration and exploration and extraction of
extraction within Sri Lanka waters offshore oil and other natural
resources within Sri Lanka
waters
9.5 Implement Dumping Regulation No. of regulations enacted Few conventions related 05 conventions and Annex VI   14.1 30.4 MEPA MoE, MoFA, SLC
and ratify international conventions to marine pollution ratified of MARPOL convention ratified
No. of implementation activities against specific
related to pollution from ships including Annexes I - V of and Dumping Regulation
conventions
MARPOL convention updated
9.6 Strengthen coastal and marine No. of laboratories upgraded and/or newly Water quality monitoring 04 laboratories upgraded    14.1 60.0 - MEPA MEPA,
water quality monitoring facilities of established undertaken by agencies NARA,
02 new laboratories established
Theme 4
relevant agencies with inadequate facilities CC&CRMD,
No. of accredited laboratories 36 water quality monitoring
45.0 - NARA
stations established CEA
No. of monitoring stations established
9.7 Develop and implement a joint No. of Inter-agency MOUs Currently no integration 02 inter-agency MOUs on    14.1 10.0 MEPA, NARA, Uni
mechanism for coastal and marine between agencies involved monitoring protocols (sites, CC&CRMD,
No. of joint published reports capturing high
water quality monitoring (sites, in coastal and marine methodology, publications,
incidence of pollution types, causes and areas CEA
methodologies, publications, policy water quality monitoring advocacy, etc.)
advocacy, etc.) Coastal and marine water quality standards
established
9.8 Promote inter-agency collaborative No. of Inter-agency MOUs Water quality data 02 inter-agency MOUs    14.1 10.0 MEPA, NARA, CC&CRMD,
research on surface water available for some surface formulated. 03 joint reports NSF, Uni, NWSDB
No. of report/s with estimates of pollution loads CEA
bodies conveying pollutants into water bodies prepared on estimates of
coastal waters and water quality No. of report/s on marine pollution pathways pollution loads in critical water
improvements in such water bodies from non-point sources bodies. 3 joint reports prepared
No. of improvements affected and impacts on marine pollution pathways
from non-point sources. 10
no of advocacy interventions
conduced
9.9 Promote inter-agency collaboration No. of committees established at local/district Data on land-based 83 inter-agency committees    14.1 16.0 MEPA, LAs, DS, DivS, MoE,
for monitoring and control of land- levels pollution and dumping of established 1,660 bi-annual SLLDC, WMAWP
CEA,
based pollution and dumping of solid solid waste in coastal zone meetings of the 83 committees
No. of attendees and minutes of committee
waste in the coastal zone available at Local Authority conducted CC&CRMD
meetings
level
830 annual reports on solid
No. of published reports on solid waste in
No effective inter-agency waste in sensitive and critical
sensitive and critical areas
collaboration areas prepared. 830 annual
No. of assessment reports on dumping of solid assessment reports prepared
waste on dumping of solid waste
130 131
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10
9.10 Establish clear legal and institutional No. of areas of ambiguity identified in Inadequate legislative and Inter-agency review of all   14 C To be MEPA, MoE, MoFA, AGD, LDD,
mechanisms for implementation of implementing existing national laws and institutional responses to international commitments estimated SLC MSS, DFAR
international commitments regulations on international commitments international commitments related to C&M resources and
environment conducted and
No. of amended national regulations
protocols for implementation
strengthened to meet international
established. Existing regulations
commitments
strengthened and new
No. of new national regulations formulated to regulations on international
meet international commitments commitment formulated.
No of agencies strengthened for effective Agencies strengthened for
implementation of regulations related to effective implementation of
international commitments regulations
132 133
Theme 5
Sustainable Land Resources
Management
Land is a fundamental natural resource on which life depends. Land resources
refer to the terrestrial surface, encompassing all attributes of the biosphere
immediately above or below this surface, including near-surface climate, terrain
forms, hydrology, the soil, near-surface layers, fauna, flora, human settlements
and infrastructure. Land is the most vital natural resource and foundation, as well
as the key driver of Sri Lanka’s economic productivity, well-being and livelihoods.
Land resources are used by several economic sectors such as agriculture,
plantation, forestry, irrigation schemes, human settlements, industries and
infrastructure and include many types of landscapes and ecosystems. It is known
that healthy ecosystems provide food, shelter, clean air and water as well as
the capacity to assimilate and recycle wastes. Hence, ensuring sustainable land
management is the focus of this theme’s action plan.
134 135
2.5.1 Overview
Land is one of the most vital natural resources and the foundation for economic productivity, human well-
being and livelihoods. Sri Lanka, with an area of 65,610 km2, is endowed with a rich natural resource base
that sustains the nation. It is also rich in historical evidence of a hydraulic civilization and socio-ecological
production landscapes (Herath et al., 2019). The climate of Sri Lanka is governed by tropical monsoon
influences, northward and southward migrations of the inter-tropical convergence zone over Sri Lanka, El
Niño-southern oscillation (ENSO) effects, marine influence, influence of its geographic location, elevation and
internal typography. Therefore, spatial and temporal variability of climate is high within Sri Lanka (Malmgren,
et al., 2003).
The unique landscape of the country is characterized by a variety of landforms, ranging from flat plains, to a
very complex assemblage of mountains, ridges, plateaus and valleys. Occupying the southern central region
of the country, central mountainous massif rises up to 2,524 m at its peak. Sri Lanka has 103 river basins, of
which the Mahaweli river basin is the largest, spreading from central highlands through the north central
area to the eastern coast, covering approximately one sixth (10,448 km2) of the island (Shelton & Lin, 2019).
The remaining river basins are connected to the central land massif, spread over the wet zone (in the western
and south-western region), north-central, eastern, part of north-western and western regions. Ancient
sustainable production agro-ecosystems - village tank cascade systems (VTCS) are found in river basins, which
are not connected hydrologically to the central land massif (Ratnayake et al., 2021).
Land resources are used by many economic sectors such as nature reserves, forestry and plantations,
agriculture, irrigation schemes, human settlements, industries and infrastructure and consist of many types
of landscapes and ecosystems (Kochtcheeva & Singh, 2000). Land use changes have transformed natural land
cover (forests and other natural ecosystems) to farmlands, human settlements and urban centres. Many studies
Theme 5
have highlighted strong linkages in present trends of land-use changes with deforestation, biodiversity loss
and land degradation (Bandara, 2013 and Maitima, 2004). Increased population pressure on different types
of natural lands has resulted in many consequences and impacts on the ecological environment. Unsuitable
and unplanned land use changes aggravate land degradation, reducing the capacity of on-site and off-site
ecosystem functions, and in turn the services they provide. Between 2000 and 2010, about 79 km2 (0.5%)
of forest land was converted to other land use types (LND, 2017). In addition, the productivity of 34% of the
land area of the island is either declining or under stress (LDN, 2017). Among the most significant impacts of
land degradation are the increased poverty, reduced land productivity and loss of biodiversity. Therefore, it
is important to identify the status of land resources and trends in land resource processes and pressures, to
reverse negative trends with sustainable management responses, focusing on critical gaps in allocation and
management of land resources, and responding to address externalities as detailed in Figure 2.5.1.
136 137
ha/yr (MoE, 2014). The highest soil erosion rates are recorded in the hill country, where the elevation is 448-
Best Principles Towards the Approach 2,200 m above mean sea level. On these sloping lands, very high soil erosion rates (in the range of 18-70 t/
• Looking at ‘land’ as a ‘resource system’ with ‘resource units’ and with ‘values’. ha/yr) have been reported with crops, such as carrots and capsicum. Vegetable and potato crops grown in the
• Land is the foundation and a key diver of Sri Lanka’s the economic productivity. districts of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla are irrigated using a very primitive method, and this results in very high
• Land and the services it provides are critical to the Sri Lankan people’s well-being attributes – their livelihoods, spiritual,
rates of soil erosion. (In this practice, running water is thrown on to vegetable beds.) Estimates show that on
emotional and physical – ‘land and people’ or ‘land with people’ concepts. For a couple of millennia, Sri Lankan people lived
in harmony with land resources have also shaped the land according to their needs and even today continue to shape it, with
average, 147 kg of soil is lost per irrigation per hectare from these vegetable fields. This amounts to nearly
sometimes dramatic consequences. 1.5 t/ ha/ 3-4 months duration crop-eroded materials from these lands deposited on low lying areas, roads,
• Evaluate land processes and interrelated environment aspects. reservoirs and farmlands. It is estimated that soil transported through run off is 13,000-83,000 t/yr in the
• This theme crosscuts with many other thematic areas of the NEAP particularly water, biodiversity, climate actions etc, and to Upper Mahaweli catchment area. Soil nutrient replacement costs have been calculated and have shown high
obtain complete insight, the SLRM section must be read in confection with other thematic sections of NEAP. values. It has been estimated that the Randenigala Reservoir is losing its electricity generation capacity at a
rate of 0.25 GW/yr because of siltation. Soil erosion also increases water turbidity and affects downstream
Today (Outlook) The ‘Pressure’ land faces Sustainable Management Responses dwellers. It is estimated that in the Nuwara Eliya district, where the highest rainfall regimens are experienced,
and soil erosion rates are recorded, erosion is 75 t/ha/yr. A study conducted in 1992, revealed that economic
Indicators Tools Scenarios Response loss due to soil erosion in the hill country amounts to 2.4 billion LKR (MoE, 2008). Land degradation causes
significant on-site and off-site impacts on productivity, quantified productivity loss because of erosion and
• Tipping point of the state of • Tipping point of the state of • The effectiveness of the
on-site and off-site productivity loss because of soil erosion was estimated as 3,529 and 3,952 LKR /ha/yr as,
land resources (such as soil and land resources (such as soil and management context (e.g. summarized in the table 2.5.2.1 (UNCCD, 2000).
vegetation) and its importance vegetation) and its importance institutions, legislation, policies etc)
Table 2.5.2.1.: Economic Cost of Soil Erosion in Sri Lanka (reported in year 2000)
• Present land use system • Present land use system • Capacity (e.g. resources, funding,
(Sources: MoSD, 2018; UNCCD, 2000)
projects and investments,
• Trends of indicators (erosion, LD, • Trends of indicators (erosion, LD,
knowledge, human capital etc)
SOC, salinity, active vegetation) SOC, salinity, active vegetation) Cost Category Cost (LKR)
• Management of risks and
• Scenarios (how to develop future • Scenarios (how to develop future
scenarios. Trends may be suggested scenarios. Trends may be suggested
resilience to the land environment Onsite Costs
(e.g. Empower stakeholders to
from derived scenarios) from derived scenarios) Value of loss of productivity 3,529 ha/yr
Theme 5
understand and response to
• What are the tools are necessary to • What are the tools are necessary to manage the pressures) Value of loss of nutrients 5,068 ha/yr
understand risks, vulnerability and understand risks, vulnerability and Estimated cost due to nutrient loss in Upper Mahaweli watershed 953 M
• Broader global polity consideration
(SDG, Aichi Targets, LDN etc) Off-site cost
• Action Planning Based on value of loss of productivity 3,952 ha/yr
Based on value of loss of nutrient 5,481 ha/yr
State Understand Estimated loss in hydro-power production and irrigation from the 15.0 M/yr
Capacity Upper Mahaweli Watershed
Figure 2.5.1.Base principles and approach and development of the action plan Gem mines and pits created in the process of brick-making have become a serious environment problem in
the wet zone. Gem mining is a historical activity, which was practised with minimum environmental damage.
2.5.2 Current Status However, modern mining practices, which use heavy machinery, are responsible for range of problems such
as soil erosion, sedimentation, water pollution, removal of vegetation cover, flooding, risk and/or damage to
Although there are several policies, strategies and action plans for promoting sustainable land use, because of wildlife, reduction of irrigation efficiency, reduction of potential of agricultural lands, damage to man-made
weak enforcement, land degradation continues significantly in Sri Lanka. Degradation of land is driven mainly structures. In some areas, gem mining has been identified as main cause of land degradation. In 2020, in the
by anthropogenic influences. In Sri Lanka, major degradation processes such as soil erosion, fertility decline, Bogawanthalawa GN division, it was reported that approximately 30% of gem mining activities contributed
salinization/alkalization, sealing and crusting, compaction, water logging, soil subsidence, mass movement, to 52% of soil degradation, while vegetable cultivation and tea cultivation were identified as the other main
aridification and pollution. Unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, lack of adoption of land use causes of land degradation (Krishnasoban and Ruzaik, 2020). Mining of sand from rivers, water streams, tank
planning policies, cultivation of erosive crops in high elevation lands (which experience high rainfall regimens) beds and agricultural lands has increased and is increasing because of the associated increasing demand for
degrade the land resource (Nayakekorala, 1998; MoE, 2014; Krishnasoban and Ruzaik, 2020). sand for the construction industry. This has resulted in indiscriminate mining of sand from wherever possible.
Loss of agricultural lands, depletion of ground water because of deepening of river and stream beds, river and
According to the Global Assessment of Soil Degradation (GLASOD), about 50% of land in Sri Lanka is degraded
stream bank erosion and sea water intrusion into rivers are all the deleterious effects of this activity. Heavy
(GEF, 2014). The area affected by soil fertility decline is 61% of the total agricultural lands and the area affected
earth excavations - common in road and other construction projects and associated with various development
by soil erosion is nearly 33%, with the Colombo district reporting the lowest level with 2.3% and the Nuwara
projects - are increasing at an alarming rate. Excavations are also carried out to obtain land filling material
Eliya district the highest, of 58%.
for various projects. It is evident that severe soil erosion occurs at these sites and sedimentation occurs in
Some studies have shown that in the example of tea cultivation, a loss of one centimetre of topsoil cover is surrounding areas, degrading the land.
associated with a decline in yield of 44 kg/ha/yr, while for rubber, the decline in yield could be nearly 174 kg/
138 139
Environment assessments are carried out in such development activities and mitigation options are proposed a protected area network be established that will integrate all the areas within the country that need to be
to prevent ill effects, but the contractors often neglect mitigation options and therefore, constant supervision conserved. The areas included in the network will be divided into two categories depending on the level of
is required to assure that these proposed mitigation activities are implemented. protection afforded. The category one will comprise areas that will be preserved strictly to protect biodiversity,
soil, water, historical, cultural, religious and aesthetic values and scenic beauty. These will include all wildlife
Ten districts, namely Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Ratnapura, Badulla, Hambantota, Matara, Galle, Kalutara, Kegalle reserves; all conservation forests identified by the Forest Department; degraded forest areas that will be
and Matale are prone to landslides. Of these, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Ratnapura and Badulla districts are heavily restored for ecological reasons; areas of archaeological and historical value where there are no development
prone to landslide disasters. Approximately 32,375 km2 are designated as being vulnerable to landslides activities; areas of natural beauty and natural features of exceptional value; environmentally and hydrological
(UNCCD, 2000), in areas that receive high annual rainfall. A combination of heavy rainfall, favourable geology important lands in the hill country; areas where landslides are to be expected; un-utilized lands in areas of
and unsuitable land use practices has led to landslides in these districts. Landslides occur because of natural high rainfall intensity with slopes of over 60% and highly erodible soils; and all natural and man-made water
reasons but, in the recent past, human activities have exacerbated the incidence of landslides in the country. course and water bodies, as well as their reservations and catchment areas. The National Physical Planning
By disturbing the equilibrium of slopes, road and building construction and clearing of forests for cultivation Policy and the Plan (2021- 2050), is the updated National Physical Policy and Plan declared under No.03- Extra
and development projects often pave the way for mass landslides. Landslides degrade land by causing offsite ordinary Gazette No.2127/15 dated 12th June 2019, with the broad objective “. . . to provide the Government
damages, such as siltation of agricultural lands and water bodies. of Sri Lanka with a guide to develop a physical environment that will facilitate Sri Lanka to become a smart
nation and a competitive economy of the world within the next decade and remain thereafter; ensuring
Although there are many operational programmes for promoting sustainable land management by many the optimum and sustainable use of the available assets and infrastructure, unexplored resources and the
sectoral agencies, their successfulness is questionable because of the lack of a proper coordination mechanism potentials of its land and ocean space; exploiting the opportunities provided by the on-going economic,
among stakeholders. Therefore, disconnected land governing responsibilities, overlapping mandates and political and technological advances around the globe; and harnessing the potentials attributed by its strategic
weak institutional coordination are areas that must be addressed for an effective and efficient national geographic location in the Indian Ocean”. Key guiding policies included are: 1) Conservation of the Critical and
programme to combat land degradation. the Unique; 2) Promotion of the Liveability for humans; 3) Exploration of the Potentials, Opportunities and the
Enhancement of use; and 4) Optimization of the Availability. Special attention has been paid to conservation
2.5.3 Policy and Legal Framework of fragile zones and zone-based logical spatial strategic holistic planning concepts.
Clean environment is one of the prominent national desirable objectives of ‘Vistas of Prosperity and
The National Watershed Management Policy (2004) stresses the need of resolving degradation occurring in
Splendour’, the National Policy Framework of Sri Lanka for ‘Reconstructed Country with a Future’. The main
the upper watersheds of the country, which has manifested through denuded forest cover, with the exposed
focus has been given for ensuring the environment protection in all national development plans; optimize
Theme 5
slopes prone to landslides, soil profiles truncated by erosion and poor in fertility, increasing fragmented and
agriculture ecosystems to obtain maximum benefits to people, while reducing the impact on environment;
uneconomic land holdings worked on by the people, the silting of rivers and reservoirs, and the frequent and
using sustainable land and water resource management, while taking proactive measures to increase national
costly floods in the coastal plains.
forest cover; establishing settlements in the most potential areas and not allowing large-scale developments
in identified environmentally sensitive areas; increasing awareness and active engagement of communities The Land Use Policy (2007) aims to ensure suitable land use, food security, economic development and the
for environment protection; and using a people-centric economic approach for shared responsibility and maintenance of the productivity of the land in the country. It also promotes protection, conservation and
conservation of countries heritage for future generation. Further, the ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ sustainable use of the land resource and offers ideal framework that will best meet the needs of the present
stresses the need of protecting forest cover, rivers, streams and wildlife, while using land resources for generation, while safeguarding the needs of the future generation. The Land Use Policy Planning Department
maximizing human benefits, through properly aligned with environment-friendly land governance at national, which is the responsible agency for implementation of the policy. The policy is very ambitious and aimed at
regional and local level. directing land use in the direction of scientific land use. Mitigation of land degradation has been given high
priority in policies and suggest enhancing peoples’ participation in the sustainable use of land resources,
The National Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Strategy (1984) proposed land use planning and watershed
rehabilitation of degraded lands, avoidance of type of land use that constrain sustainable development,
management as two important strategies for sustainable land management. The National Conservation
preventing encroachment on state lands, creating of awareness on scientific land use, implementing effective
Strategy (1988) stressed the need to restore sustainable development in the country. The National Policy
conservation measures for agricultural land use, rehabilitating marginal and uncultivated lands, protecting
Framework – Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry (1995) identified the degradation of land resources
environmentally sensitive areas, protecting and conserving land above 1600 m elevation, conserving slopes
because of over use and mismanagement and declared that, for several decades, haphazard allocation of state
exceeding 60% situated 1,600 m above mean sea level, using reforestation or agroforestry, and identifying
lands to the landless under the land alienation programme, without proper and systematic land use planning,
landslide prone areas to introduce appropriate conservation measures.
has caused enormous damage to the land resources in the country and consequently, to the environment.
The framework also stated that “given the fragile nature of this scarce natural resource, which are vital for the As summarized in the National Report on Desertification/land Degradation in Sri Lanka (UNCCD, 2000), two
continuing subsistence of life in all its forms, it is essential that we manage it with care and efficiency, so that types of legislative strategies have been adopted by the government to address the problem of soil erosion.
its benefits would accrue not only to our generation but also to generations yet to come on whose behalf we One is to incorporate environmental safeguards in legislative enactments pertaining to the development of
hold it in trust”. land and water resources. The other is to introduce legislation designed specifically to prevent or mitigate soil
erosion. Key legislations SLRM related sections are summarized in table 2.5.2.2.
The National Physical Planning Policy and Plan (2020 - 2030) states that all lands in the country cannot
be put into economic use; some lands must be protected to fulfil certain objectives that will benefit the The Soil Conservation Act. No. 25 of 1951, as amended in 1996, empowered the Director General of
country and contribute to sustainable management. These lands include watershed areas; areas with rare Agriculture to undertake surveys and investigations for the purposes of ascertaining the nature and extent
ecosystems and ecosystems of exceptional diversity; areas with concentrations of economically important or of land degradation due to various factors including floods, droughts, salinization, desertification, siltation
potentially important species of varieties and threatened species; fragile areas that may be easily degraded; and soil erosion, to declare “erodible areas” to specify measures regulating the use of land and to acquire
and important aesthetic, cultural, historical and recreational areas. The policy, therefore, recommends that land for carrying out measures to prevent erosion. Several decades later, the government realized that the
140 141
provisions laid out in this Act were inadequate to meet current demands for a number of reasons. The main Section 22 of the National Environment Act No. 47 of 1980 and subsequent amendments states that the CEA
reasons were: i) the identification of conservation activities, as an extension function; ii) The implementation “in consultation with the Council shall, with the assistance of the Ministry charged with the subject of Soil
of the provisions of the Act and regulations could not be undertaken by normal extension staff of the Conservation, recommend soil conservation programmes including therein the identification and protection
Department of Agriculture, as extension and regulatory functions are not compatible; iii) at the time the Act of critical watershed areas, encouragement of scientific farming techniques, physical and biological means
was enacted, all land matters were handled by one ministry. As time passed many ministries and agencies of soil conservation, and short term and long-term research and technology for effective soil conservation”.
were given the responsibility for the management of land. This prevented the Director of Agriculture from
adequately exercising his authority and functions under the Act to achieve the objectives of the Act; and iv) The National Watershed Management Policy of 2004 conserves, protects, rehabilitates, sustainably uses and
the institutional support made available under the Act was considered inadequate. The deficiencies in the manages the watersheds, while maintaining their environmental characteristics with the involvement of
1951 Act have been rectified in the Amended Act of 1996. There has also been a shift in focus from the control people.
of soil erosion to land resource management.
The Government Extraordinary Gazette number 1894/3 of 2014/12/22 under the policy on conservation
Natural forests in Sri Lanka are owned, managed and protected by the Forest Department (FD) or the of Water Sources and Water Spouts of 2014 protects and conserves all water sources, their reservations,
Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), and account for about 35% of the total land area of Sri Lanka conservation areas and immediate catchment areas to ensure the existence of the water sources.
(MoMD&E, 2016). The FD and DWC are guided by two legal enactments the Forest Conservation Ordinance
and the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. Under the Forest Conservation Ordinance of 2009, natural 2.5.4 Introduction to the Action Plan
forests coming under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department are designated as Conservation Forests,
As guiding principles for formulation of strategies and deciding priorities for the action plan formulation
Reserve Forests or Village Forests and the ordinance has provision to protect these forests and their produce.
process, the main focus has been a) Previous planning documents which have been formulated based
The Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance No 02 of 1937 and subsequent amendments provide for the
on existing policies; b) Desirable objectives of ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ the National Policy
protection of six categories of natural ecosystems under the jurisdiction of the Department of Wildlife: strict
Framework of Sri Lanka for ‘Reconstructed Country with a Future’; c) The special priorities related to land
natural reserves, national parks, nature reserves, corridors, and sanctuaries.
management responsible institutes identified under recently restructured ministries and state ministries sited
In the Land Development Ordinance No.19 of 1935, Section 8 states that “state land may be mapped out by in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2187/27–2020; and d) Priorities identified in Sustainable Land Management
the Government Agent51 for any one or more of the following purposes: (g) prevention of the erosion of the related international initiatives (SDG, LDN targets, etc.).
soil and (d) the maintenance of reserves for the preservation of the sources and courses of streams and for
Theme 5
the prevention of erosion of the soil”.
Strategy 1. Align policy and legislative support for sustainable land management.
In the State Lands Ordinance No. 8 of 1947, Section 49 says: “Subject as hereinafter provided, the Minister
may, by Notification published in the Gazette, declare that any state and is constituted a State reservation for Strategy 2. Practise sustainable management of lands in critical natural ecosystems and environmentally
any one or more of the following public purposes; (6) the prevention of the erosion of the soil”. sensitive areas.
Strategy 3. Ensure sustainable land use in agriculture.
Section 12 of the Water Resources Board Act No. 29 of 1964 states that “it shall be the duty of the Board
to advise the Minister on the following matters and on any other matters that are referred to the Board for Strategy 4. Conserve and practise sustainable management of grasslands (pathana, savanah, damana,
advice by the Minster; (d) the control of soil erosion”. villu and production grasslands).
Strategy 5. Minimize disaster impacts on land resources.
The Land Grants (Special Provisions Act) of 1979 provided for the transfer to the State land vested in the Land
Reform Commission and the transfer of this vested land free of charge to landless persons. The transfers Strategy 6. Facilitate sustainable land management through Information and Communication Technology
were subject to certain conditions, one of which was the stipulation that the transferee should carry out on (ICT) options.
his land, such soil conservation measures, which the District Secretary of the District may require from time Strategy 7. Mobilize resources for SLRM (institutional strengthening, governance, capacity building and
to time. awareness creation).
Section 34(2) of the Agrarian Services Act No.58 of 1979 and subsequent amendments, states that “the Strategy 8. Promote sustainable management of mineral resources.
owner, cultivator or occupier of any agricultural land shall, in addition to such other duties as the Commissioner Strategy 9. Strengthen international cooperation for SLRM.
may in his discretion specify, ensure that: (d) the land is properly maintained in order to ensure the maximum
conservation of soil and water”.
Section 13 of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka Act No.23 of 1979 states that “Notwithstanding the
provisions of any other law and without prejudice to the generality of the powers conferred on the Authority
by this Act, the Authority shall in or in relation to any Special Area have the power: (3) to take such measures
as may be necessary for watershed management and control of soil erosion”.
51 Now District Secretary
142 143
2.5.6 Action Plan for Sustainable Land Resources Management
SDG Budget
(KPIs) (in years)
Target/s (LKR M)
S M L Lead Other Key Agencies
Agency
1-2 2-5 5-10
Strategy 1: Align policy and legislative support for sustainable land resources management.
1.1 Review and identify gaps in No. of SLRM related policies reviewed Existing policies and Policy review  15.1, 15.2, 5 MoE MoLands NPPD,
sustainable land resources policy review reports document with gaps 15.3, 15.4 LUPPD, DWC, MoA,
management related policies identified along with FD, NBRO, MoPla,
recommendations MoI
available
1.2 Revise policies or introduce new No. of policies revised or introduced new Not available Revised/new polices   15.1, 15.2, 8 MoLands MoE NPPD, LUPPD,
policies/ regulations to address policies related to SLRM 15.3, 15.4 DWC, MoA, FD,
gaps in SLRM related policies available NBRO, MoPla, MoI
1.3 Identify legislative/law No. of interim reports on identified gaps Existing legislations Document to address    15.1, 15.2, 30 MoLands MoE, NPPD, LUPPD,
enforcement gaps in SLRM legal gaps in SLRM 15.3, 15.4 MoA, DWC, FD,
available NBRO, LRC, SLLDC,
MoPla
1.4 Facilitate the revision of SLRM No. of Act revised Not available Revised SLRM    15.1, 15.2, 50 Mo Land MoE, NPPD, LUPPD,
legislations No. of regulations amended legislations available 15.3, 15.4 DWC, MoA, FD,
Theme 5
NBRO, MoPla
Strategy 2: Practise sustainable management of lands in critical natural ecosystems and

environmentally sensitive areas.
2.1 Develop an integrated SLRM Spatial information related to Central Highland soil GIS based information   2.4, 2.5, 6.6, 50 DoA, MoE, HBASL, UDA,
plan for the central highland Highland collated conservation area portal available 15.1, 15.2, NPPD RDA, LUPPD TRI,
as declared under the Soil declared 15.3, 15.4 PDoA, FD, DWC,
Integrated management plan (IMP) Integrated SLRM plan
Conservation Act (SCA) as CEA, NBRO MASL,
prepared for Central Highland area as Conservation adopted
well as an implementation ID
declared under SCA guidelines available
mechanism Implementation
Implementing mechanism for IMP available mechanism in place
for IMP
2.2 Identification of highly sensitive Map indicating sensitive buffer zones Regulations for Up-to-date spatial √ √ 2.4, 2.5, 6.1, 50 ID, MASL MoE, CEA, DAD,
riparian areas of streams and prepared conservation information available 6.6, 15.1, PAs, FD, DWC,
rivers that are vulnerable to stream reservations for sensitive riparian 15.2, 15.3, MASL, SLLDC, CECB
No. of workshops conducted to disseminate
land use changes available with areas 15.4
findings to assist effective enforcement
limited enforcement
Highly sensitive buffer
area identified and
characterized
Findings disseminated
through 10 workshops
2.3 Reforest denuded hilltops by No. of ha reforested Identified denuded Restored 1000 ha of    6.6, 15.2, 200 FD, DWC NGOs, CBO, MASL
hilltop planting in areas above hill tops hilltops 15.3, 15.4
1000 m of mean sea level
144 145
SDG Budget
(KPIs) (in years)
Target/s (LKR M)
Agency
1-2 2-5 5-10
Strategy 3: Ensure sustainable land utilization in agriculture.

3.1 Prioritize areas for soil Maps and report on degradation status SLRM interventions Up-to-date spatial    6.6, 15.1, 20 DoA HBASL, TSHDA,
conservation and rehabilitation prepared are not being information available 15.2, 15.3, PDoA, LUPPD,
focused on priority on land degradation 15.4, 15.5 MoPla, MoA, MoE,
Priority areas for conservation planning
basis and rehabilitation TRI, RRI, CRI, DEA
identified
Report on priority
Sector-wise SLRM recommendations
areas for soil
prepared and disseminated
conservation and
rehabilitation
Sector-wise
recommendations
prepared and
adopted
3.2 Develop sector-wise investment Sector-wise plans prepared Not available Sector-wise    15.1, 15.2, 10 DoA HBASL, TSHDA,
plans for implementation of investment plans 15.3, 15.4, PDoA, LUPPD,
Theme 5
SLRM available for SLRM 15.5 MoPla, MoA, MoE,
TRI, RRI, CRI, DEA
3.3 Develop an inventory of Full inventory of underutilized agricultural Information on Underutilized   15.1, 15.2, 20 LUPPD, DoA, FD, DEA,
underutilized agriculture lands lands prepared underutilized lands agriculture land 15.3, 15.4, DoA MoPla, MoE, MASL,
to facilitate rehabilitation and available for some inventory and 15.5 DAD, JEDB, LRC
Development plans for underutilized
crop diversification districts (LUPPD) description available
agriculture lands are formulated
Recommendations
formulated and
adopted to develop
underutilized
agriculture lands
3.4 Rehabilitation of saline-affected % saline affected areas rehabilitated Technologies 30% of saline affected    6.6, 15.1, 50 DoA MASL, WRB, PDoA,
agriculture lands available for saline agricultural lands 15.3, 15.4, ID, DAD
affected lands rehabilitated 15.5
3.5 Promote site-specific fertilizer No. of soil test kits provided Soil testing Soil test kits available    2.4, 2.5, 6.3, 100 DoA, HBASL. DAD, MASL,
application (SSFA) to overcome programme available for all key agencies 6.6, 12.4, DEA, PDoA, TRI, RRI, CRI
soil pollution on request 15.1, 15.2 MoPla
No. of soil fertility tests GN division level Soil test-
recommendations based fertilizer
% of farmers adopted SSFA
available for paddy recommendation
established
50% farmers adopted
SSFA
146 147
SDG Budget
(KPIs) (in years)
Target/s (LKR M)
Agency
1-2 2-5 5-10
3.6 Conversion of marginal/ Inventory of unproductive tea lands Unproductive/ Up to date inventory    15.1, 15.3, 50 MoPla, TSHDA, TRI, MoPla
unproductive tea lands to other produced marginal tea lands of marginal/ 15.4, 15.5 DoA, DEA HBASL, MASL,
perennial crops reported unproductive tea LUPPD
% area under crop diversification
lands available
50% of marginal tea
land converted to
other perennial crops
(spices)
3.7 Support resource poor farmers Land inventory of resource poor farmers Resource poor Inventory of farmers    15.1, 15.3, 2,800 DoA, HBASL, DEA, TSHDA
to combat land degradation prepared farmers rarely need support to 15.4, 15.5 PDoA
practice SLRM engage in SLRM
No. of ha lands conserved
available
4000 ha per year
conserved
3.8 Establish and implement quality Quality standards for organic and Standards for some Quality standards    15.1, 15.3, 1,000 SLSI, NFS PDoA, MASL, DEA,
control system for organic and biofertilizer formulated types of organic adopted for organic/ 15.4, 15.5 & DoA MoPla, DAD
Theme 5
bio-fertilizers (check for heavy fertilizer available bio fertilizer
Quality control system for organic fertilizers
metals and pollutants)
established and maintained Quality control system
for organic fertilizers
adopted
Mechanism for
regular monitoring of
quality adopted and
implemented
3.9 Promote eco-friendly non- % of farmers adopt non-chemical Cabinet decision ban 75% of farmers   15.1, 15.3, 200 MoA, PDoA, MASL, DEA,
chemical agriculture practices agriculture practices (bio-pesticides, on- chemical fertilizer adopted 15.4, 15.5 MoPla TSHDA, DAD
farm compost production) and to promote
organic agriculture
2021-04-27
Strategy 4: Conserve and practise sustainable management of grasslands (pathana, savanah,

damana, villu and production grasslands).
4.1 Generate baseline data on No. of new maps prepared on grasslands Classified extent and Maps on extent,   15.1, 15.2, 5 FD, DWC, DoA, DAP&H,
the extent, types and status status of grasslands types and status of 15.3, 15.4, LUPPD LRC, JEDB
of grasslands in the country not available grasslands available 15.5
and map their geographical
distributions
148 149
SDG Budget
(KPIs) (in years)
Target/s (LKR M)
Agency
1-2 2-5 5-10
4.2 Create awareness to prevent No. of awareness programmes conducted Available records on 20 awareness    15.1, 15.2, 10 FD DWC, DS, DAP&H
pernicious practices such as grassland fires programmes/ 15.3, 15.4,
No. of fire incidence recorded in grassland
cultivation of temporary erosive year conducted in 15.5
crops and setting fire to natural potential areas
grasslands
Incidence of fires in
natural grasslands
reduced
4.3 Establish fire belts/live fences to % extent of fire belts/ live fence Reported fire data 50% extent of    15.1, 15.2, 15 FD, DWC MoA, Provincial
protect fires grasslands have fire 15.3, 15.4, Council
belt /live fences 15.5
4.4 Conversion of under-utilized Prepare inventory of under-utilized land Under-utilized Map/inventory of    15.1, 15.2, 100 LUPPD, DoA, MoA,
land into grassland for lands available for under-utilized lands 15.3, 15.4, DAP&H MoLands, LRC,
Area converted into grasslands for livestock
promotion livestock alternative uses available 15.5 JEDB
Under-utilized land
converted to new
grasslands
Theme 5
Strategy 5: Minimize disaster impacts on land resources.
5.1 Assessment of climate change High risk LU sectors for CC impacts District-wise climate Assessment report on   1.5, 15.1, 10 MoE CEA, DoM, MoA,
risk on land use and land identified and mapped vulnerability maps CC impact on land use 15.2, 15.3, NBRO, DMC,
productivity and reports available and land productivity 15.4, 15.5 LUPPD, MoPlan
5.2 Develop and promote guidelines Guidelines for CC impact mitigation in Climate smart Guidelines and    1.5, 15.1, 30 DoA, TRI, LUPPD, HBASL,
and tools for land use planning agriculture sector prepared technologies manuals for climate 15.2, 15.3, CRI, RRI PDoA, TSHDA,
in CC vulnerable agriculture land currently available. smart agriculture 15.4, 15.5 MASL, DAD, ID,
Awareness programmes for dissemination
uses prepared MoE, NBRO, DMC
of CC impact mitigation technologies
commenced Awareness
programme for
climate smart
agriculture initiated
and continued
5.3 Develop and promote Landslide mitigation guidelines and tools Landslide mitigation New guidelines and   1.5, 2.4, 2.5, 30 NBRO DMC, Provincial
guidelines, tools for land use prepared guidelines available tools for land use 15.1, 15.2, Councils, NPPD,
planning in landslide prone planning for landslide 15.3, 15.4, CEA
No. of capacity building programmes
areas prone areas available 15.5
conducted on new guidelines and tools
5.4 Introduce ecosystem-based Eco-DRR guidelines adopted for Sri Lanka Nature based National Eco-DRR   2.4, 2.5, 50 DMC, NBRO, PCs
disaster risk reduction (Eco- solutions such as guidelines formulated 15.1, 15.2, UDA
Eco DRR initiatives introduced
DRR) approaches to SLRM Eco-DRR are gaining 15.3, 15.4,
Eco-DRR initiatives
attention but not 15.5
carried out in of
mainstreamed yet
landslide prone areas
150 151
SDG Budget
(KPIs) (in years)
Target/s (LKR M)
Agency
1-2 2-5 5-10
5.5 Enhance landslide mitigation % of road sites slopes stabilized Selected no. of 50% of the unstable    15.1, 15.2, 3000 RDA, UDA, MoE, CEA,
programme for road sites cut landslide locations slopes are stabilized 15.4 NBRO DMC, LUPPD, NPPD
slopes and embarkments have been mitigated
5.6 Establish and continue the National Drought Management National Drought Coordination    6.6, 12.2, 100 MoE DMC, CEA, LUPPD,
coordination mechanism to coordination mechanism established management plan mechanism in place 15.1, 15.2 NPPD, MoA,
implement the National Drought and continued SMoPC&LG
National Drought Management Plan
Management plan
(NDMP) implemented Progress reports
on NDMP
implementation
5.7 Assess seismic hazards and Seismic hazard map prepared Available seismic Map and guidelines   15.1, 15.2, 75 GSMB DMC, MoE
planning for Seismic Hazard data to manage seismic 15.4
Management hazards
Strategy 6: Facilitate sustainable land resource management through Information and

Communication Technology (ICT) options.
6.1 Strengthen national SLRM Information system available for monitoring No. coordination of Operational   15.1, 15.2, 15 DoA ICTA HBASL, PDoA,
Theme 5
programme through integrated and reporting SLRM programmes SLRM programmes information system 15.3, 15.4, MASL, LUPPD,
spatial information system conducted by different agencies of different agencies for national SLRM 15.5 TSHDA, DEA, MoPla
programme available
6.2 Develop ICT-based spatial Web-based ICT system available with Landslide prone area Operational ICT   15.1, 15.2, 30 NBRO, DMC, CEA
information system to support landslide prone areas maps available system to support 15.3, 15.4, ICTA
land governance of landslide land governance of 15.5
prone areas landslide prone areas
established
6.3. Develop monitoring and Spatial information system available to No. spatial ICT Operational   15.1, 15.2, 20 DoA ICTA, HBASL, PDoA,
coordination mechanism to consolidate SLRM related land governance based coordination spatial information 15.3, 15.4, MASL, LUPPD, DEA,
support land governance for relevant agencies mechanism available system available 15.5 MoPla
decisions for relevant agencies to consolidate
through spatial information SLRM related land
system governance for
relevant agencies
6.4 Monitor and report the status of Information system e on land cover, SOC Commitment Operational system    15.1, 15.2, 20 MoE, LUPPD, FD, Uni
land degradation periodically and land productivity available to report land available for 15.3, 15.4, DoA
degradation in every land degradation 15.5
No. of status reports produced
04 years to UNCCD monitoring
Assessment reports
submitted to UNCCD
in every four years
152 153
SDG Budget
(KPIs) (in years)
Target/s (LKR M)
Agency
1-2 2-5 5-10
6.5 Develop and implement zone- No. of districts covered by zone-based Limited information Completed zone-    15.1, 15.2, 20 LUPPD, DoA, MoA UDA,
based land use plan to promote maps available zone-based based plan available 15.3, 15.4, NPPD CEA
SLRM land use planning for all 25 districts to 15.5
promote SLRM
Strategy 7. Mobilize resources for SLRM (institutional strengthening, governance capacity

building and awareness creation).
7.1 Review the status of Review of NAP implementation progress NAP is available Review report   15.1 12.8, 10 MoE DoA, PDoA, DAD,
implementation of NAP and on the NAP with 15.1, 15.2, DEA, MASL, TSHDA
National Steering
identify constraints recommendation for 15.3, 15.4
committee
implementation.
appointed
7.2 Review the existing institutional Review of institutional arrangements for Existing Institutional Review report with  15.1, 15.2, 3 MoA MoE, DoA, PDoA,
arrangements for effective effective SLRM arrangement recommendations 15.3, 15.4 MASL, DAD,
implementation of SLRM MoPla, ID, LUPPD,
MoLands
7.3 Establish and strengthen Establish/ strengthen institutional Not available Institutional    15.1, 15.2, 10 MoA MoE, DoA, PDoA,
Theme 5
institutional coordination coordination mechanism for SLRM coordination 15.3, 15.4 MASL, DAD,
mechanism for SLRM based on mechanism for SLRM MoPla, ID, LUPPD,
the review report available MoLands
7.4 Conduct Training of Trainers No. of trainers trained on SLRM Available training 100 trainers trained    15.1, 15.2, 40 MoA MoE, DoA, HBASL,
(TOT) programme SLRM programmes for TOT per year 15.3, 15.4 LUPPD
7.5 Promote community No. of Training programmes conducted Conduct 25 training 100 training    12.8, 15.1, 30 MoA MoE, FD, DWC,
participation in sustainable land programmes for programmes for 5000 15.2, 15.3, PDoA, LUPPD,
resource management 1,000 farmers farmers annually 15.4 MASL, DoA, CEA,
annually HBASL, DS, SMoDM
7.6 Promote involvement of No. of ha degraded forest land rehabilitated Degraded forest 5,000 ha of    15.1, 15.2, To be FD Private sector,
the private sector in the by private sector lands identified for degraded forest land 15.3, 15.4 estimated NGOs, MoWFC
rehabilitation and management restoration rehabilitated
of degraded forest land
7.7 Facilitate SLRM research Identify research needs on SLRM Limited on-going Research agenda for    1.5, 2.2, 100 SLCARP, DoA, TRI, CRI, RRI,
SLRM research SLRM prepared 11.3, 11.5, NSF, NRC Univ
No. of SLRM research symposia conducted
programmes 11.A, 15.1-5
01 research
No. of SLRM studies carried out/ no of
symposium on SLRM/
SLRM technologies resealed
yr
New SLRM
technologies available
7.8 Provide extension and support No. of programmes initiated with the Woodlots / Woodlots established    12.8, 15.1, 300 FD DWC, NGOs, CBOs
services for agroforestry involvement of women participation agroforestry in 5000 ha 15.2, 15.3,
and woodlot establishment programme 15.4
programme while ensuring
gender mainstreaming
154 155
SDG Budget
(KPIs) (in years)
Target/s (LKR M)
Agency
1-2 2-5 5-10
7.9 Create awareness among No. of programme conducted No. of programmes Stakeholders and    15.1, 15.2, 1,000 DoA MoA, MoE, NRMC,
stakeholders and community conducted during community aware on 15.3, 15.4 HBASL
on SLRM through web, mass 2019-2021 SLRM
media, social media, etc.
Strategy 8: Promote sustainable management of mineral resources.

8.1 Survey, map and quantify Resources stocks identified; ground verified Currently available Identification    15.1, 15.2 10 GSMB LUPPD, CEA, DArch,
mineral resources stocks and quantified survey data and of sustainably FD, ID, CEA, MASL,
maps extractable resources MoE, NBRO, DS
(annual updates)
8.2 Ensure sustainable extraction All new mineral extractions are subject to Mineral extractions All new mineral    15.1, 15.2, 1,000 CEA, GSMB, FD, DWC,
of minerals through proper appropriate environmental assessment assessment site mining sites are 15.3, 15.4 DArch CC&CRMD, NBRO,
assessments reports operational with WRB, MASL, ID, DS
approvals under SEA,
EIA, IEE, AIA
8.3 Strengthen regulatory and Regulatory mechanisms strengthened Available licensing Minimizing illicit   15.1, 15.2, 10 GSMB, CEA, FD, DWC,
monitoring mechanisms for system and statistics mining by the 15.3, 15.4 MoE CC&CRMD, NBRO,
Theme 5
District and National level monitoring
sustainable extraction and application of DArch, WRB, MASL,
committees established Existing enforcement
transportation of minerals electronic devices ID, CEA, SLP, TRC,
setup
ICTA, DSs
Monitoring
Estimated existing
committees in
level of illicit mining
operation
and transportation
8.4 Introduce and promote eco- No. of eco- friendly methodologies Economic viability All new mining    12.1, 15.1, 1,000 GSMB, NGJRI, MoE, CEA,
friendly methodologies and identified report required licenses adhere 15.2, 15.3, NGJA Uni, research
best practices for minerals to best practices 15.4 institutes, NSF,
No. of sites rehabilitated (Percentage of Restoration policy
extraction and mineral mined proposed NRC, project
bank, guaranties released) and guidelines
site rehabilitation proponents
available 80% of bank
guarantees released
Haritha weli
upon restoration of
thotupola guideline
mines
for sand mining
riverine stability 80%-90% riverbanks
restored under the
guidelines of Haritha
Weli Thotupala
156 157
SDG Budget
(KPIs) (in years)
Target/s (LKR M)
Agency
1-2 2-5 5-10
8.5 Promote alternatives for Introduce appropriate alternatives for Quantity of offshore Introduction    9, 12 50 GSMB SLLDC, MoE, DB,
construction materials geo-substances used in the construction sea sand produced of appropriate CIDA, NERD, Uni,
industry. in 2020, alternatives for sand NARA, CC&CRMD
and aggregates
No. of programmes conducted to promote
used in construction
identified alternatives
industry
Offshore sea
sand used in all
Government building
constructions
8.6 Introduce new technologies/ No. of new adoptable technologies and Technologies and New technologies   12, 9, 15 100 DB, SEC, GSMB, CIDA,
methodologies in construction methodologies introduced methodologies and methodologies RDA SLLDC, MoE, NERD,
sector for minimizing / developed with introduced Uni
optimizing the usage of geo- minimum geo-
materials material usage or no
usage of them.
Theme 5
Strategy 9: Strengthen international cooperation for SLRM.
9.1 Establish effective coordination All reporting requirements met on time UNCCD reporting Reporting    15.1, 15.2, 20 MoE ERD, MoFA, UNDP,
and reporting system for guidelines requirement of 15.3, 15.4, FAO, IUCN
(UNCCD) UNCCD complied with 17.16
on time
9.2 Facilitate commemoration Commemoration of soil day and Commemoration of Annual    15.1, 15.2, 10 MoE Uni, NGO, CBO,
of international days related desertification day at national level annual events with commemoration 15.3, 15.4 CEA, MoA
to SLRM with national and limited participation soil day and
international partners desertification
continued with wider
participation
9.3 Comply with implementation % compliance in implementation of UNCCD Sri Lanka ratified 100% compliance    15.1, 15.2, 50 MoE UNCCD Secretariat
of Multilateral Environment convention UNCCD convention 15.3, 15.4,
Agreements / Conventions 17.16, 17.18
related to SLRM
9.4 Implement regional and Timely delivery of projects / programmes SAARC regional All regional and    15.1, 15.2, 50 MoE CEA, LUPPD,
international initiatives/projects related outputs programme international 15.3, 15.4, MoA, regional
on disaster initiatives / projects 17.16, 17.18 and international
management. related obligations institutes dealing
met with SLRM
National Drought
programme
management plan
9.5 Initiate new projects for SLRM No. of new projects developed with GEF, GCF New projects    15.2, 15.3, 1,000.00 MoE GEF, GCF, UNDP,
with international collaboration international collaboration developed on SLRM 15.4, 17.16, FAO, IUCN, MoF
17.18
158 159
© Sisili Projects Consortium Private Limited
Theme 6
Holistic Waste Management
The severity of waste issues is attributed largely to the urbanization,

industrialization and economic growth of human societies, and have both
quantitative and qualitative implications. Today, the world generates over
2.0 B t of municipal solid waste (MSW) annually, and this is expected to grow to
3.4 B t by 2050, under a business-as-usual scenario.
160 161
2.6.1 Overview
Waste could be defined as any material, substance or by-product eliminated or discarded or as no longer
required, at a particular time, place or form, and therefore, to be used either as a resource or, if it does not
have a utility value, to be treated and disposed of in an environmentally-sound manner (MoE&WR, 2019).
The severity of waste issues is attributed largely to the urbanization, industrialization and economic growth of
human societies, and have both quantitative and qualitative implications. Today, the world generates over 2.0
B t of municipal solid waste (MSW) annually, and this is expected to grow to 3.4 B t by 2050, under a business-
as-usual scenario. In low-income countries this quantity is expected to increase by more than three times,
while in South Asia, by two times. The global average per capita daily generation of MSW is about 0.75 kg,
yet, country level waste generation rates fluctuate widely from about 0.1 to 4.5 kg depending on the levels of
income and urbanization. Waste collection rates too vary widely by income levels. Low-income countries tend
to collect about 50% of waste in cities, but outside urban areas, only about 25%. At present, about 70% of
MSW still ends up on landfills/uncontrolled dumpsites, 20% undergoes materials recovery through recycling/
composting, and 10% is treated through modern incineration (WB, 2018).
This situation is further aggravated with changing lifestyles and consumption patterns, together with the use
of more chemicals/hazardous substances. Changing quantity, composition and characteristics of wastes have
led to a complex situation, and this issue is deliberated more in cities and urban environments, particularly
with associated MSW and industrial waste. As nations and cities become more populated, offer more
products/services, and participate in global trade, they face corresponding amounts of waste to manage
through treatment and disposal. The adverse impacts of waste have been witnessed increasingly in semi-
urban and rural areas as well, even though there are more environmentally sensitive ecosystems in those
regions. Poorly managed waste could lead to severe adverse impacts on air, surface and groundwater, soil,
the coastal and marine environment, as well as the climate, and, in turn, on multiple fronts on public health,
with corresponding economic implications (UNEP & ISWA, 2015).
The issue of waste has been on global agendas for decades, and a series of international conventions and
treaties has been emerged over the years to address specific waste streams and/or impacts (local/global). A
few examples are the: (i) Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes
Theme 6
and their Disposal; (ii) Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants; (iii) Rotterdam Convention on
the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International; (iv) Vienna
Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer; (v) Minamata Convention on Mercury; and (vi) Paris
Agreement on Climate Change. Further, the resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
in 2018 on Human Rights and the Environment stresses that the unsound management of chemicals and
waste may interfere with the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and that
environmental damage can have negative implications, both direct and indirect, for the effective enjoyment
of all human rights (UNHRC, 2018). Further, under the theme ‘implications for human rights of the
environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes’, the UNHRC advocates
six areas of duties for the governments: (i) Respect, protect and fulfil; (ii) Protect the most vulnerable; (iii)
Adopt fundamental approaches; (iv) Enact and enforce legislation; (v) Create effective institutions; and (vi)
Enable people to claim and defend their rights (UNHRC, 2017).
The topic of waste has been emerged more significantly with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which signifies the links with a range of sustainable development
challenges/goals, such as Health (SDG3), Clean water and sanitation (SDG6), Sustainable cities (SDG11),
Sustainable consumption and production (SDG12), Climate change (SDG13), and Restoration of ecosystems
and biodiversity (SDG14 and SDG15). Along with the SDGs, the Global Waste Management Outlook (GWMO)
- a collective effort of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Waste
Management Association (IWMA) - set forth Global Waste Management Goals and a Global Call to Action to
achieve those goals (UNEP & ISWA, 2015).
162 163
With the global level attention and local level implications, ‘waste management’ has become a catchphrase 2.6.2 Current Status
in almost every country, local government, industry and organization. This term could be defined as the
A steady increase in the generation of MSW, together with limited management practices and associated
management of interventions, activities and resources for proper control of waste streams and materials
adverse impacts have been observed with urbanization and economic development in Sri Lanka, as with many
in preventing, minimizing or reducing the adverse impacts on the environment, society and/or economy. It
other developing economies. Further, incidences associated with other waste streams, such as hazardous/
should encompass all stages of the lifecycle (LC) of a given waste stream, including generation, collection,
toxic waste materials, chemicals, e-waste and healthcare waste are also encountered. This topic has become
segregation, handling, storage, transportation, sorting, treatment, recovery and final disposal in an integrated
a top item in political agendas as well, because currently, management practices of waste - particularly
manner, with an emphasis on maximizing resource-use efficiency; beyond regulatory compliance and
MSW - are insufficient and have resulted in growing health and environmental problems, as well as the
consideration on socio-economic-environmental aspects. Accordingly, the concept of waste management
annoyance of a growing number of citizens with a decreasing quality of life because of garbage in public
hierarchy, illustrated in Figure 2.6.1, has been emerged as the main guiding principle.
spaces. The management of MSW is one of the key duties of the provincial councils (PCs) and local authorities
Maximum Conservation of Resources (LAs), who are responsible by statute, for this issue. It is common for municipalities to spend a considerable
portion of their budget on waste disposal (with considerable open dumping/ burning), even though a
Most
preferred Prevention
significant portion of the waste remains uncollected.
option
The country’s data on generation, collection, composition and management pathways are not sufficiently
Reduce comprehensive to generate accurate estimations of the waste management system. However, related
publications and other information available with government agencies show that the total amount of MSW
generation in Sri Lanka ranges from 8,000 to 9,000 t/day, with a per capita waste generation range from 0.2
3R
Reuse Increasing kg/person/day in rural areas, to 0.85 kg/person/day in urban areas. The total generation in Western Province
Level of
Sustainability (WP) is about 3,500 t/day (with the contribution from daily commuters). About 60% of the waste generated
in WP is collected by LAs, while in other provinces it is about 25%. In the WP, about 10% of the collected
Recycling
waste is recycled, 15% is composted and the balance is transferred to solid waste dump sites (SWDS). In other
provinces, less than 5% is composted, about 7.5% is recycled and the balance is transferred to SWDS. The
informal recyclers too contribute to significant amount of waste recycling, particularly from the waste that is
Energy Recovery (WtE)
not collected by LAs. There are about 340 SWDS in the country, with a few sanitary landfills. It is believed that
Least 10% to 20% of the waste in SWDS is open-burned, which is also a common practice at the level of individual
preferred generators (households) (CCS, 2020).
option Disposal
By law, the management of chemical and hazardous waste (including healthcare waste) is the responsibility of
individual generators. In case of healthcare waste, there is a central incineration facility, which caters mainly to
Theme 6
Figure 2.6.1: Waste management hierarchical system
government hospitals in the Western, Southern and Central Provinces, treating about 50% of the healthcare
Source: (UNEP, 2009)
waste generated in the country. In addition, another industrial facility (INSEE Cement) manages about 50% of
the other hazardous waste generated mainly from industries and residual waste from MSW via co-processing
Accordingly, waste management techniques have been evolved over the years, and presently, are centred
in cement kilns. Electronic waste collectors, registered under the Central Environmental Authority, annually
on providing comprehensive solutions based on a holistic approach within sustainability frameworks,
export nearly over 3,000 t e-waste to other countries such as India, Germany, and Korea for recycling. Some
comprising all waste streams and all aspects during their LCs, in an integrated manner. The concept of
industries export hazardous waste from their industries as per the agreements52. The information on other
Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM) brings together three dimensions: all physical elements
waste categories is very limited, indicating improper management practices.
(infrastructure), all stakeholders (actors) and all strategic aspects (political, health, institutional, social,
economic, financial, environmental and technical facets). Thus, a framework for ISWM could be defined For decades, the issue of MSW has been a recurrent discussion point among authorities and many
through the following essential components (listed with related drivers): interventions have been proposed, and some have been implemented. Most large-scale MSW management
• Physical elements: Waste collection (driven primarily by public health), waste treatment and disposal projects proposed by private parties are based on waste to energy (WtE) options with grid-electricity
(driven primarily by environmental protection) and the 3Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle (driven by the resource generation through standard power purchase agreement (SPPA) with Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) under
value of the waste and ‘closing the loop’ in order to return both materials and nutrients to beneficial use). Non-Conventional Renewable Energy (NCRE) Tariff scheme. It seems that CEB’s 20-year SPPA is the only major
income source having guaranteed payment acceptable to financing agencies, so that the project proposal
• Governance strategies: Inclusivity of stakeholders (focusing, in particular, on service users and providers),
becomes bankable. However, even with such avenues, a noticeable progression in practical implementation
financial sustainability (requiring the system to be cost-effective, affordable and well financed) and sound
is yet to be realized, except for one plant of 10 MW (700 t/day) capacity. Another 10 MW (500 t/day)
institutions and proactive policies (including both the national policy framework and local institutions).
plant is in the final approval stage and it is expected to be commissioned by the year 2024. Use of WtE as
Therefore, along with the waste management hierarchy, ISMW and LC thinking have become guiding principles a priority intervention over other more sustainable options is questionable, when one refers to the main
for the concept of holistic waste management (HWM), supporting business, local/regional authority and guiding principle of HWM illustrated in Figure 2.6.1. Apart from certain level of recycling, the other noticeable
policy makers in finding resource efficient strategies to increase the economic, environmental and social intervention is composting, which is implemented primarily by local governments.
performances.
52 which are requirements for the issuance of permits by CEA between industrial establishments and the Investor/Parent Company for the export
of hazardous waste generated.
164 165
The recent programme on Climate Change Mitigation Assessments related to Revision of Nationally these legislations, all MSW generated within the boundary of LAs is their property, and the LAs mandated to
Determined Contributions (NDCs) in Sri Lanka in the waste sector, has provided opportunity to the sector remove and dispose of such waste materials, without causing any nuisance to the public.
agencies to understand and analyse the present status and future direction of the waste sector in the
country. The waste sector NDCs, identified through a detailed stakeholder consultative process, reflects the The National Solid Waste Management Support Center (NSWMSC), established by the Ministry of Local
identification and prioritization of mitigation actions, in line with the waste management hierarchy, as given Government and Provincial Councils in 2007, assists LAs to improve SWM in their administrative areas
below in the order of priority: through technical, legal, and financial assistance. The Waste Management Authority of the Western Province
(WMAWP) is responsible for providing technical and financial assistance to all LAs of the province to build
• Reduce MSW generation growth rate;
their capacities, collecting waste data in WP, developing common final disposal sites to LAs and also assisting
• Increase current recycling percentage; LAs to publicize and inculcate better methods of waste management discipline in the public.
• Increase the present level of compost preparation;
• Introduce central biogas systems;
The action plan of the Thematic Area 6: Holistic Waste Management is formulated with a set of guiding
• Introduce central sewage and wastewater treatment facilities;
principles (including waste management hierarchy), aligned with those of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
• Establish WtE plants, considering the requirement (when other options are not feasible); Development and SDGs, the National Policy on Waste Management, the National Policy on Sustainable
Consumption and Production for Sri Lanka and the draft National Environment Policy (NEP).
• Rehabilitate SWDS; and
• Reduce open dump burning in SWDS. Further, the strategies and activities are identified within the concept of holistic waste management, centred
on the ISWM and LC-thinking, with consideration of inter-linkages of different waste streams, all physical
Another recent initiative is in the healthcare waste sector, where the Ministry of Health, with the assistance elements, all stakeholders and all strategic aspects - thus providing directions to a circular economy, in a
from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in which a rapid assessment was conducted to broader concept. Therefore, the proposed activity plan recognizes waste and resource management as a
identify the present status and recommend a sound management plan. This study is to be followed by an significant contributor to sustainable development in the local context. In particular, it recognizes that the
implementation phase to address the sector issues. development and implementation of holistic waste management plan should consider the local situation and
particular circumstances, and thus, requires comprehensive data on present and anticipated waste situations,
2.6.3 Policy and Legal Framework supportive policy and institutional frameworks, active engagement of stakeholders, knowledge and capacity
to develop plans/systems, proper use of environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) with technology transfer,
Conventionally, the formulation of national-level policies for SWM is a responsibility of the Ministry of
and sustainable financial instruments to support the implementation.
Environment (MoE). However, with the recent re-assigning of cabinet portfolios, the subject of waste disposal
has been assigned to the State Minister of Urban Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal and
Community Cleanliness (SMoUD). The National Policy on Waste Management provides the specific and 2.6.5 Strategies for Management
Theme 6
comprehensive policy framework for the sector (MoE&WR, 2019). This policy provides a vision, a mission, Shown below are the main strategies of the Thematic Area 6: Holistic Waste Management.
a goal, eight objectives, eight guiding principles and a series of policy statements for each category of waste
and each area of intervention. Further, it details stakeholder responsibilities and relationships to waste Strategy 1. Ensure a sound waste administration and operation for Integrated Sustainable Waste
management. Management, while fostering governance, information, advocacy, compliance and
stakeholder engagement.
In addition, policy directions for the waste sector are also provided by national development policies such
as the National Policy Framework - Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour and National Policy and the draft Strategy 2. Effect maximum conservation of resources in waste management through prevention and
Strategy on Sustainable Development for a Sustainably Developed Sri Lanka; as well as in several other reduction.
sectoral policies and strategies including the draft National Environmental Policy (NEP); the National Policy on
Sustainable Consumption and Production for Sri Lanka; and the National Climate Change Policy. In particular, Strategy 3. Ensure sustainable management of plastics and other recyclables.
the National Environment Policy (NEP), which is currently being updated, includes a policy statement on
sustainable management of solid waste that refers directly to a holistic approach, while the policy statement Strategy 4. Manage the biodegradable waste component through biological treatments.
on controlling of water pollution covers wastewater management.
Strategy 5. Exploit treatment with an energy recovery option for management of non-recyclable and
The main legal and institutional framework for waste management is the National Environmental Act No. 47 non-usable waste.
of 1980 (NEA) and subsequent amendments, and the establishment of CEA to implement the provisions of
Strategy 6. Manage final disposal sites.
the NEA. A series of regulations related to waste management have been gazetted by CEA, including National
Environmental (Municipal Solid Waste) Regulations, No. 1 of 2009; National Environmental (Protection and Strategy 7. Manage hazardous waste.
Quality) Regulations, No. 1 of 2008 (on license for discharge, emission or disposal of waste/scheduled waste
management); and Regulations on Polythene and Plastic Management 2017. In addition, there are regulations Strategy 8. Foster innovation, research and development to support holistic waste management.
and legislations of Provincial Council and LAs – including the Municipal Councils Ordinance (1980), the Urban
Councils Ordinance, Pradeshiya Sabhas Act No 15 of 1987 – that relate to waste management. According to Strategy 9. Enhance global participation and collaboration for furthering holistic waste management.
166 167
2.6.6 Action Plan for Holistic Waste Management
Actions Key Performance Indicators Baseline Targets Time Frame Relevant Indicative Implementation
(KPIs) (in years) SDG Budget Responsibility
Target/s (LKR M)
S M L Lead agency Other Key
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agencies
Strategy 1: Ensure a sound waste administration and operation for Integrated Sustainable
Waste Management, while fostering governance, information, advocacy, compliance and
stakeholder engagement.
1.1 Establish a high-level national entity with effective Operational level of the national entity No entity, but Fully operational  
coordination mechanism and functional arrangement presidential national entity
for (i) waste management authorities at all levels of committee SMoUD,
governance, and (ii) effective mobilization of all other is in effect to MoPP&L,
stakeholders including private sector, academics and the recommend 16.6 No additional
MoE WMAWP,
civil society organizations (CSOs) overall strategy cost NSWMSC,
Operational level of stakeholder Fully operational  
mobilization mechanism stakeholder CEA
mobilization
mechanism
1.2 Develop and implement operational roadmap for The roadmap - Operational  
Integrated Sustainable Waste Management considering roadmap All the
the local circumstances, in consultation with all ministries
No. of meetings of the national entity - 4   
stakeholders, with particular emphasis on effective listed in
held/yr
communication of information and advocacy at all 11.6 National
governance levels and sectors No. of stakeholder consultation - 2    6.1 MoE Waste
meetings held/yr 12.3 to 12.5 Management
No. of expert committee meetings held - 4   
Theme 6
Policy, CEA,
/yr WMAWP,
No. of campaigns for information - 2    NSWMSC
dissemination and advocacy
1.3 Establish and operationalize a sound information No. of PCs covered 1 9 4 6 9 16.10 ICTA, SMoUD,
management system (IMS), with the engagement of MoPP&L,
(WP - JICA
all PCs and LAs and sectors for waste related data and 53.2 MoE WMAWP,
Project)
indicators, with a data tier system based on importance NSWMSC,
No. of comprehensive surveys - 1    17.18
and availability of data CEA
conducted/yr
1.4 Establish and implement monitoring, reporting and Level of operation of the MRV system Yet to be Fully operational SMoUD; MoE,
verification (MRV) schemes covering all sectors and established MRV system MoInd, PCs,
2.4; 3.9;
waste streams, to ensure compliance with standards 66.6 CEA Chambers,
12.2
and regulations, while generating different strata of data WMAWP,
to diagnose the ground realities No. of surveys conducted/yr 3    NSWMSC
1.5 Develop and implement capacity building programmes No. of capacity building campaigns - 2    16.6 105.0 MoE ICTA, SMoUD,
on data management for effective and sustainable conducted/yr MoPP&L,
operations of the IMS and MRV schemes for all CEA,
stakeholder institutions at all levels of governance WMAWP,
NSWMSC
168 169
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agencies
1.6 Promote dissemination of information covering both Communication strategy and roadmap No strategy or Approved strategy
formal regular communications including advocacy and Roadmap and roadmap 16.6 CEA,
informal/non-formal communications for knowledge No. regular communication campaigns - 2    305.0 MoE NSWMSC,
management, with an interactive platform for 16.10 WMAWP
conducted/yr
information sharing among interested parties
1.7 Develop and pilot a holistic waste management (HWM) The plan - Adopted plan ´
CEA,
plan for local governments covering all waste streams, 3.9; 6.3;
WMAWP,
including domestic hazardous waste with the emphasis 11.6; 12.3 127.0 MoPP&L
NSWMSC,
on localization and ground level implementation to 12.5
PCs. LAs
Total no. of pilot projects conducted - 5 2 5
Strategy 2: Effect maximum conservation of resources in waste management through

prevention and reduction.
2.1 Formulate and operationalize a comprehensive No. communication campaigns held/yr - 2   
behaviour change communication (BCC) strategy, SMoUD, CEA,
together with a programme of actions for awareness WMAWP,
11.6; 12.3;
creation across different strata of the society and 205.0 MoE NSWMSC,
12.5
other stakeholders to effectuate waste prevention and % reduction in the waste generation - 10% 2.5% 10% 10% MoMM, PCs,
reduction, particularly through promoting sustainable, rate with respect to business as usual LAs
resource efficient lifestyles case
2.2 Develop and implement a comprehensive education No. of education campaigns held/yr - 2    SMoWCP&P,
strategy, together with a programme of actions for MoE, CEA,
knowledge management across all levels of formal MoH, NIE,
Theme 6
11.6; 12.3;
education incorporating necessary curriculum changes 110.0 MoEd
12.5 SMoSVR&I;
(with particular emphasis on early childhood education)
TVEC,
No. of ToT programmes conducted/yr - 2    Uni
2.3 Conduct communication campaigns, with particular No. of media campaigns conducted/yr - 2    SMoUD, CEA,
emphasis on social responsibility, ethical behaviour, 100.0
WMAWP,
human rights and respect to laws, for mainstreaming (Programme)
11.6; 12.3; MoH
prevention and reduction of waste (link, but further, % no. of target groups focused in - 100% 50% 75% 100% + MoE
12.5 NSWMSC,
to Activity 2.1 above), with the use of effective media campaigns 1,000 MoMM, ICTA,
communication tools for different target groups
Minimum no. of social media platforms - 4 2 4 4 (Implantation) PCs, LAs,
including effective use of social media / ICT
used SMoSVR&I
2.4 Strengthen the regulatory framework effectively to No. of regulations gazetted 8 15 10 15 15 11.6; 12.3; -
guide society towards more sustainable, resource- (cumulative) (cumulative) 12.5
MoE, MoInd,
efficient lifestyles (sustainable consumption) and to CEA
CCC
drive industries towards cleaner production (sustainable No. of awareness campaigns - 2    40.0
production) (link, but further, to Activity 2.1 above) conducted/yr
2.5 Introduce economic instruments to promote sustainable No. of economic instruments - 3 1 2 3 11.6; 12.3; -
consumption and production, such as ‘Polluter introduced 12.5 MoE, MoInd,
CEA
Pays Principle (PPP)’, ‘User Pays Principle (UPP)’ and No. of awareness campaigns - 2    40.0 CCC
‘Precautionary Principle’ (Link to Activity 3.4) conducted/yr
170 171
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agencies
2.6 Facilitate the introduction of alternative products and Minimum no. of alternatives identified - 5 2 4 5
MoE, MoInd,
regulatory options that guide less use and generation of (cumulative) (cumulative) 11.6; 12.3;
waste materials. % no. of alternatives introduced; - 100% 40% 80% 100% 105.0 SMoSVR&I CCC, CEA,
12.5
Awareness campaigns conducted/yr 2    Univ
-
2.7 Implement Road Map and National Action Plan on National Steering Committee for Food - Functional 
Prevention and Reduction of Food Waste (Link and Waste Management appointed National Steering
further to Activities 2.1 to 2.4 above) Committee
No. of National Steering Committee - 4   
meetings conducted/yr
A digital food waste database - Operational Food 
established waste data -base
No. of updates of the food waste - 4   
database /yr SMoUD,
No. of ToT programmes on food waste - 6  MoH, CEA,
management developed for different 11.6;12.3; WMAWP,
90.0 MoE
target groups/themes 12.5 NSWMSC,
No. of ToT programmes conducted/yr; - 3    MoMM, ICTA
Multi-actor training workshop on - 1    PCs, LAs, Uni
innovative business opportunities
conducted/yr
Multi-stakeholder dialogue conducted/ - 1   
Theme 6
yr
Fund allocation for joint research - 5 2 4 5
projects conducted (M LKR/yr)
Communication, awareness and media - 2   
campaigns conducted/yr
172 173
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agencies
Strategy 3: Ensure sustainable management of plastics and other recyclables.

3.1 Implement National Action Plan on Plastic Waste National Steering Committee for Plastic - Functional 
Management 2021-2030 Waste Management appointed National Steering
Committee
No. of National Steering Committee - 4   
meetings conducted/yr
National coordination mechanism for - Operational 
efficient use of funds and effective coordination
monitoring of activities related to mechanism; MoInd,
plastics and plastic waste established SMoUD,
11.6;12.3; MoH, CEA,
System for tracking and monitoring - Adopted plastic  20 MoE
12.5 WMAWP,
of plastic flows into and within the flow tracking &
NSWMSC,
country designed and operationalized monitoring system
PCs, LAs
No. of updates of the tracking and - 12 6 12 12
monitoring system/yr
Plastic material flow inventory - Completed data- 
database established base on plastic
material flow
No. of updates of the inventory - 12 6 12 12
database system/yr
3.2 Develop and implement nation-wide awareness No. of segregation bins introduced
Theme 6
programmes and media campaigns to motivate and (i) WP & MCs 2 3   
facilitate segregation and recycling of plastics and other (ii) UCs/PSs MoE,
1 3 2 2 3
waste (link, but further, to Activity 3.1 above) 11.6;12.3; SMoUD, CEA,
% no. of LAs using 3 bins - 100% 40% 70% 100% 140 NSWMSC
12.5 WMAWP,
No. of media campaigns conducted/yr - 2    PCs, LAs
No. of capacity building campaigns - 2   
conducted/yr
3.3 Enhance the resources (human, technical and financial)/ Collection as a percentage generation
MoE,
land resources and infrastructure of local governments 15,000. SMoUD, CEA,
for plastic management (link, but further to Activity 3.1 (Collection)
(i) WP 60% 75% 11.6;12.3; WMAWP,
above) PCs & LAs
(ii) OPs; 25% 50% 12.5 + 13,000 RDA, SLP,
Total amount collected (1,000 t) 16,750 20,500 (Transport) MoH, MoF,
MoLands
% LAs complied - 100%
3.4 Manage recycling and up-cycling of plastics through Recycling of plastics by LAs as a % total MoE,
regulatory interventions (enforcement of more stringent non-biodegradable collection SMoUD, CEA,
regulation and control mechanisms) (link, but further to (i) WP 9% 24% 12% 15% 24% 11.6; 12.3; WMAWP,
Activity 3.1 above) 20 PCs & LAs
(ii) OPs 7.5% 15% 10% 12% 15% 12.5 RDA, SLP,
No. of awareness campaigns - 2    MoH, MoF,
conducted/yr MoLands
174 175
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agencies
3.5 Promote recycling and up-cycling of other recyclable Minimum no. of other materials - 3    MoE,
components of waste categories (such as glass, metal, categories recycled SMoUD, CEA,
paper) through regulatory and other interventions 11.6; 12.3; WMAWP,
10 PCs & LAs
12.5 RDA, SLP,
No. of awareness campaigns - 1    MoH, MoF,
conducted/yr MoLands
3.6 Introduce, facilitate and regularize/mandate of Extended Regularization of EPR - Mandated EPR
Producer Responsibility (EPR) as an effective instrument No. of awareness programmes - 4    CEA, MoInd,
to meet concepts such as ‘Polluter Pays Principle (PPP)’, conducted /yr 10.2 MoE
‘User Pays Principle (UPP)’ and ‘Precautionary Principle’. No. of training programmes CCC
- 2   
(Link to Activity 2.5. and Activity 3.1 above) conducted/yr
3.7 Promote and facilitate control of environmental No. of awareness programmes - 4   
pollutions in other solid waste streams (e.g. packaging conducted /yr MoE, MoInd,
waste, construction and demolition waste, marine 11.6; 12.3; CEA, NERD,
10.2 SMoSVR&I
waste, food, agriculture and livestock waste, 12.5 SLINTEC, Uni,
No. of training programmes - 2    CIDA
slaughterhouse waste) (link to Activity 8.8)
conducted/yr
Strategy 4: Manage the biodegradable waste component through biological treatments.

4.1 Promote composting at local governments, institutions No. of awareness campaigns - 2   
and households, as a priority treatment for the conducted/yr 20
management of biodegradable wastes, with particular (Awareness/ NFS, DoA,
Amount composted as a % of total
emphasis on integrating with value-added composting, Training) + Fertilizer
Theme 6
biodegradable collected
agro-ecological farming schemes through (i) 2.3; 2.4: Secretariat,
(i) WP 15% 30% 18% 23% 30% 6,750 SMoPSF&RCI
introduction of regulations, guidelines and procedures, 12.4 CEA,
GMP (ii) certifications (SLS), (iii) technology assessment (ii) OPs 3% 30% 6% 18% 30% (Investment WMAWP,
on composting, (iv) effective business models and (v) Total amount composted (1,000 t) 145/yr 4,150 in 10 yr 450 850 during 2,850 during for NSWMSC
decentralized systems for optimum utilization during 3 yr 5 yr Composting)
2 yr
4.2 Introduce suitable treatment and disposal facilities % treatment of liquid waste treated in 2.1% 6.6% 3.0% 5.0% 6.6%
for liquid waste, sewage, and night soil, incorporating centralized facilities CEA,
appropriate commercial technologies including central / MoInd, BoI,
networked facilities 6.3; 6.a 94 NWSDB NSWMSC,
PCs, LAs,
Amount of wastewater treated (1,000 460 930 550 750 930 private sector
m3) in centralized facilities
4.3 Promote proper treatment and disposal of industrial No. of awareness programmes - 4    CEA,
wastewater in Board of Investment (BOI) zones, in non- conducted/yr MoInd, BoI,
BOI industrial parks and standalone industries (link to 6.3; 6.a 10.2 NWSDB NSWMSC,
Theme 9: Greening of Industries) PCs, LAs,
No. of training programmes - 2   
conducted/yr private sector
176 177
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agencies
4.4 Promote and introduce biogas technology for the No. of awareness programmes/yr - 4    10.2
management and treatment of biodegradable waste,
(Awareness/
particularly where compositing is not practical, with an
training)
emphasis of harnessing triple benefits
+ CEA, MoInd,
BoI, UDA,
7.2; 7.4 2,500 SLSEA
WMAWP,
No. of training programmes - 2    (Investment
NSWMSC
conducted/yr for 10 m3) +
No. of biogas units: (i) Domestic/ 10,000 15,000 11,500 12,500 15,000 80
institutional (10 m3) (Investment
(ii) LAs (200 m3) 1 (Kaduwela MC) 5 2 3 5 for 200 m3)
4.5 Explore the option of anaerobic digestion for production No. of feasibility reports - 2 -  - 7.2; 7.4 MoE, CEA,
of biogas (methane) for (i) transport applications, and (ii) 4.0 SLSEA
CEB, Uni
integrated to proposed Natural Gas in the energy sector
4.6 Promote and facilitate control of environmental No. of awareness programmes - 4    MoE, MoInd,
pollutions in other liquid waste conducted /yr 11.6; 12.3; NWSDB,
10.2 SMoSVR&I
No. of training programmes - 2    12.5 CEA, NERD,
conducted/yr SLINTEC, Uni
Strategy 5: Exploit treatment with an energy recovery option for management of

non-recyclable and non-usable waste.
5.1 Establish a technology compendium in characterizing No. of technologies characterized - 5  - - 7,2; 7.a; 4 SLSEA CEA
Theme 6
waste treatment technologies with energy recovery 11.6; 12.5
options to appraise the role of energy recovery, under
local circumstances within HWM framework
5.2 Ensure proper operation and optimum utilization of the No. of performance audits conducted/ No. regular audits 02    7,2; 7.a; No additional CMC CEA, SLSEA,
WtE plant already commissioned through monitoring yr 11.6; 12.5 cost WMAWP
and regulatory compliance. (Link to Theme 1 Activity
3.2.)
5.3 Ensure the other committed WtE and incineration List of regulatory requirements Regulatory Enhanced  No additional
plant/s complies with regulatory requirements during requirements regulatory cost
installation, commissioning, and operation, while of the requirements 7,2; 7.a; SLSEA,
(Karadiyana CEA
embracing environmental best practices and best commissioned adopted 11.6; 12.5 WMAWP
Plant
available technologies for pollution control (link to plant
Investment:
Theme 1 Activity 3.2)
% of regulatory compliance - 100% - 100% 11,500)
5.4 Ensure the safe disposal of residues generated in WtE % of residues generated in WtE plants - 100% 100% 100% 100% 7.2; 7.a; 200 SMoUD CEA,
plants disposed in sanitary landfill sites 11.6; 12.5 WMAWP
(1000
conversion
of one cell in
Aruwakkalu
site)
178 179
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agencies
Strategy 6: Manage final disposal sites.

6.1 Characterize the performance of present SWDS/waste % of sites characterized Guideline 100% 100% - - 6.3; 11.6; 5 SMoUD UDA, MoE,
disposal sites and, in line with the Guideline for Safe 12.3; 12.4 CEA
Closure of MSW dumpsite in SL, and develop a plan/
roadmap for sustainable management
6.2 Rehabilitate existing SWDS, with proper monitoring % no. of sites rehabilitated: CEA, UDA,
6.3; 11.6;
mechanisms and safe closure of high-risk sites (i) Large-scale - 100% 20% 50% 100% 1,700 SMoUD WMAWP,
12.3 NSWMSC
(ii) Small-scale - 100% 5% 40% 100%
6.3 Promote sanitary landfilling, while improving the No. of sanitary landfills 05 10 06 10 10
performance of existing sites with optimum supply chain 6.3; 11.6; CEA, UDA,
Planned for 04 300 SMoUD WMAWP,
utilization, methane recovery and clustering of LAs
sites 12.3 NSWMSC
% of LAs catered - 100% 40% 100% 100%
6.4 Support establishment of MSW Transfer stations No. of transfer stations: Large-scale 1 4 2 4 4 6.3; 11.6; - SMoUD CEA, UDA,
(feasibility / implementation) (WP)and medium-scale (UDA/OPs) WMAWP,
12.3
NSWMSC
6.5 Enforce the relevant regulations to prevent open % amount burned (as a Percentage
burning in SWDS through sound technological and dumped) 6.3; SMoUD, UDA,
No additional
operational procedures (link to Activity 5.2) CEA WMAWP,
(i) WP 10% 0% 08% 05% 0% 11.6;12.3 cost
NSWMSC
(ii) OPs 20% 0% 16% 10% 0%
6.6 Monitoring of the environment performance of SWDS, No. of field audits/yr - 3    6.3; No additional CEA SMoUD, UDA,
Theme 6
particularly air pollution (Dioxine/Furan/NOx/SOx) (link cost PCs, LAs,
11.6;12.3
to Theme 1 AQM) WMAWP,
NSWMSC
6.7 Facilitate LAs to minimize open dumping through % of open dumps remaining A few (controlled ~100% 70% 30% 0% 6.3; 9 SMoUD CEA, UDA,
identification of lands for proper disposal and dump site) WMAWP,
11.6;12.3
awareness/training NSWMSC
6.8 Ensure no open dumping in LAs through enforcement % of open dumps remaining 99% 0% 70% 0% 0% 6.3; No additional CEA SMoUD, UDA,
(link to Activity 5.5) cost WMAWP,
11.6;12.3
NSWMSC
6.9 Promote prevention of open dumping and open burning No. of awareness campaigns - 2    6.3; 100 CEA SMoUD,
of waste by individual generators through awareness conducted/yr WMAWP,
11.6;12.3
and regulatory interventions NSWMSC,
MoInd, LAs
Strategy 7: Manage hazardous waste.

7.1 Update and maintain the national hazardous waste Database 1st generation Updated profiles x
profile on regular basis including data Quality Assurance inventory (2017) 6.3; MoE, MoH,
90.2 CEA
& Quality Control with waste audits for MRV (link to 11.6;12.4 MoInd
Activities 1.2 and 1.3) No. of updates performed At least 1 1in 2 yr 1in 3 yr 2 in 5 yr
7.2 Further enhance and update characterization of waste No. of updates performed / yr - At least 1   
treatment technologies for hazardous waste streams 6.3; 11.6; MoE, MoH,
20 CEA
together with the development of best practice 12.4 MoInd
guidelines (e.g. HCWM Metamizer - residue) % of waste streams covered - 100% 20% 50% 100%
180 181
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agencies
7.3 Strengthen regulatory compliance monitoring and No. of audits conducted/yr - 4 1 4 4

inspection of waste treatment plants/facilities,
6.3; 11.6; MoE, MoH,
facilitated by tracking devices/sensor networks for 60 CEA
12.4 MoInd
online/real-time monitoring, where necessary (link to
Theme – Greening Industries) % of main treatment plants covered - 100% 30% 100% 100%
7.4 Strengthen the legislative environment for hazardous Legislative level of EPR for hazardous Study report Mandated EPR for
waste management, with particular emphasis to waste streams all waste streams; 6.3; No additional MoE, MoH,
CEA
effect buy back of used products, including e-waste 11.6;12.4 cost MoInd
(particularly through EPR scheme) Schedule viii list updates Draft Approved list
7.5 Develop and conduct a comprehensive knowledge No. of training campaigns - 4    6.3; 202 CEA MoE, MoH,
dissemination capacity building/training programmes conducted/yr 11.6;12.4 MoInd
for the sector stakeholders on hazardous wastes and
their management
7.6 Facilitate to apply principles of holistic waste No. of pilot projects conducted/ - 5 1 3 5 6.3; 25 CEA MoE, MoH,
management (HWM) including liquid treatment, Facilities covered 11.6; 12.4 MoInd
thermal, landfill, to selected facilities in hazardous waste
sectors/streams (covering procedural /management
systems/guideline/best practices/condemning process)
7.7 Introduce Integrated Hazardous Waste management The Integrated Plan - Approved Plan
Plan No. of expert committee meetings held - 8  11.6 MoE, MoInd,
0.4 CEA
No. of stakeholder consultations - 4  12.3 to 12.5 MoH, BoI
conducted
Theme 6
7.8 Promote and facilitate management of radio-active No. of awareness and training - 2    6.3; 24 SLAEB MoE, MoH,
waste through awareness, training and regulatory campaigns conducted/yr 11.6; 12.4 MoInd, CEA
interventions
7.9 Promote sustainable management of e-waste No. of awareness and training - 2    6.3; 24 CEA MoE, MoH,
(particularly though implementation of National Plan) campaigns conducted/yr 11.6; 12.4 MoInd
7.10 Promote sustainable management of other hazardous No. of awareness and training - 1    6.3; 14 CEA MoE, MoH,
waste categories (eg.: mercury, hazardous liquid waste) campaigns conducted/yr 11.6; 12.4 MoInd
Strategy 8: Foster innovation, research and development to support holistic waste management.
8.1 Establish a research agenda for holistic waste Development of the research agenda - Research Agenda 3.9; 9.5; 9.b 3 SMoSVR&I MoE, CEA,
management covering all waste streams and sectors NERD,
SLINTEC, Uni
8.2 Formulate and prioritize research themes and topics No. of updates performed/yr - At least 1    3.9; 9.5; 9.b 4 SMoSVR&I MoE, CEA,
to address the needs, challenges and gaps identified in NERD,
each major waste stream/ sector, with annual updates SLINTEC, Uni
8.3 Communicate the research agenda and prioritized No. of communication conducted/yr - At least 1    3.9; 9.5; 9.b 2.5 SMoSVR&I MoE, CEA,
themes/topics to universities, R&D institutes and waste NERD,
management authorities SLINTEC, Uni
8.4 Establish a sustainable funding scheme for research No. of research funded conducted/yr - At least 2    3.9; 4.b; 75 SMoSVR&I MoE, NSF,
and development in waste management and support 9.5; 9.b NRC, NERD,
research studies Uni
182 183
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agencies
8.5 Assess waste sector impacts (health, environmental, No. of impact assessments - 8 2 4 8 3.9; 4.b; 40 MoE CEA; MoH;
social and economic) 9.5; 9.b Uni
8.6 Establish and update online repository to collect and No. of updates performed/yr - 4    3.9; 4.b; 5 MoE Uni, NSF, NRC,
communicate waste related research studies (link to 9.5; 9.b SLAAS, CEA
Activity 1.3)
8.7 Promote innovations and creativity in waste No. of programmes conducted/yr - 4    3.9; 4.b; 10 SLIC MoE, CEA,
management, with particular emphasis on solutions 9.5; 9.b NERD, Uni
originated locally, while promoting related social
enterprises, citizen science and community-based
initiatives
8.8 Pilot waste management solutions to specific and Total no. of pilot projects conducted - 5 1 3 5 3.9; 4.b; 75 CEA MoE, NERD,
emerging waste streams and sub-sectors (e.g. 9.5; 9.b Uni
construction and demolition, food, marine, packaging,
agricultural, slaughterhouse, e-waste)
8.9 Introduce product certification on environment The certification procedures; - Approved
performance (product and packaging) certification
procedures 11.6 CEA, SLSI,
0.4 MoE MoInd, MoH,
No. of expert committee meetings held - 8  12.3 to 12.5 BOI
No. of stakeholder consultations - 4 
conducted
Strategy 9: Enhance global participation and collaboration for furthering holistic

waste management.
Theme 6
9.1 Strengthen implementation of International Total no. of conventions complied with 4 7 5 6 7 17.16 No additional MoE CEA, MEPA
Conventions on Chemicals and Waste management and cost
Facilitate the implementation of national obligation (e.g.
the Basel Convention, the Stockholm Convention, the
Rotterdam Convention and the Minamata Convention)
9.2 Strengthen or establish formal partnership with Total no. of partnerships established 0 3 1 2 3 17.16 No additional MoE MoF, ERD,
international institutions (e.g. UNEP, UNIDO, GEF, UNDP, and/or strengthened cost CEA, MEPA,
FAO, JICA, KOIKA, USAID Global Partnership on Waste Uni
Management-GPWM)
9.3 Participate in regional and international initiatives/ Total no. of projects/ programmes - 4 1 2 4 17.16 No additional MoE MoF, ERD,
projects (e.g. UNEP, FAO, UNDP, Global Methane conducted cost CEA, MEPA,
Initiative, SACEP) Uni
9.4 Establish and maintain a central platform to record, No. of updates performed/yr - 4 2 4 4 11.3 5 MoE ERD, MoF,
coordinate (particularly donors) and follow-up the waste NSWMSC;
management programmes and projects implemented in CEA, MEPA,
the country by different agencies, with the observation SMoUD,
of high-level national entity to ensure transparency and MoPP&L,
accountability (link to Activities 1.1 and 1.3) NGOs, private
sector
184 185
Theme 7
Integrated Water Resources
Management
In Sri Lanka, the per capita water availability is about 2,500 m3, well above the
1,700 m3, which is the threshold of defining water stress. However, the spatial
and temporal variability of rainfall has created an overall scarcity of water in the
dry zone, where per capita water availability is only about 1,200 m3. Except in few
river basins, storage reservoirs with varying capacities and diversion schemes
have been constructed over two millennia to address this issue of water scarcity
in the dry zone. It is reported that there are nearly 30,000 reservoirs and tanks
with a combined storage volume of 8.76 km3 in the country, principally for the
supply of irrigation water. The vast majority (98%) are classified as minor tanks
with a combined storage volume of 1.4 km3. There are 517 major and medium
reservoirs with a storage volume of 7.3 km3, of which 129 are classified as large
dams with 7.2 km3 of storage (ADB, 2014b).
186 187
2.7.1 Overview
Water is an essential component of the environment, which helps to sustain all forms of lives in the planet,
including humans. This resource is considered finite and hence, the pressure on this resource is increasing,
especially with the population growth, changes in lifestyles, increase industrialization and many other
anthropogenic activities. The tendency is to divert water essential to sustain the environment to meet these
additional demands. As a consequence, the environment will be severely and irreversibly affected unless
measures urgent (discussed later in this section) are taken to contain these existing problems, and the limited
water resources in the country are managed in a planned and scientific manner.
Annually, Sri Lanka receives about 112.3 km3 of rainfall. The total annual surface water resources are
approximately 52 km3, of which 56% and 44% occur within the Maha53 and Yala54 seasons, respectively. The
total annual groundwater is estimated to be in the order of 7.8 km3 (Gunatilaka, 2008). About 3,540 water
springs are spread all over the island and are used as water sources.
In Sri Lanka, the per capita water availability is about 2,500 m3, well above the 1,700 m3 which is the threshold
of defining water stress. However, the spatial and temporal variability of rainfall has created an overall scarcity
of water in the dry zone, where per capita water availability is only about 1,200 m3. Except in few river basins,
storage reservoirs with varying capacities and diversion schemes have been constructed over two millennia
to address this issue of water scarcity in the dry zone. It is reported that there are nearly 30,000 reservoirs
and tanks with a combined storage volume of 8.76 km3 in the country, principally for the supply of irrigation
water. The vast majority (98%) are classified as minor tanks with a combined storage volume of 1.4 km3. There
are 517 major and medium reservoirs with a storage volume of 7.3 km3, of which 129 are classified as large
dams with 7.2 km3 of storage (ADB, 2014b).
There are about 49,070 irrigation systems with a combined irrigated area of 801,916 ha (Witharana, 2020).
The major and medium systems are those defined as (i) irrigated areas of greater than 400 ha and (ii) 80
to 400 ha, respectively, which constitute only 2% of the schemes, but cover 58% of the total irrigated area.
The minor schemes are those schemes of less than 80 ha (98% of schemes) and 42% of the total irrigated
area. The cascade system created by the interconnection of minor tanks is an important feature in the
development pattern of water resources of the dry zone. The network of village tanks played an important
role in supporting many critical livelihood functions in the village life, including the supply of water needs of
humans and livestock, sustenance of home gardens, food and recreation.
Until recently, hydropower was a major contributor to energy production, producing about 50% of the annual
Theme 7
national requirements. There are 16 hydropower stations with a combined average annual power production
potential of about 1,207 MW (CEB, 2020). In addition, there are also 85 small hydropower stations operated
under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with an installed capacity of 175 MW. As most of the
hydropower potential has been developed, future generation capacity will come from an expansion of other
energy sources.
The total annual withdrawals for consumptive use are approximately 13 km3, of which 88% is for agriculture
and 6% each for municipal and industrial use. Demand is predicted to increase further with population
growth, change of lifestyles and growth of industry.
Currently, Sri Lanka produces only a limited amount of its food requirement. However, the policy objective
of the government is to achieve food security and become self-sufficient as early as possible. To meet this
53 During the northeast monsoon

54 During the southwest monsoon
188 189
objective, additional water resources are needed, translating into more reservoir and dam capacity to meet droughts. Recently, severe floods have been recorded in 2003, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012, 2014, 2016 and
irrigation needs. This requires rehabilitation, including improvements and modernizations, and construction 2019. Floods have the single greatest impact on people among the natural disasters, accounting for 46% of
of reservoirs and dams, water diversions (intra and inter-basin transfer) to water scarce areas to meet the affected persons from 1974 to 2012 (JICA, 2013). (Notably drought is second most damaging, accounting for
water use efficiency targets. Currently, these targets remain very low (ADB, 2014). 42% of affected persons.)
The growth in the domestic water supply sector is driven by the policy of the government to provide safe Another major trend is the projected increasing demand for irrigated agriculture. The area planted with
drinking water to all by 2025. This is to be achieved by increasing pipe water coverage from 51% to 79% and paddy has increased from 800,000 to 900,000 ha during the period 2005-2007, to more than 1 M ha after
the balance 21% by the community water supply schemes (NWSDB, 2020). This is a difficult target to achieve, 2010, and is expected to increase in the future. It was reported that the area under cultivation of other food
unless opportunities are provided to the private sector as well. As in the irrigated sector, the wastage of water crops needs to be doubled in 2020 from the 2009 level (from around 110 thousand ha in 2009 to over 200
is fairly high. Currently, the island wide Non-Revenue Water stands at 30%, with 49% in Colombo. thousand ha in 2020) and to be increased by more than three‐fold by 2030 from the 2009 level (Ministry of
Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services, 2011).
As Sri Lanka continues to record impressive Gross Domestic Product growth, the demand for water by the
industrial sector is also set to increase. Consequently, pressure on water is imminent and may place bigger As indicated above, the water demand for domestic and industrial sectors is also expected to increase with
demands on the business sector. In view of higher tariff levied to industrial sector, water conservation and time. This requires an integrated planning in the water sector, with high investment.
sustainability measures have already been introduced and more decisions are being taken to conserve water
by setting up their own treatment and recycling plants. However, industries resort to the abstraction of 2.7.3 Policy and Legal Framework
groundwater without payment, because there are no policy or guidelines for such abstraction.
The process of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is identified and accepted globally as the
way forward to address complex issues associated with water resources development and management
2.7.2 Current Status (Gunawadena, 2012). IWRM is defined as a process which promotes the coordinated development and
A fragmented approach to water resource management is being quoted as one of the reasons for the issues management of water, land and related resources, in order to maximize the resultant economic and social
in the water sector in Sri Lanka because there are more than 50 legislations and 20 institutions in relation welfare in an equitable manner, without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. Realizing the
to water resource conservation, development and management. Therefore, a need for a mechanism at the importance of water for people and the environment, the United Nations (UN) has identified Goal 6 - “Clean
national level has been emphasized by many to coordinate activities of this fragmented approach. Water and Sanitation” - as one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. Sri Lanka, as a signatory
to the SDGs, has to comply with SDG goal 6 to:
Apart from the main problem about the unavailability of an overall institutional arrangement, there have 6.1 achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all;
been many other issues which threaten the availability of water resources in the country. Water resources are
6.2 achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation,
being polluted from urban, industrial and agricultural wastes. In addition to agricultural pollution, discharge
paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations;
of sewage and domestic waste to water bodies and industrial pollution are increasing. Faecal contamination
of water supply systems is evident in water intakes in many parts of the country. Chronic kidney disease 6.3 improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous
reported in the dry zone was attributed to the contamination of water, though a conclusive causative agent chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing
has yet to be identified. recycling and safe reuse globally;
6.4 substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and
Groundwater quality is variable among aquifers and locations. It is estimated that about 40% of tube wells supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering
constructed during the 20th century have been abandoned because of high levels of iron and manganese, and from water scarcity;
Theme 7
on the Jaffna peninsula, because of nitrate levels of more than 200 mg/l. High concentrations (more than 3
6.5 implement integrated water resources management at all levels;
ppm) of fluorides are also reported in the eastern and north central dry zone. Overexploitation of aquifers
6.6 protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers
near coastal areas such as Puttalam, Mannar, Paranthan, Kilinochichi and Mullaitivu has resulted in seawater
and lakes;
intrusion and salinization of water supplies.
6.6.a. expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and
River sand mining is another severe environmental problem, which has a serious impact on river erosion and sanitation related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency,
groundwater availability, because it destroys riverbeds and increases the depth of rivers. Further, it facilitates wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies; and
sea water intrusion and affects water supply intakes. 6.6.b. support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation
management.
The ability of the natural environment to provide good quality water with adequate quantities has been
further disrupted by removal of natural vegetation in the headwaters and reservations of streams and filling The government policy on water, as stated in the “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” aligns very closely with
up of wetlands. The impact of soil erosion on water resources as a result of poor land management has been the SDG Goal 6. It has given the priority to provide all citizens of the country with access to clean drinking
a problem during the last 150 years. However, its intensity has been increased because of encroachments55 water within the next three years, by expanding and improving the efficiency of the current projects carried
into stream and reservoir reservations and illegal sand and gem mining. Nutrient enriched sediments derived out by Sri Lanka Water Board and community water projects. Necessary actions to create an environment
from soil erosion transported with the runoff, leads to eutrophication of water bodies. Worsening the existing where rivers, lakes, and reservoirs/tanks are free from chemicals, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals
problems, climate change has increased extreme weather events leading to more frequent floods and are also identified. To achieve this, it is expected that there will be a campaign to educate people on the
importance of keeping rivers, lakes and reservoir/tanks free from contamination and pollution.
55 Eutrophication is a process of nutrient over-enrichment of water, where excess nutrients result in rapid growth and increase of phytoplankton
and macro-algae in the water.
190 191
“Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”, which outlines the current government policy, envisages minimizing of The National Watershed Management Policy of 2004 was formulated to conserve, protect, rehabilitate,
inequality and eliminating poverty, and improving people’s health and lifestyle by several means, including sustainably use and manage the watersheds while maintaining their environmental characteristics with the
addressing issues of climate change with due regard to safeguarding the environment. Considering the involvement of people. The Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005 Provides the basis for the current
important role played by water resources to achieve these goals, and its limitations, there is a need for a disaster management approach, which covers floods and droughts. Flood control and protection is mandated
Strategic Plan for Water Resources Development and Management, which will address current and future to Irrigation Department through the Flood Protection Ordinance No. 4 of 1924.
water demands, in an equitable and sustainable manner. Therefore, the Irrigation Department plays the
major role in setting up the background to develop a Strategic Plan for Water Resources Development and Caring for Environment (2008 – 2012) by the MoE identified the vision for the water sector to have “access to
Management in the country. clean and safe drinking water for all, and adequate water supply for agriculture, industry, wildlife and other
livelihoods while maintaining the minimum environmental flow”. The programme proposed actions to deal
Because large sums of money are being spent annually on disaster relief such as flood and droughts, it with issues faced by the water sector under 11 strategies.
is expected that a proactive approach is taken to manage these situations by developing a flood control
The National Action Plan for Haritha Lanka Programme (HLP) 2009 to 2016 by the MoE, specifically mission
mechanism, with prevention and forewarning systems, as well as water storage and pumping methods to dry
7, named “Water for All and Always” had eight strategies to address in the water sector, to be implemented
areas through drainage and canals systems.
from 2009 to 2016. Subsequent work carried out by the MoE on updating the HLP up to 2022 had four
additional strategies covering minimizing saltwater intrusion, creation of awareness and capacity building,
Therefore, it is logical to develop the water sector programme for the National Environmental Action Plan
encouraging research and developing the water sector and enhancing the water availability by increasing
(NEAP) based on the directions given by the overall policy framework of the country (Vistas of Prosperity and
storage capacity. Related to the policy on conservation of Water Sources and Water Spouts of 2014, the
Splendour) and the international obligations (SDGs), using the principles of IWRM.
Government Extraordinary Gazette number 1894/3 of 2014/12/22 protects and conserves all the water
The Roman-Dutch law, on which Sri Lankan law is based, considers that water resources belong to the nation sources, their reservations, the conservation areas and immediate catchment areas to ensure the existence
as a whole and are available for common use by all citizens, but, in the public’s interest, is controlled by the of the water sources.
state. Accordingly, the Government is committed to carry out its obligations by means which: a) guarantees
The National Water Use Master Plan of 2014 is a detailed proposal for water resources improvement,
access to sufficient water for basic domestic needs; b) ensures that the requirements of the environment are
especially in the Mahaweli areas. The Proposed Water Resources Development Projects 2020 provides
met; c) accounts for the interconnected nature of the water cycle - a process on which the sustainability and
ongoing, as well as future, water resources development projects, including new reservoirs and diversions to
renewability of the resource depends; d) makes provision for the transfer of water between catchments; and
assure water security of the nation.
e) fulfils its commitment as custodian of the nation’s water.
The national programme “Surakimu Ganga” is the most recent programme launched by the Ministry of
After the enactment of 13th amendment to the Constitution in 1987, the Provincial Councils were also Environment to address the water pollution issues in all the rivers in the country. Detailed activities and
vested with powers to manage water. In allocating water in the public interest, the national Government institutional arrangements for implementation from national to local level have been identified.
and Provincial Councils must consider the planning and development of water resources in a manner which
ensures efficient, equitable and sustainable use of the resources. Finally, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs,) 2021 to 2030 by the MoE identifies ten (10) NDCs
for the water sector. These NDCs are categorized under three themes, namely, integrated river basin
In order to discharge the responsibilities of the state, several ordinances and legislations have been enacted management (1), domestic water supply sub sector (5) and irrigation management sub-sector (4).
since 1856 to establish various government institutions to develop and manage the water resources in the
country in partnership of the public. Brief descriptions of relevant legislations are presented below from the 2.7.4 Introduction to the Action Plan
oldest to the newest.
This proposed action plan is formulated based on relevant reviews and the close interaction with stakeholders.
Theme 7
There are two sets of activities identified in the action plan. As indicated in the plan, MoE or institutions
The Irrigation Ordinance (No: 32) of 1856 legalizes traditional irrigation practices and prescribes the condition
coming under the MoE – such as the CEA and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) – as lead
for water extraction, especially for paddy cultivation by the Department of Irrigation and Agrarian Development
agencies, can directly implement some activities with other collaborative agencies. The lead agencies for the
Department. The State Lands Ordinance (No: 08, Part IX) in 1947 defines public and private water and specifies
rest of the actions in the plan are expected to be undertaken by other ministries or line agencies.
water uses where no permits are required. This Ordinance provides the legislation on regulation and control
of public water and, streams through a system of permits. The Electricity Act No. 19 of 1950 empowers the This categorization is considered to be very important in formulating detailed actions plans for the MoE/CEA/
Ceylon Electricity Board to install and use water for the electricity generation. The National Water Supply GSMB including costing, targets, timelines and responsible institutions/persons. The MoE has the overall
and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Act of 1974 established NWSDB to provide water supply for public, domestic control of the programme and hence, has the responsibility to secure required funds, implement activities
and industrial purposes. According to the Article 21 of this Act, local authorities are identified as legitimate and carry out regular monitoring to assess the progress.
institutions which could provide water supply and sanitation services to the people. The Mahaweli Authority
of Sri Lanka (MASL) Act No. 23 of 1979 empowered the MASL to use and develop the Mahaweli river or any The second set of activities could be included in the institutional activity plan of other institutions, where
river found in the areas where MASL exercises its authority. The National Environmental Act (NEA) No. 47 preparation of activities, fund allocation, implementation and monitoring are expected to be undertaken by
of 1980, specifically Article 23H of the National Environmental (Amendment) Act, No. 56 of 1988, provides each one of them. For example, the Ministry of Water Supply has already prepared a detailed corporate plan
details for the regulation and control of pollution of the inland waters. The Water Resources Board (WRB) for 2021-2025. They will work towards achieving the 1st and 2nd strategies of the proposed action plan.
Act No. 29 of 1964 and its amendment of 1999, mandated the WRB as the institution responsible to develop,
Therefore, it is proposed that a coordinating arrangement with the lead agencies is established as identified
control and manage the groundwater resources in the country. The Extraordinary Gazette No. 2010/23 of
in the action plan, so that the progress could be reviewed at regular intervals. This helps the MoE to update
2017/03/16 by the WRB is the regulation by which this is effected.
the status of the environment in relation to the water sector, identify challenges and move forward with
corrective actions.
192 193

Strategy 1. Ensure environmental safeguards in providing access to safe drinking water for a healthy
nation.
Strategy 2. Provide safe sanitation and prevent contamination of surface and ground water bodies with
sewage.
Strategy 3. Improve the water quality of rivers, lakes, reservoirs/tanks, ground water by reducing
pollution.
Strategy 4. Promote watershed management for the sustainability of water resources.
Strategy 5. Increase water conservation and water use efficiency in all sectors.
Strategy 6. Improve irrigation system management for the conservation of water.
Strategy 7. Improve groundwater management.
Strategy 8. Minimize saltwater intrusion.
Strategy 9. Reduce water-induced disasters, such as floods and droughts.
Strategy 10. Assure water security of the nation.
Strategy 11. Implement IWRM at all levels.
Strategy 12. Introduce new policy and institutions for improved water resources planning and management.
Strategy 13. Promote awareness, capacity building and community mobilization.
Strategy 14. Strengthen water related research.
Theme 7
194 195
2.7.6 Action Plan for Integrated Water Resources Management
Actions Key Performance Indicators Baseline Target Timeframe (in years) Relevant Indicative Implementation Responsibility
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agency
Strategy 1: Ensure environmental safeguards in providing access to safe drinking water

for a healthy nation.
1.1 Establish new water supply schemes to provide Coverage of population with 51% 79% Continue to provide new Complete the 6.1 NWSDB SMoPC&
drinking water to households and industries, while pipe water connections connections target by end of
LG
considering environmental concerns year 2025
990,000
1.2 Expand new community water supply schemes Coverage of rural water supply 10% 21% Continue to provide new Complete the 6.1 DCWS NWSDB,
while protecting the surrounding environment at schemes established/upgraded connections target by end of SMoPC&LG, LUPPD
water sources/intakes year 2025
1.3 Establish an independent regulatory mechanism Regulatory mechanism None Regulatory Initiate discussion with Establish the 15 MoH CEA, SLSI, ITI,
for drinking water quality assessment for drinking water quality mechanism NWSDB and relevant mechanism research institutes,
assessment established established agencies NBRO
Strategy 2: Provide safe sanitation and prevent contamination of surface and

ground water bodies with sewage.
2.1 Improve off-site sanitation facilities to prevent Coverage of populations 1.5% 4.4% Continue implementation Continue Reach the 6.2 NWSDB SMoPC&LG
contamination of water bodies served with improved off-site implementation assigned target
sanitation
360,000
2.2 Improve on-site sanitation facilities to prevent Coverage of populations 40% 95.6% Continue implementation Continue Reach the 6.2 NWSDB SMoPC&LG
contamination of water bodies served with improved on-site implementation assigned target
sanitation
2.3 Carry out surveillance and take action against No. of new interventions 0 5000 No. of punitive actions, No. of punitive No. of punitive 6.2 200 MoH SMoPC&LG, CEA,
untreated sewage discharged into waterways and to prevent the discharge of awareness programmes actions, actions, NWSDB,
water bodies sewage to water bodies awareness awareness
DCWS
programmes programmes
Strategy 3: Improve the water quality of rivers, lakes, reservoirs/tanks and
Theme 7
ground water by reducing pollution.
3.1 Prepare an island wide surface water quality Surface water quality None Water quality Compile available data and 6.3 10 CEA NWSDB, MASL,
database by using available data and prepare a vulnerability map vulnerability map complete the map DAD, ID
surface water pollution vulnerability zonation map developed
3.2 Prepare an island wide ground water quality Groundwater quality None Water quality Compile available data and 6.3 10 WRB NWSDB, DAD, CEA
data base by using available data and prepare a vulnerability map vulnerability map complete the map
groundwater pollution vulnerability zonation map developed
3.3 Initiate action to coordinate with line agencies No. of new activities conducted 0 1,000 Entertain proposals from Expand Continue 6.3 2,000 CEA SMoPC&LG
and local authorities to prevent the deterioration under the programme, progress local authorities and activities to activities
of water quality of streams rivers/reservoirs reports initiate actions cover the entire
(Surakimu Ganga Programme) country
3.4 Establish a water quality surveillance and No. of new water quality 0 1,030 Expand the monitoring Coordinate with 6.3 500 CEA NWSDB, ID, MASL
monitoring programme of rivers, reservoirs etc. to monitoring locations and network of CEA and other agencies
assess the impact of water quality improvement laboratory facilities established improve the laboratory to expand the
programmes with required capacity development facilities coverage
196 197
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agency
3.5 Reduce household and industrial pollution % reduction of dumping 10% 90% Strict monitoring and Strict Strict 6.3 100 SMoPC& CEA
through dumping waste to water bodies sewerage/waste punitive actions monitoring and monitoring and
LG
punitive actions punitive actions
3.6 Promote central wastewater treatment plants No. of new central wastewater 0 20 Identify and initiate actions Monitor Monitor 6.3 200 BoI, CEA IDB, SMoPC&LG
for industrial zones and other agencies/ treatment plants introduced implementation implementation
establishments
3.7 Promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) No. of GAP sales outlets 25 5,000 Facilitate the establishment Continue Continue 6.3 100 DoA Private sector,
certification programme and expand the of more GAP sales centres facilitation facilitation PDoA
marketing facilities for GAP products
Strategy 4: Promote watershed management for the sustainability of water resources.

4.1 Initiate watershed management programmes A mechanism for watershed None Mechanism Initiate discussion to Strengthen the Continue 6.6 10 MoE MoIrri, ID, MASL,
as given in the national watershed management management established established determine the key institution LUPPD, NRMC, CEA
policy institution to implement
the policy
4.2 Prepare a national database covering all National database None Database Initiate database Complete the 6.6 50 MoE MoIrri, ID, MASL,
watersheds and identify priority watersheds developed development process database and LUPPD, NRMC
identify priority
watersheds
4.3 Prepare watershed plans for priority watersheds, No. of watershed management 0 30 - 10 20 6.6 150 MoE LUPPD, PDoA,
with the participation of communities plans prepared
MASL
4.4 Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, Identify them in the plan and 0 80% - Include relevant Continue 6.6 50 CEA FD, DWC, WRB, ID,
including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, initiate programmes to protect activities in MASL, LUPPD
waterfalls, aquifers and lakes them the watershed
management
plans
4.5 Establish and maintain stream/river/reservoir Maps of demarcated streams/ 0 30% Initiate a programme to Continue Continue 6.6 200 ID SD, CEA, MASL,
reservations with the coordination of relevant rivers demarcate reservations SMoPC&LG
Theme 7
authorities
reservoirs developed
4.6 Demarcate and protect headwaters of water Maps of protected headwaters 0 60% Initiate actions to Continue Continue 6.6 50 LUPPD MoPla, SMoPC&LG
supply schemes and water sprouts, especially with of water schemes developed protect head waters with
the participation of local communities communities
Strategy 5: Increase water conservation and water use efficiency in all sectors.
5.1 Facilitate the adoption of modern water Low-cost interest rate loans None 10% of the Declare tax incentives. Promote use of Continue 6.4 100 MoF DoA, ID, MASL,
application techniques for agriculture, such as drip and tax relief programmes OFC farmers to Promote use of micro- micro-irrigation DAD, PDoA
and sprinkler irrigation etc., by introducing low- developed use improved irrigation systems systems
cost interest rate loans and tax relief application
No. of farmers who adopt new
systems
technology
5.2 Introduce‌ ‌water‌ ‌saving/re-using, recycling‌ No. of new water saving/ 0 250 10 70 170 6.4 50 ID CEA, MoIrri, DAD,
‌technologies for‌ ‌water‌ ‌conservation recycling techniques used MASL
5.3 Promote‌ ‌harvesting‌ ‌of‌ ‌rain‌ ‌water‌ ‌and‌ ‌proper‌ No. of new rainwater N/A 500 100 150 250 6.4 10 SMoPC& LRWHF, PID, UDA
‌storage‌ ‌systems‌ ‌for‌ ‌households‌/rainfed farming harvesting systems established LG
198 199
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agency
5.4 Employ principles of demand management, such New programmes adopted for 5% 30% Use demand management Continue Continue 6.4 20 NWSDB WRB, ID, MASL
as tariff revision, to help increase treated water demand management instrument for water
conservation in the drinking and industrial sectors conservation
Assessment of feasibility of
introducing dual water supply Initiate a feasibility study to
schemes with drinking and non- develop dual water supply
drinking water supply scheme
5.5 Introduce a permit system for bulk users (e.g., Permit system is introduced 0 System is fully Develop the permit system Develop and Continue 6.4 20 MoIrri WRB, ID, MASL
industries and commercial farms) to control water functional use the permit
abstractions from both ground and surface water system
sources
5.6 Carry out water usage audits for all large users No. of new audits carried out 0 60% of large users 10% 20% 30% 6.4 20 NWSDB ID, MASL,
such as industries, commercial farms etc covered
WRB
Strategy 6: Improve irrigation system management for the conservation of water.

6.1 Rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure and introduce No. of irrigation systems N/A 75 5 20 50 6.4 10,000 MoIrri ID, MASL, DAD, PID
bulk water allocation practising bulk water allocation
and use
6.2 Introduce new technological approaches such as No. of new initiatives adopted. 0 10 2 3 5 6.4 10 ID MASL, DoA, IMD,
laser levelling, land consolidation, wet and dry DAD
irrigation etc. to reduce water use
6.3 Introduce benchmarking of major and medium No. of irrigation schemes where None 75 5 20 50 6.4 10 MoIrri ID, MASL
irrigation systems with the intention of improving benchmarking is introduced
the water efficiency and practised
Strategy 7: Improve groundwater management.

7.1 Prepare guidelines for well construction and Guidelines developed None 100% Complete the preparation 6.6 10 WRB CEA
groundwater abstractions for industrial and of guidelines
Theme 7
commercial users
7.2 Monitor and control the abstraction of ground Information of groundwater None 80% 10% of the industries 20% 50% 6.6 10 WRB CEA
water use, especially by the industrial and abstraction from industrial and covered
commercial sector commercial sector available
7.3 Assess the available groundwater resources, Information of safe yield; N/A 80% Initiate assessment Continue Continue 6.6 100 WRB CEA
especially in groundwater dependent areas abstraction of monitoring
(north and north-western districts) and monitor system established
abstractions
7.4 Enhance groundwater recharge No. of artificial recharge N/A 50 5 15 30 6.6 100 WRB, MoIrri, DoA,
programmes introduced NWSDB
7.5 Develop regulatory measures to prevent Regulatory measures in place 20% 100% Improve the existing Continue 6.6 50 CEA WRB
groundwater contamination regulations
7.6. Introduce groundwater remediation activities in No. of areas where successful 0 50 50 WRB CEA
highly polluted areas remediation action taken place
7.7 Establish an island wide groundwater monitoring No. of new monitoring 0 600 100 200 300 6.6 100 WRB
network, especially in coastal districts to monitor networks established
and prevent saltwater intrusion
200 201
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agency
Strategy 8: Minimize saltwater intrusion.

8.1 Identify vulnerable areas for saltwater intrusion Vulnerable area of Saltwater 10% 100% Identify vulnerable areas Continue Continue 6.3 10 WRB NWSDB, CC&CRMD
intrusion developed
8.2 Identify suitable sites for salinity barriers No. of barriers identified 3 10 3 7 10 NWSDB WRB, CC&CRMD
8.3 Establish salinity barriers No. of barriers established 0 10 1 3 6 80 NWSDB CC&CRMD
8.4 Rehabilitate/construct new saltwater extrusion No. of new structures 0 100% Undertake feasibility Implement Continue 500 ID CC&CRMD, PDoI
structures for irrigation rehabilitated and constructed studies rehabilitation
activities
8.5 Identify priority sand dunes for conservation Priority sand dunes identified N/A 100% Identify all the important 6.6 10 CC&CRMD MoE
sand dunes
8.6 Introduce programmes to conserve sand dunes Initiate programmes to 0 100% Initiate activities to Continue Continue 10 CC&CRMD MoE
conserve sand dunes conserve sand dunes
8.7 Reduce sand and gem mining to prevent sea No of new programmes None Cover all critical Initiate new programmes Continue Continue 10 GSMB MoE, CEA, ID, WRB,
water intrusion initiated to take legal actions districts on priority basis NGJA,
against sand and gem mining
DAD
Strategy 9: Reduce water-induced disasters, such as floods and droughts.

9.1 Establish a national coordinating body to manage National coordination body None 100% Coordination body in place 6.5 10 DMC MoIrri, MoWS
water induced disasters established
9.2 Approve Flood Risk Management Act along with Flood Risk Management Act is None Flood Risk Flood Risk Management Internal MoIrri
proposed institutions gazetted Management Act Act is available funds
is available
9.3 Prepare flood zoning maps No. of flood zone maps 10% 100% Continue to prepare flood Complete the 6.5 10 ID SMoPC&LG
prepared zone maps for major rivers preparation
of flood zone
maps
Theme 7
9.4 Discourage settlements within the vulnerable No. of programmes developed None 50 10 15 25 6.5 50 SMoPC& DMC, UDA, CEA
zones and implemented
LG
9.5 Improve flood and drought warning systems Improved flood and drought 10% 100% Implement already Fully functional 6.5 100 DMC MoE, MD, ID
warning system established developed proposal and updated
warning system
in place
9.6 Prepare flood and drought management Flood and drought None 200 25 50 125 6.5 100 DMC MoE
programmes at the local level according to the management programmes
Flood Risk Management Act and the National developed
Drought Management Plan
202 203
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agency
Strategy 10: Assure water security of the nation.

10.1 Establish a comprehensive surface water Database developed None 100% Compile the existing data Identify gaps 6.5 10 MoIrri LUPPD, DAD, MASL
resources database and develop the database and take action
to fill them
10.2 Prepare a water resources master plan for Water Resources Master plan 20% 100% Develop the master Update the Continue to 6.5 10 MoIrri ID, MoE
the country with the participation of relevant developed plan based on existing master plan by update the plan
agencies, while taking the environmental concerns information taking climate
into account change, land
use etc
10.3 Prepare an investment plan for the Investment plan developed 20% 100% Investment plan and Continue Continue 6.5 100 MoIrri
implementation of the master plan and ensure and funds identified for funding available
follow-up action implementation of master plan
10.4 Integrate a System of Environmental Economic Improved procedure of SEEA of 5% 100% Commence applied Continue Continue 6.5 10 MoE MoF
Accounting (SEEA) of water into the System of water into SNA established research in improving SEEA
National Accounting (SNA) in Sri Lanka
10.5 Construct new water storage/diversion No. of new reservoirs 4 15 2 3 10 6.5 185,000.0 ID MASL
infrastructures constructed
10.6 Rehabilitate village tanks along with ecosystem- No. of new minor tanks 0 10,000 2000 3000 5000 6.5 10,000 DAD PID, ID
based cascade improvement programmes rehabilitated
10.7 Rehabilitate and improve the management of No. of new reservoirs, and 0 150 25 50 75 6.5 15,000 ID MASL
the existing major and medium reservoirs/ anicut anicuts rehabilitated
schemes along with canal network
10.8 Provide infrastructure facilities to supply water to No. of new trans basin 0 10 2 3 5 6.5 138,000 ID MASL
water deficit areas through trans-basin diversion diversions completed
Strategy 11: Implement IWRM at all levels.

11.1 Use the river basin as a planning unit for water No. of water resource plans None 50% Use river basin/cluster of Continue Continue 6.5 50 ID MASL, MoWS,
Theme 7
resources management developed for river basins river basins for planning MoE, CEA
11.2 Incorporate basic principles of IWRM in allocating Water allocation for various None 60% Establish priorities and Allocate water Continue and 6.5 10 MoIrri MASL, MoWS, CEA,
water to all users, so that ecosystems (fauna and water use sectors available guidelines for water according monitor water MoE
flora) and disadvantaged/marginal groups are also allocation to identified allocation
considered guidelines
11.3 Adopt a participatory approach, wherever Mechanism for the 10% 75% Improve the mechanism to Continue Continue 6.5 25 ID MASL, DAD, PID
possible, for planning, construction, maintaining participation of stakeholders get stakeholders involved
MoWS, MoE, CEA
and monitoring established
Strategy 12: Introduce new policy and institutions for improved water resources
planning and management.
12.1 Introduce a new water resources management New Water Resources None New Policy is New policy is gazetted 6.5 10 MoIrri NWSDB, WRB, CEA,
policy for Sri Lanka Management policy available available MASL, DAD, MoE
12.2 Establish the governance mechanism so that New Governance Mechanism None New Governance Approve Water Act. Initiate Proposed 6.5 100 MoIrri NWSDB, WRB, CEA,
water resources can be allocated rationally among for water resources Mechanism interim institutions on governance MASL, DAD, MoE
different sectors, regulated and managed management established established place mechanism is
fully functional
204 205
(KPIs) SDG Budget
Target/s (LKR M)
1-2 2–5 5–10 Agency
12.3 Prepare strategic plans based on the thrust areas No. of new strategic plans None 18 Commence preparation of Plans for 6.5 10 MoIrri NWSDB, WRB, CEA,
with the participation of relevant line agencies for developed plans thrust areas MASL, DAD, MoE
implementation completed
12.4 Strengthen water sector institutions to implement Programmes identified and N/A 10 Identify areas to be Carry out Continue 6.5 50 MoIrri NWSDB, WRB, CEA,
the strategic plans implemented for institutional strengthened programmes programmes MASL, DAD, MoE
strengthening to strengthen
institutions
Strategy 13: Promote awareness, capacity building and community mobilization.

13.1 Embark on a campaign to educate people of the No. of new awareness 0 250 50 75 125 6.6b 10 MoE CEA, SMoPC&
importance of keeping rivers, lakes and reservoir/ programmes conducted
LG, MASL
tanks free from contamination and pollution
with the participation of local police and the
communities of the respective areas
13.2 Undertake capacity building of communities to No. of new training 0 4500 500 1500 2500 6.6b 45 NWSDB DCWS
manage community water supply schemes and programmes conducted for
sanitation CBOs
13.3 Continue and improve training programmes for No. of new training 0 200 40 60 100 6.6b 15 ID MASL,
water users’ associations (WUA) of irrigation programmes conducted for
DAD, IMD
systems WUAs
Undertake island wide education campaign to No. of new activities conducted 0 200 40 60 100 6.6b 50 CEA NWSDB
make people aware of the current issues facing for the public
the water sector and the importance of protecting
it for the present, as well as for future generations
Strategy 14: Strengthen water related research.

14.1 Compile and disseminate already conducted Compendium of the summary N/A Compilation Compiled and disseminate 6.5 10 NSF MoIrri, Uni, WRB,
research in the water sector, as a prerequire for of water research conducted of research findings NWSDB, CEA
Theme 7
need assessment conducted
14.2 Identify priority areas for research related to Priority areas for water 20% 100% Need assessment 6.5 10 NSF MoIrri, Uni, WRB,
water sector research is identified completed NWSDB, CEA
14.3 Establish a mechanism to coordinate water sector Coordinating mechanism None 100% Initiate discussion Mechanism in 6.5 20 NSF MoIrri, Uni
research institutions available place
14.4 Increase funds allocated for water sector research Amount allocated 20 mil LKR 1000 M LKR 200 M LKR 300 M LKR 500 M 6.5 1,000 NSF NRC, Uni, NWSDB,
MoI, WRB, CEA
14.5 Provide facilities for research, especially by the No. of internships/research 10 200 30 60 100 6.5 50 NWSDB ID, MASL, WRB, Uni
water sector institutions fellowships provided
14.6 Disseminate important research findings for No. of new conferences/ 0 50 10 15 25 6.5 10 Univ NSF, NWSDB, ID,
application MASL, WRB, CEA
workshops held
Baseline1 = Indicate the present status; 0 implies no activity is in place

Target2 = Indicate the target to be achieved; 100% indicate that expected target is fully achieved
N/A = Not available
206 207
Theme 8
Environment Management in Cities
and Human Settlements
Urbanization has become a rapidly growing force, as an increasing number of
people have begun to move to towns and cities.Cities provide opportunities,
economies of scale and a future with more choices (Cities Alliance, 2017). In
2018, about 55% of the world’s population lived in cities, but this percentage
is projected to reach 68% by 2050. Cities occupy just 3% of the Earth’s land but
account for 78% of the world’s primary energy consumption and create more
than 70% of carbon emissions.
208 209
2.8.1 Overview
Historically, economic development of human societies and countries has been characterized by human
settlements and urbanization. A human settlement can be viewed as an organized grouping of human
habitation, which can involve many people in cities/urban areas or just a few in rural areas. Urbanization has
become a rapidly growing force, as an increasing number of people have begun to move to towns and cities.
Cities provide opportunities, economies of scale and a future with more choices (Cities Alliance, 2017). In
2018, about 55% of the world’s population lived in cities, but this percentage is projected to reach 68% by
2050. Cities occupy just 3% of the Earth’s land but account for 78% of the world’s primary energy consumption
and create more than 70% of carbon emissions. They generate about 80% of the global GDP. The number of
mega-cities56 has increased from ten in 1990, to 34 in 2020. In the future, it is predicted that nine out of ten
mega-cities will be in the developing world. About 96% of urban growth will occur in the less developed
regions of East Asia, South Asia and Africa (UN Habitat, 2020).
There are numerous challenges and threats as a consequence of urbanization and poor urban planning. A
major challenge is the growth of slums, which frequently form because of rapid urbanization, as well as a lack
of affordable housing and are more vulnerable to natural disasters and crime. Another challenge is the high
rate of discrimination and segregation, as the urban poor are usually left out of the decision-making process,
despite their high stakes in urban planning and policy-making. In addition, activities in urban areas can affect
the local, regional and global environments, as cities need inputs of large quantities of resources in order
to provide their populations with the myriad of demanded services. In particular, growing cities and human
settlements (C&HSs) have adverse impacts on surrounding ecosystems - such as wetlands, forests, mountains
- and also overexploit resources from these ecosystems. Local environmental concerns include inefficient
water management and sanitation, air quality degradation, solid waste and health impacts (UNEP, 2020).
Another issue is the urban heat-island effect, where structures such as roads, buildings and other man-made
infrastructure absorb and re-emit more solar heat compared to natural landscapes, resulting higher ambient
temperature in urban areas, and the need for more cooling, resulting in economic and environment issues.
Other concerns associated with C&HSs include, among others, visual and light pollution, noise and vibration,
and health, safety and security.
Meanwhile, as today’s cities are part of the global environment, their policies, development activities and
people have impacts far beyond city borders, for example, implications for environmental conditions elsewhere
in the world (Cities Alliance, 2017). Towns and cities rely on a wide range of resources (including water,
energy, food, and raw materials for manufacturing) from outside their geographical boundaries, demands of
which can have significant environmental effects on distant locations. Urban areas also use large amounts of
energy and contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change. In turn,
climate change has adversely affected C&HSs, leading to the need of significant attention on topics such as
climate-resilience and disaster risk management.
Because of these issues, several important international programmes and conventions have been implemented
Theme 8
in the last two decades. In the wake of the United Nations (UN) Conference on Environment and Development
(the 1992 Rio Earth Summit), many international programmes were initiated to help cities to incorporate
environmental issues into their planning processes. For example, the need for the development of sustainable
human settlements was discussed at the 2nd and 3rd sessions of the Commission on Sustainable Development,
which is the subject of Chapter 7 of Agenda 21, that calls eight priority interventions. The New Urban Agenda,
adopted at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) in 2016, sets
the pathway for Sustainable C&HSs and is targeted at key stakeholders involved in urban governance and
planning. Other international programmes initiated include the Sustainable Cities Programme (UNEP and
UN-Habitat), Localizing Agenda 21 (UN-Habitat), as well as several bilaterally funded programmes. As well
56 a very large city, typically one with a population of over ten million people.
210 211
as these international programmes, there have been many cities and city networks that have also developed 2.8.2 Current Status
innovative environmental and planning programmes, for example, Green City Accord of European cities
The total population in the country was 21.8 million in 2019, with an average population density of 348
(UNEP, 2020). The importance given to this topic in global development efforts is signified by the inclusion
persons/km2. The population distribution by sector is 18.2% in urban, 77.4% in rural and 4.4% in estate areas,
of a stand-alone goal on cities and urban development in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
respectively (CBSL, 2020). Urban residents live in 64 municipal areas in nine provinces. The relatively low
the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 – ‘Sustainable Cities & Communities: Make cities and human
proportion of urban population shows that Sri Lanka as among least urbanized country with a rank of 11 among
settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’. C&HSs also have an impact on several other SDGs,
195 countries and 38 dependencies (UNDESA, 2018). However, the country’s socio-economic indicators signify
including SDG 1, SDG 6, SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 15, and SDG 17, among others, thus indicating the
a much higher level of urbanization. In fact, for the above figures, the term ‘urban’, is defined as those who
complexity of managing their environmental issues, while addressing other aspects of sustainability.
live in the areas under the jurisdictions of Municipal Councils and Urban Councils. Yet, there is a mismatch
between the figures and the ground realities, as more areas than those under Municipal or Urban councils are
Sustainable Energy: Spatial Planning land already urban in their functions and outlook. The National Physical Planning Policy & The Plan: 2017 - 2050
Policies, Regulations,
energy efficiency /
Strategies
compactness: mixed indicates, in a broader definition, that 50% of the population is urbanized. If the agglomeration index - an
Renewable energy use, social use
alternative measure of urbanization that employs multiple indicators - is used, the urban population in the
country is between 35 - 45% (Government of Sri Lanka, 2018b).
Green transport: transport oriented
development In fact, urbanization in Sri Lanka is unique compared to many other countries and different from the
conventional understanding of the process of urbanization. Instead of populations moving into urban areas,
Green urban facilities are fast reaching out into populations and urban lifestyles and aspirations are fast embraced
infrastructure Green vertical farms /
Greening urban forestry / by the people, even though they live away from designated urban areas. However, the social, economic
Urban agriculture and environment impacts of urbanization are clearly evident, particularly with rapid spatial growth over
Green
Public, Private
technologies,
Plans, Programmes, past decade, emphasising Sri Lanka’s urban paradox (NPPD, 2019). Sri Lanka fits into an emerging pattern
& CSOs Projects of global urbanization, which is characterized by rapid growth in the cities of developing countries. Some
Smart ICT
Green Buildings of the common indicators are growth of private vehicles, traffic congestion, air quality degradation, and
accumulation of municipal solid waste. However, human settlements even in rural areas have evidenced a
Greening of public
services, drinking water variety of critical environment-related issues, for example, indoor air pollution because of biomass cooking in
& sanitation Holistic Waste the estate sector and human-elephant conflict in rural farming areas.
Management
Environmental
Quality/Water The importance given by policymakers for the C&HSs is evident in many related national level policies,
Security strategies and plans. An important guide to sustainable cities in Sri Lanka is provided by the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development and SDGs, particularly SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities & Communities. The country’s
Institutions, Green Growth and standing in relation to the SDG 11 is given in Sri Lanka Voluntary National Review on the Status of Implementing
Greenery SDGs (Ministry of Sustainable Development, Wildlife and Regional Development, 2018). Shown below are a
Governance Equity
few highlights of this review:
• Nearly 80% of the population is expected to be more than 60% urbanized by 2030;
Legend : Entry points Enablers / Facilitator Thematic • Public investment programme for SDG 11 is 63% aligned;
Figure 2.8.1. Framework for environment management in C&HSs • Unplanned urban development has caused an array of issues/challenges, mainly related to housing,
transport and environmental management; and
The complex nature of the urbanization demands a holistic framework approach as a solution methodology,
enabling city planners to rethink the delivery of urban infrastructure and ensure that it is greener, smarter, • Disaster management and climate change impacts must be mainstreamed into urban planning policy.
Theme 8
resilient, more equitable and efficient. In fact, the New Urban Agenda lays out standards and principles for the
In addition, a comprehensive study on urbanization in Sri Lanka has been conducted by the Ministry of
planning, construction, development, management and improvement of urban areas in its five main pillars of
Provincial Councils and Local Governments, with the support of UN-Habitat, covering major cities (one each
implementation. These are 1) national urban policies; 2) urban legislation and regulations; 3) urban planning
in nine provinces) (NPPD, 2019). The performance of each city is presented through two main indices, namely
and design; 4) local economy and municipal finance; and 5) local implementation (UN Habitat, 2020b). Some
City Governance Index (CGI) and City Performance Index (CPI), in addition to several other parameters. The
common concepts, themes and elements from these pillars that could be used in developing strategies and
results indicate the challenges for cities in contributing to achieving SDGs. The study recommends a roadmap
actions for sustainable environment management of C&HSs, are presented in Figure 3.8.1.
for Sri Lankan cities, proposing five principles (competitive, inclusive, resilient, safe and sustainable) and five
Fundamentally, this framework accepts the holistic interconnectedness among different components; related integrated policy and programmatic responses (redefining urban areas; sustainable development of
includes a set of entry points; enablers/facilitators and a series of thematic areas such as clean energy, cities; urban research and information systems; urban governance reforms and city connectedness).
sustainable transport, air quality smart digital technology, efficient technologies, green buildings/
Another important aspect is the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement of
infrastructure; along with a circular economy approach to management of water, waste and materials (UN
2015. The country’s NDCs identify C&HSs as a key area for interventions, under the section of adaptation.
Habitat, 2020).
Further, the NDCs in other adaptation sectors, as well as those in the mitigation sectors - such as energy,
transport and waste - have strong connectivity to the C&HSs. The ongoing updates of NDCs in Sri Lanka
212 213
relevant to C&HSs are: development of the physical environment. It presents the Urban Development Strategy covering following
key objectives:
• Enhance the resilience of human settlements and infrastructure through mainstreaming climate change
adaptation into national, regional and local level physical planning; • Attractive and Liveable Conditions;
• Incorporate disaster risk reduction (DRR) mechanisms into urban, city and human settlement planning/ • Safe and Secured Localities;
implementation in areas of high vulnerability to climate change risks;
• Smart and Convenient Facilities; and
• Establish climate resilient built environment; and
• Green and Sustainable Environments.
• Minimize the impact of slow onset events/sea level rise on coastal settlements and infrastructure.
Therefore, the NDCs should be considered in identifying strategies and activities for the environment
management in C&HSs. The action plan of the Thematic Area 8: Environment Management in C&HSs is formulated with a set of
guiding principles, in line with those of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs, and drawing
on several frameworks and methodologies developed in other countries and regions in localizing the global
2.8.3 Policy and Legal Framework
agendas to circumstances in C&HSs. Further, the policies, strategies and national development priorities, and
There is no separate policy on urbanization/cities in Sri Lanka but the topic is covered by key sections in the policy principles and strategic directions given in the National Environment Policy (draft) have considered
many national policies in related areas. The National Policy Framework – Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour in developing the action plan.
emphasises urban development under ‘Chapter 7: New Approach in National Spatial System’. In this
section, several policy elements are proposed in an integrated physical spatial system to address disparities Further, the policy objectives and key thematic areas of the National Physical Planning Policy and the Plan
in urbanization, including integration of urban centres, transport hubs, an efficient and environmentally 2017- 2050, the principles and integrated policy responses proposed in the study on State of Sri Lankan Cities
sound transport network, affordable energy, clean water, and disaster management. Further, in ‘Chapter 8: 2018 by UN-Habitat and several other frameworks, methodologies and criteria/indicators developed globally
Sustainable Environmental Policy’, one sub-sector on Settlements and Cities highlights a policy on ‘Green, have been considered to derive the strategies for environment management in C&HSs.
Smart, Resilient cities and settlements’. The draft National Policy and Strategy on Sustainable Development for
a Sustainably Developed Sri Lanka, as the global agenda, comprehensively covers C&HSs under SDG 11, and is 2.8.5 Strategies for Management
also interconnected with several other SDGs and targets. There are nine policy targets and 15 indicators under
SDG 11. The other policies that have reference to C&HSs include the draft National Transport Policy, National Shown below are the nine main strategies of the Thematic Area 8: Environment Management in C&HSs.
Policy on Waste Management, National Climate Change Policy, National Policy on Sustainable Consumption Strategy 1. Ensure spatial sustainability through integrated planning and rational zoning, with optimum
and Production, and National Policy for Disaster Management. The draft National Environment Policy, which land compactness, mixed-use and social-use.
has just been updated, includes a set of policy statements under Built Environment & Green Development,
Strategy 2. Secure urban governance and resilience.
while the policy statements in Pollution Control & Waste Management and Land & Water Resources cover a
few key aspects of environment management in C&HSs. Strategy 3. Develop sustainable energy by enhancing energy efficiency, harnessing renewable energy
and fostering rational use of energy.
The legal and institutional framework for development of C&HSs, and their environment management too
Strategy 4. Establish energy efficient and environmentally sustainable transport systems.
are provided by several legislations (and their subsequent amendments), including the Town and Country
Planning Ordinance, No. 13 of 1946; Urban Development Authority Law No. 37 of 1978; Urban Development Strategy 5. Promote and facilitate green and high-performance building and infrastructure, as well as
Projects (Special Provisions) Act, No. 2 of 1980; Urban Settlement Development Authority Act No. 36 of 2008; smart ICT.
Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation Act, No. 15 of 1961; National Environmental Act Strategy 6. Foster urban biodiversity and ecosystem services.
No. 47 of 1980; Disaster Management Act No.13 of 2005; Coast Conservation Act, No. 57 of 1981; National
Water Supply and Drainage Board Law, No. 2 of 1974; Water Resources Board Act, No. 29 of 1964 and the Strategy 7. Promote circularity and sustainability for green growth.
Sustainable Development Act No.19 of 2017. Strategy 8. Further social mobilization to ensure inclusion, empowerment and equity.
Theme 8
As the subject topics related to the urban sector are vast, there are several ministries and agencies (national, Strategy 9. Enhance global participation and collaboration for liveable cities and human settlements.
provincial and local) who are responsible for the development of policies, regulations, action plans and
implementation therein. Some ministries relevant to urban development are under the following topics:
urban development; housing; coast conservation, waste disposal, community cleanliness; environment;
health; education; power; energy; transport; water supply, lands; highways; road; vehicle regulation; and
bus transport services. The implementation aspects of these subject areas are carried out through agencies
in these ministries. Each of these ministries (and agencies) have action plans related to C&HSs, aligned with
their subject policies and other overarching policies related to national development. For example, the
National Physical Planning Policy and the Plan 2017- 2050 of the NPPD provides all development agencies
in Sri Lanka with a broad national level guiding framework for the planning and execution of development
activities, which will directly impact upon the physical environment of the country and its territorial waters.
It also provides for the establishment facilities, amenities and service-related infrastructure incidental to the
214 215
2.8.6 Action Plan for Environmental Management in Cities and Human Settlements
Actions Key Performance Indicators Baseline Targets Time Frame Relevant Indicative Budget Implementation Responsibility
(KPIs) (in years) SDG (LKR M)
Target/s
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agency
Strategy 1: Ensure spatial sustainability through integrated planning and rational zoning,
with optimum land compactness, mixed-use and social-use.
1.1 Appoint, empower and operationalize a Sector Expert SEC meetings conducted/yr - 3    11.3 1.4 MoUDH MoE
Committee (SEC), together with technical expert committees
(TECs), for specific sectors/areas, for assisting with science/
fact-based decision-making, strategic planning and monitoring
of environment management in C&HSs
1.2 Establish rational methodology to demarcate ‘urban/peri- No. of TEC meetings held/yr - 2   
urban/rural sectors in Sri Lanka and update the information Total no. of updates performed - 3 - 1 in 3 yr 2 in 5 yr 11.3; MoUDH, UDA,
continually Revised framework for demarcation - Endorsed 15.5 DCS
11.a USDA, CEA
(with specific parameters and framework for
thresholds) demarcation
1.3 Appraise environment management aspects of present Appraisals conducted - Appraisal report 11.a 0.8 NPPD MoUDH, UDA,
regulations, standards, guidelines and procedures for land use endorsed USDA, CEA
planning/zoning for the development of C&HSs and identify
gaps therein
1.4 Establish new procedures and guidelines for integrated Development of integrated planning - Integrated 11.a 2.4 NPPD MoUDH, UDA,
planning and rational zoning with optimum mixed- and social- procedures planning USDA, CEA
use, for both new and rehabilitation/alteration to existing procedures
C&HSs for better management of the environment endorsed
1.5 Promote and facilitate the new integrated land use planning No. of updates of Spatial - 4 1 1 2
procedure/guidelines at all levels of governance and use a Sustainability Index performed MoUDH, UDA,
11.3 17.5 NPPD
performance index for ‘Spatial Sustainability’ for tracking the No. of training programmes - 4    USDA, CEA
progression and performance conducted/yr
1.6 Establish and maintain an information platform/ repository to No. of updates performed/yr - 4    11.3 5 MoE NPD, SMoUD,
record the relevant environment management programmes MoPP&L
and projects implemented in the country, with the supervision
of SEC (link to Activity 9.5)
Strategy 2: Secure urban governance and resilience.
Theme 8
2.1 As appropriate, facilitate good urban governance through the TEC meetings conducted/yr - 4    11.3 1.4 MoUDH NPD, SMoUD, UDA,
introduction of policy reforms for inclusive, implementable MoE
and participatory features, to mainstream sustainable
development of C&HSs
2.2 Develop, regularize and operationalize programmes to ensure No. of training programmes - 4   
urban governance as defined by Urban Governance Index conducted/yr NPD, SMoUD, UDA,
11.3; 11. a 20 MoUDH
(UDI) Data collection survey for UDI carried - 1    MoE
out/yr
2.3 Facilitate urban resilience by addressing health and well-being No. of training programmes - 4   
MoUDH, NPD,
of individuals, Urban Systems and Services; Economy and conducted/yr
11.3: 11.b 25 DMC SMoUD, UDA. MoE,
Society; and Leadership and Strategy, as defined by the Urban Data collection survey for URI carried - 1
MoH, NBRO
Resilience Index (URI) out/yr
216 217
Target/s
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agency
2.4 Promote and facilitate measures to mitigate disaster and National DRR DRR strategies 
hazard risks (both natural and man-made) at national and local strategies implemented
DRR strategies
government levels to prevent the creation of new risks, reduce developed
existing risks and increase resilience MoUDH; NPD,
Local DRR strategies - Local DRR 
11.3: 11.b 80 DMC SMoUD, UDA. MoE,
strategies
MoH, NBRO
endorsed
No. of training packages - 4   
implemented/yr
2.5 Promote urban governance and resilience through No. of awareness and capacity - 4    11.3 39.2 MoPP&L NPPD, NPD,
comprehensive awareness and capacity building programmes building programmes conducted/yr MoUDH, UDA, DMC
to effectuate social mobilization (see Strategy 8)
Strategy 3. Develop sustainable energy by enhancing energy efficiency, harnessing

renewable energy and fostering rational use of energy.
3.1 Encourage rational use of energy among all the sections of the No. of national level communication - 1    7.1; 7.3; 150 SLSEA MoEd, MoE, Uni
community through development and implementation of a strategies and media campaigns 12.8
communication strategy and education plan conducted/yr
3.2 Extend the energy efficiency (EE) labelling scheme for all the Total no. of EE labels introduced 1 10 5 10 10 690
main appliances and equipment (cumulative) (cumulative) (implementation)
7.3 + SLSEA SLSI, CEB
94,000.
% reduction of energy consumption 0% 15% 3.0% 6.5% 15% (investment)
3.3 Enable energy management in institutions and other entities, Total no. of energy managers / energy 200 1,000 360 500 1,000
through an Energy Manager/Energy Auditor Programme, officers appointed (cumulative) (cumulative)
including energy benchmarking in priority energy end-use 7.3 137.5 SLSEA SLEMA, NCPC, CEB
sectors
No. of sectors having energy 2 10 4 6 10
benchmarking
3.4 Promote ISO50001 – Energy Management System No. of establishments awarded with 15 150 40 80 150 7.3 18 SLSI SLSEA, CEB
the ISO certification (cumulative) (cumulative)
3.5 Promote and facilitate establishment of solar photovoltaic (PV) No. of awareness programmes - 8   
Theme 8
systems (rooftop and ground installations) in C&HSs, with and conducted/yr
without battery storage (covering both grid connected and off- No. of training programmes - 2   
grid) conducted/yr 120 (programme
No. of media campaigns conducted/ - 1    cost)
MoP, SMoSWHPD,
yr 7.2 + SLSEA
CEB
No. of Solar PV systems installed on 26,800 75,000 36,500 51,000 75,000 192,500 (private
rooftops investments)
Total power added in MW 190 550 270 375 550
Total power added in MW in ground - 550 220 550 550
mounted plants
218 219
Target/s
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agency
3.6 Foster the use of solar energy for thermal applications in No. of awareness programmes - 4   
households, and commercial establishments conducted yr SMoSWHPD, MoInd,
7.2 18 SLSEA
No. of media campaigns conducted/ - 1    NERD
yr
3.7 Encourage the use of passive techniques and designs for No. of awareness programmes - 4   
energy services such as natural lighting, ventilation, cooling, conducted/yr SMoSWHPD, MoInd,
7.2; 7.3; 7.b 18 SLSEA
heating in built environment No. of media campaigns conducted/ - 1    NERD
yr
3.8 Encourage the use of other renewable sources and No. of awareness programmes - 4   
technologies, such as biogas, biomass, wind, and geothermal conducted/yr
for energy applications in C&HSs (at domestic, commercial and SMoSWHPD, MoInd,
7.3 26 SLSEA
local authority levels) NERD
No. of media campaigns conducted/ - 1   
yr
Strategy 4: Establish energy efficient and environmentally sustainable transport systems.

4.1 Promote the improvement of system efficiency in transport No. of media campaigns conducted/ - 1    9.1; 50 MoT SLSEA, NTC
systems in C&HSs through concepts of ‘avoid/reduce’ (link, and yr
11.2
further, to Theme 1 – Activity 2.1)
4.2 Encourage the improvement of trip efficiency in the transport No. of national level media - 1    3.6; 50 MoT SLSEA, NTC, SLR,
sector through campaigning for a shift to more efficient and/ campaigns conducted/yr SLTB, UDA
9.1;
or environmentally friendly transport modes – including public
transport systems, cycling and walking (link, and further, to 11.2
Theme 1 – Activity 2.2)
4.3 Facilitate the improvement of vehicle efficiency in the No. of national level media - 1    11.2 50 MoT SLSEA, NTC, DMT,
transport sector through supporting the use of more efficient campaigns conducted/yr MoE, CEB
technologies for travel, including electric vehicles (EVs),
hybrids, efficient internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs)
and other emerging technologies such as hydrogen fuel cell
4.4 Implement fuel economy standards for both light-duty vehicle Total no. of fuel economy labels - 6 2 6 6
MoT, SLSEA, PUCSL,
and heavy-duty vehicle categories (link, and further, to Theme introduced
11.2 33 SLSI SLAB, Uni/technical
Theme 8
1 – Activity 6.4) Total no. of TEC meetings conducted - 60 20 in 2 40 in 3 yr -
colleges
(10 per Label) yr
4.5 Provide guidance to improve the operational performance No. of training programmes - 4   
of vehicles through traffic management, road infrastructure, conducted/yr SLSEA, DMT, RDA,
11.2 54 MoT
vehicle maintenance, and driver skills/habits (link, and further, No. of national level media - 1    MoE, SLP, Uni
to Theme 1 – Activities 2.3, 2.6, and 2.7) campaigns conducted/yr
220 221
Target/s
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agency
Strategy 5: Promote and facilitate green and high-performance building and

infrastructure, as well as smart ICT.
5.1 Regularize and enforce the Energy Efficient Buildings Code Enforcement of EEBC - Updated EEBC 7.3; No additional SLSEA UDA, LAs, NHDA
(EEBC) 2020 of Sri Lanka 11.c cost
5.2 Popularize the ‘Guideline for Sustainable Energy Residences’ in No. of awareness programmes - 4   
Sri Lanka and develop regulations for enforcement conducted/yr
7.3;
8 SLSEA UDA, LAs, NHDA
SDG11.c
yr
5.3 Disseminate the ‘Green Building Guide for Sri Lanka’ in both No. of awareness programmes - 4   
government and private sectors conducted/yr
7.3; 11.c; SLSEA, UDA, NHDA,
12 MoE
11.6 USDA
yr
5.4 Formulate and introduce energy efficiency rating scheme Development of EERS - Approved EERS
(EERS) for commercial and residential building in Sri Lanka
No. of awareness programmes - 8 -  - UDA, LAs, NHDA,
7.3; 11.c 10 SLSEA
conducted USDA
No. of training programmes - 8 -  -
conducted
5.5 Promote and facilitate information and communications No. of promotional programmes - 1   
technology (ICT) as an energy efficiency solution driver for conducted/yr
smart cities and built environment LECO, SLSEA, ICTA,
7.3; 11.c 125 USDA
UDA, CEB
Total no. of pilot projects - 5 1 3 5
implemented (cumulative) (cumulative)
5.6 Promote green building concepts and technologies, Total no. of promotional programmes - 1   
particularly in condominiums, apartments, vertical housings, conducted/yr
housing schemes, urban housing and re-housing MoE, UDA, MoUDH,
7.3; 11.c 25 USDA
NHDA
Total no. of pilot projects - 1 - -
Theme 8

implemented
222 223
Target/s
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agency
5.7 Promote and facilitate high-performance building concepts Total no. of promotional programmes - 1   
UDA, CEB, ICTA,
that integrate and optimize all performance attributes on a conducted
7.3; 11.c 25 SLSEA MoUDH, USDA,
life cycle basis, including consideration for related codes and Total no. of pilot projects - 1 - - 
NHDA
guidelines implemented
5.8 Provide guidance to establish green infrastructure concepts No. of promotional programmes - 4   
such as rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, planter boxes, conducted/yr
bioswales, permeable pavements, green streets and alleys, USDA, MoUDH
7.3; 11. 25 UDA
green parking, green roofs, urban tree canopies, and green SLSEA
spaces No. of green infrastructure concepts - 10 2 5 10
promoted (cumulative) (cumulative)
Strategy 6: Foster urban biodiversity and ecosystem services.

6.1 Assess the biodiversity in prioritized zones within C&HSs to No. of TEC meetings conducted - 6  - -
establish maps and profiles, including wetland areas and
environmentally sensitive ecosystems (link to Theme 2,
Activities 1.1 to 1.10) SEC, CEA, MoUDH,
No. of stakeholder consultation - 6  - - 15.1 to 15.5 10.1 MoE
UDA, LAs, Uni,
meetings conducted
No. of field visits conducted/province - 4  - -
No. of provinces covered - 9  - -
6.2 Propose conducive policy and regulatory revisions for Total no. of TEC meetings conducted - 6  - - 15.1 to 15.5 1.2 MoE SEC, CEA, MoUDH,
protection of urban biodiversity and ecosystems (link to Theme UDA, LAs, Uni
2, Activities 15.1 to 15.3)
6.3 Facilitate addressing the causes of biodiversity loss through Stakeholder consultation meetings - 10    15.1 to 15.5 15 SMoWFRD MoE, CEA, MoUDH,
mainstreaming biodiversity restoration, conservation and conducted/yr UDA, SLLDC, PCs.
enhancements with the engagement of all the stakeholders LAs, DoA, USDA,
(link to Theme 2, Activities 3.1 and 3.2) DoF, DAD, DWC
6.4 Encourage the enhancement urban biodiversity through the No. of awareness and promotional - 4    15.1 to 15.5 15 UDA MoE, CEA, MoUDH,
introduction of the green concepts such as urban forestry, programmes conducted/yr SLLDC, PCs, LAs,
green vertical gardens, living roofs, particularly within smart USDA, DoA, DoF,
cities and built environments (link to Theme 2, Activity 5.2 and DAD
Theme 3, Activity 1.7)
6.5 Promote concepts such as urban/smart agriculture, vertical No. of awareness and promotional - 4 15.1 to 15.5 15 UDA MoE, CEA, MoUDH,
Theme 8
  
farming, organic farming, own composting and home programmes conducted/yr SLLDC, PCs, LAs,
gardening to improve food security (link to circular economy) USDA, DoA, DoF,
DAD
6.6 Provide guidance to deliver benefits from biodiversity No. of TEC meetings conducted - 6  - -
and ecosystem services (BES), including the introduction
of Payments for environmental services (PES) and other CEA, MoUDH,
economic benefits to the society (link to Theme 2, Activities SLLDC, PCs, LAs,
15.1 to 15.5 50.4 MoE
9.1 to 9.3) USDA, DoA, DoF,
No. of stakeholder consultation - 4  - -
DAD
meetings conducted
Fund allocated for BES/yr (M LKR) - 5   
224 225
Target/s
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agency
Strategy 7: Promote circularity and sustainability for green growth.

7.1 Support the establishment of knowledge ecosystem with Development of IMS - Operational IMS
11.6; 12.8;
effective date/information management systems (IMS) and 5 MoE CEA, MoUDH, Uni
17.8
communication of best practices and knowledge products No. of communications performed/yr - 1   
7.2 Foster innovation and research ecosystem for circularity and Development of a research road map - Adopted
sustainability, through the operationalization of a strategic roadmap
11.6; 17.16 10 MoE CEA, MoUDH, Uni
research agenda and effective multi-stakeholder partnerships No. of awareness campaigns - 1   
and sustainable financing conducted/yr
7.3. Promote holistic waste management (HWM) within C&HSs, Development of HWM plan - Adopted plan
closing the loop (circularity), with special emphasis on ensuring
that local governance effects waste management, including
the sustainable disposal of residues in waste treatment 3.9; 6.2; MoE, SMoUD, CEA,
facilities (link with Theme 6, Activities 1.1, 1.2 and 1.7) 100 MoPP&L
No. of education-training campaigns - 4    12.3 to 12.5 WMAWP, NSWMSC
conducted/yr
No. of awareness campaigns - 2   
conducted/yr
7.4 Provide guidance to establish a resource exchange platform No. of consultative meetings - 4   
to operationalize the concept of industrial symbiosis in conducted/yr MoInd, SMoUD,
3.9; 6.2;
mainstreaming circular economy within C&HSs 5 MoE CEA, WMAWP,
12.3 to 12.5
Development of an operational - Completed NSWMSC
guideline guideline
7.5 Facilitate the mitigation of air pollution issues in C&HSs to No. of education campaigns - 4   
improve and maintain the indoor and outdoor air quality conducted/yr
at safe levels, through awareness, education, capacity MoE, MoUDH, MoH,
11.6 45 CEA
development and regulatory interventions (link to several NBRO, ITI
No. of awareness campaigns - 6   
activities in Theme 1)
conducted/yr
7.6 Promote integrated water resource management (IWRM) No. of TEC meetings held/yr - 4   
concepts in C&HSs, with particular emphasis on efficient water No. of awareness campaigns - 4   
management and sanitation, groundwater recharging and 3.9; 6.1; 6.3 WRB, MoE, MoUDH,
conducted/yr 31.8 NWSDB
prevention from pollution to ensure water security (link to to 6.6; 11.1 SMoUD
Theme 8
Theme 3, Activity 1.6 and several activities in Theme 7) conducted/yr
7.7 Promote and facilitate the introduction of efficient No. of TEC meetings held/yr - 3   
management schemes for liquid waste, sewage, and night soil No. of awareness campaigns - 3   
in C&HSs (link to Theme 6, Activity 3.6) WRB, MoE, CEA,
conducted/yr 6.3; 6.a 4.9 NWSDB
MoInd, BoI
conducted/yr
7.8 Provide guidance to control land/soil pollution in C&HSs No. of TEC meetings conducted/yr - 4   
through awareness, education, capacity development and No. of awareness campaigns - 4   
regulatory interventions (link to several activities in Theme 5) conducted/yr 3.9; 12.4 27.8 MoE CEA, SLLDC, UDA
conducted/yr
226 227
Target/s
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agency
7.9 Facilitate the mitigation of other environmental pollution in No. of TEC meetings held/yr - 2   
C&HSs – such as noise and vibration, heat, visual, and light No. of awareness campaigns - 4    CEA, MoUDH, MoH,
–through awareness, education, capacity development and conducted/yr 11.6; 11.c 15.4 MoE UDA, NBRO, ITI, PCs,
regulatory interventions, to further the quality of life (link to No. of training programmes - 4    LAs
Theme 9, Activity 2.8) conducted/yr
7.10 Develop guidelines to promote modular and flexible No. of TEC meetings held/yr - 4   
designs within C&HSs for enhanced resource efficiency and No. of awareness campaigns - 2    MoE, MoUDH,
construction efficacy/ electiveness conducted/yr 11.1; 11.7 23.8 UDA USDA, Uni, NBRO,
No. of training programmes - 8    DMC, NERD
conducted/yr
7.11 Introduce and maintain minimum quality standards for No. of TEC meetings held/yr - 4   
environment, health, safety and security conditions to No. of awareness campaigns - 2   
ensure liveable C&HSs, with particular emphasis on built MoE, MoUDH,
conducted/yr 11.1; 11.7 21.8 NIOSH
environments (link to Theme 9, Activity 2.7) USDA, MoH, UDA
conducted/yr
7.12 Promote green businesses, green logistics systems and No. of TEC meetings held/yr - 2   
greening of public services to improve system performances No. of awareness campaigns - 2   
towards sustainable development of C&HSs conducted/yr 5.4; 16.6 12.4 MoInd MoE, NIBM, MoUDH
conducted/yr
Strategy 8: Further social mobilization to ensure inclusion, empowerment and equity.

8.1. Formulate policy guidelines and metrics to introduce and/ No. of TEC meetings held/yr - 4   
or strengthen social mobilization in decision-making and No. of awareness campaigns - 2    MoUDH; USDA,
implementation processes at all levels of governance 11.3; 11.a;
conducted/yr 22.6 UDA NHDA, MoPP&L,
11.b
No. of training programmes - 8    CEA
conducted/yr
8.2 Adopt and establish social indicators (in accordance with No. of awareness programmes - 3   
UGI and URI) to measure and monitor social inclusion, conducted/yr MoUDH; USDA,
empowerment, equity and cultural diversity 11.3; 11.4;
No. of training programmes - 6    72.5 UDA NHDA, MoPP&L,
11.a; 11.b
conducted/yr CEA
Theme 8
No. of field surveys/yr - 10   
8.3 Introduce and/or strengthen statutory and legal provisions - No. of TEC meetings conducted/yr - 4   
including Strategic Environment Assessments (SEA) - to enable No. of training programmes - 2   
socially inclusive and culturally vibrant C&HSs conducted/yr MoUDH; USDA,
Regularize SEA Amendment Regularity x 11.3; 11.a; NHDA, MoPP&L,
11 CEA
to NEA framework for 11.b UDA, NPPD, LUPPD,
covering SEA NPD
SEA (draft)
No. of SEC meetings conducted/yr - 4   
228 229
Target/s
1-2 2–5 5-10 Agency
8.4 Promote the concepts such as citizen science, behaviour No. of training programmes - 4    11.3; 11.a;
MoUDH; USDA,
change communication, social norms and innovations, for conducted/yr 11.b
12 MoE NHDA, MoPP&L,
efficient and productive engagement of the society in the No. of general awareness - 4   
CEA
development process programmes conducted/yr
8.5 Promote multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral approaches in No. of training programmes - 4   
planning and development of programmes in C&HSs through conducted/yr
MoUDH, MoPP&L,
enhanced mobilization of all stakeholders (government, private 11.3 20 NPPD
MoE, MoH
sector, development partners/donors, academics, professional No. of awareness programmes - 4   
organizations, CSOs) conducted/yr
Strategy 9: Enhance global participation and collaboration for liveable cities and human settlements.
9.1. Strengthen existing partnerships and collaborations. e.g. UN Total no. of partnerships 2 2    11.c; 17.16 No additional MoE Uni, CEA, NBRO
Habitat and Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) strengthened cost
9.2 Explore opportunities to form formal partnerships, obtain Total no. of partnerships initiated - 2 - 1 2 11.c; 17.16 No additional MoE Uni, CEA, NBRO
membership of global institutes and partnerships (e.g. Global cost
Platform for Sustainable Cities)
9.3 Participate in regional and international initiatives/projects Total no. of projects / programmes - 4 1 2 4 11.c; 17.16 No additional MoE Uni, CEA, NBRO
(e.g. CTCN, UN Habitat, Partnerships for Sustainable Cities) conducted cost
9.4 Continue engagement with regional and international Total no. of projects / programmes - 4 1 2 4 11.c; 17.16 No additional MoE Uni, CEA, NBRO
projects/programmes (e.g. CTCN, UN Habitat, Partnerships for conducted cost
Sustainable Cities)
9.5 Record and update environment management programmes No. of updated performed/yr - 4    11.c; 17.16 No additional MoE Uni, CEA, NBRO
and projects that are implemented, with the participation of cost
international donors and organizations (link to Activity 1.6)
Theme 8
230 231
Theme 9
Greening Industries
Industries play a pivotal role in economic growth, export drive, income

generation, job creation and poverty reduction. While having increased the
welfare of millions, global economy growth has spurred resource-intensive
lifestyles - a trend further exacerbated by population growth and a rising middle
class. Between 1950 and 2010, the global population almost trebled in size, and
real-World GDP increased sevenfold (Raworth, 2017). This has accelerated the
build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, ocean acidification, pollution
and biodiversity loss, the effects of which are increasingly being felt across the
world, with the most vulnerable being disproportionately affected.
232 233
2.9.1 Overview
Industries play a pivotal role in economic growth, export drive, income generation, job creation and poverty
reduction. While having increased the welfare of millions, global economy growth has spurred resource-
intensive lifestyles – a trend further exacerbated by population growth and a rising middle class. Between 1950
and 2010, the global population almost trebled in size, and real-World GDP increased sevenfold (Raworth,
2017). This has accelerated the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, ocean acidification, pollution
and biodiversity loss, the effects of which are increasingly being felt across the world, with the most vulnerable
being disproportionately affected.
Rising income inequality and less inclusive societies, both within and among countries, is drawing more
attention. The situation has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a growing number of
governments are looking to ways of rectifying unsustainable social and economic trends.
As a result, there is a growing global consensus that growth must be sustainable – commonly understood to
encompass the pursuit of economic growth while seeking to preserve the environment and reducing social
inequalities. This is captured in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Other international initiatives, like the Paris Agreement which was concluded at the COP21 in 2015, speak to the
importance of ensuring that any growth objectives do not aggravate climate change. Under the Paris Agreement,
countries made commitments to combat climate change and limit global warming to less than 2°C.
A number of authors have contributed ideas recently for repositioning industrial policy in our changing world.
For instance, the OECD (2019) has argued for a new conception of economic progress – one that links together
growth, well-being, greater equality and environmental sustainability.
As serious initiatives are underway by major economies to green the economy, integrating climate change
and environmental considerations will be critical for Sri Lanka’s industrial development strategy to be relevant
and competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
2.9.2 Current Status

The annual survey of industries by the Department of Census and Statistics recorded 21,295 industrial
establishments in 2016. The manufacturing sector represents the largest industrial segment, with over 18,210
units. Industrial production, according to Central Bank Annual Report 2018, is the second largest contributor
to GDP (15.5%), after services (26.1%), and employs 30% of the country’s workforce. Textile, apparel and tea
manufacturing are the most significant export-oriented sub-sectors.
According to the Energy Balance 2018 of Sri Lanka’s Sustainable Energy Authority, the energy required for
industrial needs came from several sources such as biomass (33%), petroleum oil (34%), and electricity (33%).
Biomass is used in tea and rubber factories, bakeries, tile and brick industries and other small-scale industries.
Fossil fuel is used for operating boilers, ovens and furnaces in other industries. The key industries contributing
to GHG emissions are cement manufacture, lime production for construction industry, and industries using
limestone and soda ash. However, the emissions from the industrial process is relatively low compared to the
emissions from industrial energy consumption.
Some manufacturing industries have the potential for causing environmental damage by discharging waste
Theme 9
products, which may be toxic and hazardous. Among industries of particular concern are textile dyeing and
bleaching; paper; paints; cement; asbestos; leather tanning; rubber processing; food processing; distilleries;
234 235
manufacturing of agricultural and mineral products; and metal works. Industrial effluents are sources of toxic responsibilities and targets to bring together all these organizations with different competencies and the
inorganic compounds containing heavy metals, as well as organic compounds. industry in a unified direction. In contrast, negatively, this multiplicity can be very complex fragmentation of
industry sector, which is a challenge and a hindrance for collective actions towards sustainable development.
Many industries operate with outdated technologies, equipment, poor infrastructure, low access to finance, Therefore, this multiplicity must be considered and appropriate remedial measures proposed when strategies
knowledge and capacity gaps, and therefore, with negative impacts on the environment. and actions are developed for greening the industries and subsequent implementation.
Micro-, small- and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) lack adequate knowledge and skills on practices of
sustainable consumption and production (SCP). In addition, MSMEs show meagre economic surplus, cause
2.9.3 Policy Legal and Legal Framework
high negative environmental impacts, generate excessive greenhouse gases and waste, including hazardous As listed below, there had been many policy instruments such as policies, acts, regulations, strategies, etc.
waste and show inefficient resource consumption and overall poor environmental performance. These since 1955 related to industrial development:
concerns will be addressed under this theme of the NEAP.
1. Government sponsored Corporation Act No. 19 of 1955 and amended Act No. 55 of 1957;
Currently, the regulation of industries comes under the mandates and competence of multiple government 2. State Industrial Corporation Act No. 49 of 1957;
institutions and agencies, including the Ministry of Industries, Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BoI), the
3. Industrial Development Act No. 36 of 1969;
Ministry of Plantations, Sri Lanka Tea Board, Coconut Development Authority.
4. Industrial Promotion Act No 46 of 1990;
Hitherto, much effort has expended to resolve the problem of industrial waste management. The National
5. New Industrialization Strategy for Sri Lanka in 1995;
Environmental Act (NEA) is the main legislative enactment under which several regulations pertaining to the
discharge of pollutants have been gazetted. The main regulatory body is the Central Environmental Authority 6. National Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprise Development in Sri Lanka (SME White Paper in 2002);
(CEA). Under the law, it is mandatory that an initial environmental examination (IEE) report or an environmental 7. National Policy on Mineral Resources - 2017;
impact assessment (EIA) be prepared and approval obtained before certain prescribed industries are established.
Under the NEA, the environmental protection licensing scheme requires existing industries - which produce 8. National Policy Framework for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development – 2018; and
considerable quantities of liquid waste - to have in-house waste water treatment plants. 9. Labour regulations applied for manufacturing industry. 
Despite the range of legislative, administrative and regulatory actions established to improve the performance Even though majority of the above were conceptually good initiatives and developed with the involvement
of industries in safeguarding the environment, pollution from industrial sources is still a common occurrence. of either local or international scholars, there were many implementation issues because of poor governance
and institutional arrangements. Most of the structural changes suggested to enhance the decision-making
Given below are the industry-related main agencies categorized into three main groups according to the role process on many occasions under different government regimes, either remained as proposals or abandoned
of each organization. Ministries, line agencies and other organizations and chambers and industry associations prematurely. Therefore, only a few of the arrangement positively contributed to improving the industrialization
and also under four main broad groups according to their principal roles and functions. process in Sri Lanka.
Table 2.9.1 Ministries, line agencies according to the principal roles and functions. In addition, after 13th amendment to the constitution in 1987, industrial development became devolved
subject, and respective Provincial Councils were empowered to establish their own agencies. This has led
Ministries MoInd, MoP, MoPla, SMoSVR&I and Subject Specific to the development of several important regional industrial initiatives lacking coordination and guidance
Various State Ministries from the national level, and therefore, without a focus on the overall economic development framework of
Facilitation Functions Line Agencies and BoI, CEB, CRI, DAP&H, EDB, IDB, ISB, ITI, LINDEL, NCPC, the country. Similarly, as stated before, fragmented organization structures, cumbersome procedures and
other Organizations NEDA, NERD, RISC, RRI, SLEMA, SLSEA, SLSI, SLTDA, TRI and complicated regulatory frameworks were under various Ministries, Departments and Provincial Councils,
UDA resulting in not only poor coordination and collaboration, but also the duplication of services.
Ministries MoE and MoL
Like in many other countries, in Sri Lanka too, the linear economic model of “take-make-throw” has been the
Regulatory Functions Line Agencies and CDA, CEA, NWPEA and SLTB
standard practice, along with a resource intensive and fossil fuel-based development approach. Therefore,
other Organizations
none of the policies mentioned above had a focus of sustainability, green growth or low carbon development
Academics, services providers in EE and environmental
Provision of Other except some environmental management attempts though the focus was only on an ‘end-of-pipe’ treatment
management, financiers, productivity, RECP, SCP, SLEMA
Services approach, rather than resource efficiency.
and technology and equipment suppliers
With the gradual shift of focus from linear to circular economic development around the world, Sri Lanka
Theme 9
Chambers and Industry Associations too started introducing sustainability focused policy instruments. One of the early attempts in this direction,
was the introduction of the National Cleaner Production Policy and various other sectoral policies on cleaner
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka
production, promulgated by the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries.
(FCCISL) and other national and regional chambers are industry stakeholders with the principal role of
This effort was culminated with the introduction of national policies such as on sustainable consumption and
lobbying.
production and waste management.
This multiplicity of organizations can be viewed with different perspectives. Positively, it can be treated
The current policy framework of the government provides broad guidelines and directions for a sustainable
as a strength, if it is possible to establish an institutional coordination mechanism with clearly identified
industrial development and promotion of all levels of local industries. In particular, on greening of industries,
236 237
it emphasizes increasing efficient resource use, creation of employment and safety of workplace, ensuring 2.9.5 Strategies for Management
environment safety and complying with international standards.
Strategy 1. Enhance the application of Resource Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP) practices.
Aligned with the government’s policy framework, the Ministry of Industry now adopts several approaches to Strategy 2. Introduce the concept of Circular Economy.
promote sustainable industrial development in the country – that is, environment-friendly industrialization
Strategy 3. Promote the use of sustainable biomass energy and improve user efficiency.
and productivity improvement in the industry sector. Switching to greener and more efficient technologies
will not only reduce emissions but will also generate energy savings for industries, while supporting low- Strategy 4. Promote eco-industrial parks.
carbon economic development and green jobs. In addition, the co-benefits of reduced air pollution, water Strategy 5. Introduce a special greening programme targeting SMIs and micro industries.
pollution, and solid waste can be realized through improved energy and resource efficiency.
Strategy 6. Introduce Tri-generation facilities.
The Government is now focusing on creating a globally competitive, highly value-added, innovative, technology Strategy 7. Reduce emissions from industrial processes.
and knowledge-based industrial base, with a minimal adverse impact on the environment, which could boost
the investor confidence, ensure a higher export income and promote sustainable development. To reflect this Strategy 8. Create an enabling environment through relevant policy instruments, institutional
new direction, the Ministry of Industries is now in the process of formulating a National Policy for Industrial arrangements and legal framework.
Development (NaPID) and a five-year Strategic Implementation Plan to operationalize the NaPID. Strategy 9. Introduce a monitoring system.
The Ministry of Industries is also exploring the possibility of implementing industry sector-based Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs) through the design and implementation of technical, policy, regulatory
and financial tools and mechanisms to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, energy and resource
efficiency technologies and best practices. These NDCs will enhance mitigation ambitions while embracing
and incorporating resource efficiency, circular economy and other internationally acclaimed concepts.

Strategies and actions are proposed for greening the industries and eliminating sources of environmental
degradation are aligned with the national policy framework - "Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour" and the
national policy on sustainable consumption and production.
Several measures for consolidating resource efficient cleaner production in industries are detailed. These
include reducing emission of pollutants and wastage of resources, targeting small and medium industries to
exercise environmental care and social responsibility, promoting energy use efficiency, and where possible,
switching to renewable energy use.
The establishment of eco-friendly industrial parks is proposed, while improving the environmental
infrastructure in existing industrial estates. A scheme for establishing environmental performance criteria
for the individual industries in the industrial estates is also proposed. Industries will be encouraged to obtain
various ISO certifications. The promotion of the use of environmentally- friendly raw materials, encouraging
industries to recover resources from selected wastes, and encouraging industries to green funding available
for their renewable energy projects are also recommended.
Theme 9
238 239
2.9.6 Action Plan for Greening Industries
Actions Key Performance Indicators Baseline Target Time Frame (in yr) Relevant SDG Indicative Implementation Responsibility
(KPIs) Target/s Budget
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
Strategy: 1 Enhance the application of Resource Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP) practices.
1.1 Promote energy efficient appliances and technologies Energy saving from:    7.3
for relevant industries
Efficient lighting 65 GWh 20 GWh per year 2,000 (private) SLSEA
(2.5% reduction) + 100.0
(facilitation)
High-Efficient Motors (HEM) 775 GWh 18 GWh per year 1,500 (private) NWS&DB MoInd, MoP, SLTB, TRI,
(2.25% reduction) BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA,
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) 590 (Facilitated by 2,900 GWh 725.0 (private) SLSEA ISB, LINDEL, UDA, NCPC,
the Energy NAMA NERD, GBCSL, CEA, CIAs
Project)
Efficient chillers and refrigeration 1,300 GWh 170 GWh 4,250 (private) + SLSEA
technologies (replacement with) 125 (facilitation)
Absorption chillers 30 GWh 100 GWh 4,180 (100 X MoInd
41.8) (private)
1.2 Improve water use efficiency in relevant industries % of relevant industries engaged Baseline to be 50% relevant    6.4 60 (facilitation) MoInd MoPP&L, NCPC, SLSEA,
established industries + To be IDB, CDA, RRI, CEA, CIAs
estimated
(private)
1.3 Promote rainwater harvesting concepts and % of relevant industries engaged Baseline to be 50% relevant    6.4 30 (facilitation) MoInd MoPP&L, NCPC, SLSEA,
methodologies in relevant industries established industries + To be IDB, CDA, RRI, CEA, CIAs
estimated
(private)
1.4 Enhance resource efficiency in relevant industries % of relevant industries engaged Baseline to be 50% relevant    6.3 & 12.4 240 (facilitation) MoInd MoPP&L, NCPC, IDB,
through waste minimization, waste management, established industries + To be CDA, RRI, ITI, service
resource recovery and residual (sludge and sewage) estimated providers of WM, CEA,
processing (private) CIAs
1.5 Promote the use of renewable energy No. of installations and MW installed Baseline to be Target to be set    7.2 70 (facilitation) SLSEA MoP, CEB, MoInd,
established + To be service providers of
estimated renewable energy, CIAs
(private)
1.6 Conduct comprehensive “Cleaner Production” (CP) % and no. of industries CP and energy Baseline to be 70% relevant    9.4 200 (facilitation) MoInd NCPC, SLSEA, SLEMA,
audits / “Resource Tracking” (covering energy, water, audits conducted established industries + 400.0 (private) CEA, service providers
materials and waste) and develop baselines (based on of SCP
Theme 9
industry classifications and importance)
1.7 Make waste load assessment mandatory for Legislation for Resource Efficient Voluntary system RECP  6.3, 6.4, 7.1, 10 CEA MoE, MoInd, NCPC,
environmentally sensitive or polluting industrial Cleaner Production legislation introduced 9.4, 12.2, 12.4 SLSEA, SLEMA, service
sectors before issuing EPL & 12.5 providers of SCP
240 241
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
Strategy: 2. Introduce the concept of Circular Economy.

2.1 Conduct a survey to identify and determine the No. of industries and subsectors Baseline to be All relevant industries  9.4, 12.4 & 25 MoInd BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
relevant industries and subsectors to implement identified for circular economy established 12.5 LINDEL, UDA,
circular economy concept
Service providers of SCP
and WM, CEA, CIAs
2.2 Introduce the life cycle approach for relevant % of subsectors and industries engaged Baseline to be 50% relevant    12.4 30 (facilitation) MoInd NCPC, service providers
industries and subsectors for greening the supply in greening the supply chain established industries + To be of SCP, CEA, CIAs
chain followed by a pilot demonstrational project estimated
Pilot demonstration project Pilot demonstration
(private)
project established
2.3 Practice industrial symbiosis concept in selected No. of subsectors and new IPs adopted Baseline to be All subsectors and    9.4 30 MoInd BoI, RISC, IDB, NCPC,
industrial parks or industrial subsectors industrial symbiosis established new IPs NEDA, ISB, UDA, LINDEL,
CEA, service provider of
SCP & WM, academics
2.4 Establish pilot projects on the zero-waste concept No. of zero waste pilots in subsectors Baseline to be 10 industrial  9.4, 12.4 & 30 (facilitation) MoInd BoI, RISC, IDB, NCPC,
established subsectors 12.5 + To be NEDA, ISB, LINDEL,
estimated UDA, SCP & WM service
(private) providers, academics
2.5 Adopt the proposed ISO standards for circular % of industries adopted ISO/ITC 323 Baseline to be 70% relevant   9.4, 12.4 & 100 (facilitation) MoInd SLSI, BoI, RISC, IDB,
economy concept (ISO/ITC 323) after the adoption by established industries 12.5 + To be NCPC, NEDA, ISB,
SLSI estimated LINDEL, UDA, service
(private) providers of SCP & WM,
CIAs
2.6 Build industry capacity (awareness and training) to % of industries adopted circular Baseline to be 70% relevant    9.4, 12.4 & Included in 2.5 MoLands NCPC, SCP & service
adopt circular economy concept economy concept established industries 12.5 providers of WM, CIAs,
academics
2.7 Promote occupational health and safety measures No. of industries engaged Baseline to be All industries    8.8 30 (facilitation) MoL, MoH MoInd, RISC, BOI, IDB,
established + To be NCPC, NEDA, ISB, UDA,
estimated service providers of
(private) EE, SCP and WM, CIAs,
associations
2.8 Assist to reduce thermal, light, noise, visual, and % of industries assisted Baseline to be 80% relevant    8.8, 9.4, 12.4 & 20 MoE MoInd, CEA, ITI, NCPC,
radiation established industries 12.5 BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
UDA, SLAERC, SLAEB,
service providers of EE,
SCP and WM, CIAs
Theme 9
Strategy: 3. Promote the use of sustainable biomass energy and improve user efficiency.
3.1 Enhance the availability of sustainable biomass for % of industries having access to Baseline to be 100%    7.2 To be estimated SLSEA MoInd, MoE, MoP, SLTB,
industry use sustainable biomass established TRI, SLTDA, BoI, RISC,
IDB, NEDA, ISB, LINDEL,
UDA, CIAs
242 243
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
3.2 Convert fossil fuel fired industrial boilers to No. of industrial boiler conversions 500 90    7.2 2,250 SLSEA MoInd, MoP, SLTB, TRI,
sustainable biomass SLTDA, CIAs
(private)
3.3 Introduce steam/hot water generators and advance No. of systems installed 10 90    7.2 and 7.3 1,080 SLSEA MoInd, MoP, SLTB, TRI,
controlling system with VFDs for tea drying process SLTDA, CIAs
(private)
3.4 Improve sustainable biomass user efficiency in No. of improvements 500 300    7.2 and 7.3 150 SLSEA MoInd, MoP, SLTB, TRI,
industry SLTDA, CIAs
(private)
3.5 Introduce sustainable biomass co-generation No. of systems installed 4 25    7.2 and 7.3 2,500 SLSEA MoInd, SLTDA, CIAs
(electricity generation and thermal energy) in relevant
(private)
industries
3.6 Switch fossil fuel fired thermal energy generators No. of hot water systems installed 25 192    7.2 115 SLSEA MoH, MoD, MoEd
to sustainable biomass energy in government
institutions for thermal energy requirements -
biomass fired hot water heaters in hospitals, prisons,
armed forces, hostels, universities, etc.
Strategy: 4. Promote eco-industrial parks.

4.1 Transform existing industrial parks (IPs), incorporating No. of existing BOI EPZs transformed 0 04 (BOI to upgrade    9.4 4,000 BoI, MoInd RISC, IDB, ISB, LINDEL,
maximum possible green industrial concepts (based to eco IPs existing infrastructure UDA, CEA
on viability of redesigning and rebuilding existing of wastewater
% of existing non-BOI IPs transformed
infrastructure) to support environmentally-sound treatment plants
to eco IPs
industries in Seethawaka,
Horana, Koggala and
Mawathagama EPZs)
50% Non-BOI IPs
4.2 Introduce policy and regulatory regime, including Policy Package for Eco IPs 0 1  9.4 No additional MoInd MoE, CEA, BoI, RISC, IDB,
guidelines to ensure all new IPs will be set up as Eco cost ISB, UDA, LINDEL, CIAs
IPs with special emphasis to high polluting industries,
where SMEs adhere to green standards through
incentives (such as credit/taxes) and regulations (such
as EPLs)
Strategy: 5. Introduce a special greening programme targeting SMIs and micro industries.
5.1 Promote “Resource Efficient Cleaner Production” % of SMIs adopting RECP Baseline to be 50% relevant SMIs    6.2, 6.3, 6.4, Included in MoInd MoE, NCPC, SLSEA, RISC,
(RECP) in SMIs by covering all possible areas: material, established 7.2, 7.3, 8.4, Action 1.6 IDB, NEDA, ISB, UDA,
energy, water, waste, air, etc. (included in Action 1.6) 8.8, 9.4, 12.2, service providers of EE,
Theme 9
12.4 and 12.5 SCP and WM, CEA, CIAs
244 245
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
5.2 Improve productivity through capacity building, % of SMIs adopting productivity Baseline to be 50% relevant SMIs    6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 50 (facilitation) MoInd NCPC, SLSEA, RISC, IDB,
value addition and process improvement and improvements established 7.2, 7.3, 8.4, + To be NEDA, ISB, UDA, service
modernization 8.8, 9.4, 12.2, estimated providers of EE, SCP and
12.4 and 12.5 (private WM, CEA, CIAs
investment)
5.3 Facilitate to acquire energy efficient and % of SMIs acquiring E3STs Baseline to be Target to be set    6.2, 6.3, 6.4, To be estimated SLSEA MoI, NCPC, RISC, IDB,
environmentally sound technologies (E3STs) established 7.2, 7.3, 8.4, NEDA, ISB, UDA, service
8.8, 9.4, 12.2, providers of EE, SCP and
12.4 and 12.5 WM, CEA, CIAs
5.4 Prepare SMIs for digital economy and industry 4th % of SMIs prepared for digital economy Baseline to be 70% relevant SMIs    9.c 50 (facilitation) MoInd ICTA, RISC, IDB, NEDA,
revolution and industry 4th revolution established + To be ISB, UDA, service
estimated providers of EE, SCP and
(private WM, CIAs
investment)
5.5 Promote occupational health and safety measures No. of relevant SMIs engaged Baseline to be All relevant SMIs    8.8 Included in MoInd MoL, RISC, IDB, NEDA,
(included in Action 2.7) established Action 2.7 ISB, UDA, service
providers of EE, SCP and
WM, CEA, CIAs
5.6 Facilitate SMIs for EPL compliance % of relevant SMIs facilitated Baseline to be 70% relevant SMIs    6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 20 (facilitation) MoInd CEA, NWPEA, NCPC,
established 7.2, 7.3, 8.4, + To be RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
8.8, 9.4, 12.2, estimated UDA, service providers of
12.4 and 12.5 (private EE, SCP and WM, CIAs
investment)
5.7 Formalize informal micro industries such as e-waste No. of micro industries formalized Baseline to be Target to be set    8.3, 9.3, 9.4, To be estimated CEA MoInd, CEA, LAs, IDB,
recyclers established 12.4 and 12.5 NEDA, ISB
Strategy: 6. Introduce Tri-generation facilities.

6.1 Carry out a rapid assessment of tri- generation57 No. of rapid assessments completed 1 9  7.2 and 7.3 0.5 x 9 = SLSEA BoI, MoI, academics
potential in prospective industrial parks
4.5
6.2 Carry out a detailed assessment in one of the Detailed assessment completed None 1  7.2 and 7.3 2.5 SLSEA BoI
industrial parks for piloting
6.3 Develop business models and funding options Business models and funding options None 3  7.2 and 7.3 1 BoI MoI, SLSEA
completed
6.4 Implement one tri-generation facility as a pilot project Pilot tri-generation facility established None 1  7.2 and 7.3 6,500 BoI SLSEA
(private
investment)
Theme 9
6.5 Depending on the success of the pilot project, No. of tri-generation facilities None 5  7.2 and 7.3 32,500.0 (6,500 BoI MoInd, SLSEA, CIAs
expand it into other prospective industrial parks and established x 5)
applications
(private
investment)
57 combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP)
246 247
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
6.6 Make provisions through policy instruments to have Policy package None Policy package  7.2 and 7.3 No cost MoInd MoI, SLSEA, CIAs
tri-generation for new industrial zones introduced
Strategy: 7. Reduce emissions from industrial processes.

7.1 Develop a road map for the enforcement of the Road map and code of practices None Road map and  3.9, 6.3, 7.3, To be estimated CEA MoE, MoInd, ITI, NBRO
Environmental (Stationary Sources Emission Control) code of practices 9.4, 12.2, 12.4
Regulations, No. 01 of 2019 in the industrial sector, developed and 12.5
with particular emphasis on high polluting industries
7.2 Develop guidelines for (I) the medium and large Guidelines None Guidelines  3.9, 6.3, 7.3, To be estimated CEA MoE, MoInd
industries and (ii) micro and small industries, for established 9.4, 12.2, 12.4
the effective adoption and compliance of the and 12.5
Environmental Regulations No. 01 of 2019
7.3 Establish an inventory of industries, their emission Emission inventory None Emission inventory   3.9, 6.3, 7.3, 10 CEA MoE, MoInd, MoEn, CEB.
characteristics and compliance, covered in Schedule established 9.4, 12.2, 12.4 SLSEA
II - Instrument/Equipment Based Standards of the and 12.5
Environmental Regulations No. 01 of 2019 (i.e.
thermal power plants, standby generators, boilers,
thermic fluid heaters, incinerators, cupolas, ovens,
furnaces and kilns)
7.4 Characterize industries for the operationalization Industries characterized None Industry  3.9, 6.3, 7.3, Included in CEA MoE, MoInd
of Schedule III – Pollutant-based Standards of the characterization 9.4, 12.2, 12.4 Action 7.1
Environmental Regulations No. 01 of 2019, with established and 12.5
particular emphasis on the two categories of (I) the
medium and large industries and (ii) micro and small
industries
7.5 Develop more specific standards and guideline for Standard and guidelines None Standard and  3.9, 6.3, 7.3, To be estimated CEA MoE, MoInd
the control of emissions in industrial processes, guidelines established 9.4, 12.2, 12.4
in complementing Schedule III – Pollutant-based and 12.5
Standards and Schedule IV to VII on Fugitive Emission
Standards of the Environmental Regulations No. 01 of
2019
7.6 Reduce GHG emissions of industrial processes in GHG reduction - Percentage and    9.4, 12.2, 12.4 To be estimated MoInd MoE, CEA, SLSEA, BoI,
relevant industries absolute amount of and 12.5 RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
GHG reduction LINDEL, UDA, NCPC,
CIAs, academics
Strategy: 8. Create an enabling environment through relevant policy instruments, institutional

arrangements and legal framework.
Theme 9
8.1 Facilitate industries to adopt relevant ISO systems % of industries adopting various ISO Baseline to be 25% of relevant    7.3, 8.8, 9.4, To be estimated MoInd SLSI, BoI, RISC, IDB,
such as ISO 14001, ISO 14064-1 (updated), ISO 22000, systems established industries 12.2, 12.4 and NEDA, ISB, UDA, LINDEL,
ISO 50001 and OSHAS 18000/ ISO 45000, etc. 12.5 NCPC, service providers
of EE, SCP and WM, CEA,
CIAs
248 249
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
8.2 Introduce and promote suitable financial and non- Financial and non-financial incentives Baseline to be 50% of relevant    8.3 and 9.3 1,000 (coupled MoInd MoF, CEA
financial incentives to promote the acquiring of established industries with an ongoing
sustainable technologies (e.g. soft loans) programme)
8.3 Facilitating the entry of environment related ISO No. and % of environment related None Target to be set    12.7 To be estimated MoE MoInd, MoF
certified companies to enter the Sustainable (Green) ISO certified industries entering
Public Procurement system of Sri Lanka into Sustainable (Green) Public
Procurement system
8.4 Facilitate transformational investment, favourable No. and % of industries benefitting Baseline to be Target to be set   9.3 250 MoInd MoE, MoF
loans through financing institutions linking with from green financing established
green financing in line with “Sustainable Financing
Roadmap” developed by the Central Bank (combined
with 8.2)
8.5 Strengthen national policies to address industrial Policy package None Policy package  8.3 and 9.4 10 MoInd MoE, CEA, SDC, relevant
zoning issues, siting of industrial parks and stand- strengthened CIAs, academics
alone industries, to introduce new concepts such
as circular economy, industry ecology, RECPs,
digitalization
8.6 Ensure the availability of sustainable biomass for % of industries with access to Baseline to be 100% of relevant    7.2 50 SLSEA DoF, MoP, MASL
industry use, through necessary facilitation and sustainable biomass established industries
coordination, with relevant policy making and
regulatory authorities, by adopting policy tools such
as SLSI 1551
8.7 Strengthen national policies, legal and institutional Policy package None Policy package  9.4, 12.2, 12.4 10 MoE MoI, CEA, SLSEA, BoI,
frameworks for greening industries strengthened and 12.5 RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
LINDEL, UDA, NCPC,
CIAs, academics
8.8 Introduce to the industrial sector sustainable chemical National Chemical Policy Draft policy National Chemical 
management systems policy introduced
Chemical management strategy and None Chemical 
action plan management strategy
MoE, MoH, MoD, MoInd,
and action plan
ITI, SLSI, NDDCB, Excise
developed
Dept, Import and Export
Chemical management regulations None Chemical  control, SLC, BoI, MoEn,
10 CEA, RoP
management DMC, MEPA, MoA, MoF,
regulations academics
introduced
Implementation of the strategy and None Strategy and action 
action plan plan implemented
Theme 9
Regular update of national chemical Existing profile Updated chemical  
profile (once in every 3 yr) profile
8.9 Introduce “SCP Education Package” developed SCP Education Package for industry SCP SCP  3.9, 7.2, 7.3, 10 MoE MoI, CEA, SLSEA, BoI,
by MoE for industry training and awareness Education Package Education Package for 8.4, 9.4, 12.2, RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
programmes, with required amendments for university industry developed 12.4 and 12.5, LINDEL, UDA, NCPC,
education and introduced 12.7, 13.3 CIAs, academics
250 251
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
8.10 Introduce Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) SPP Draft available SPP introduced  12.7 No additional MoE MoInd, MoF, CEA, SLSI,
system of Sri Lanka cost SLAB, MoPP&L, SLIDA,
DCS, CIAs
8.11 Operationalize the Sustainable Public Procurement No. of products and services included Not formally Target to be set   12.7 30 MoE, MoF MoInd, CEA, SLSI, SLAB,
(SPP) system of Sri Lanka in SPP practised NPS, MoPP&L, SLIDA,
DCS, CIAs
8.12 Introduce a national framework for eco-labelling Eco-labelling Framework Draft eco- labelling Eco- labelling  9.4, 12.2, 12.4
followed by a national generic eco-label Framework Framework and 12.5, 12.7 MoInd, SMoSVR&I, SLSI,
established SLAB, CEA, SDC, SLSEA,
No. of schemes registered None Target to be set    BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA,
To be estimated MoE
National generic eco-label None National generic eco-   ISB, LINDEL, UDA, NCPC,
label introduced CIAs, academics, EDB,
No. of products and services specific None Target to be set    CAA
eco-labels introduced
8.13 Promote the adoption of green building concepts to No. of industries green building Baseline to be Target to be set    6.4, 7.2 and 25 SLSEA MoInd, MoE, BoI, RISC,
industries concept adopted established 7.3, 8.4, 9.4, IDB, NEDA, ISB, LINDEL,
12.2, 12.4, 12.5 UDA, NCPC, ICTAD,
NERD, GBCSL, SLIA, IESL,
CIAs, CEA, academics
8.14 Facilitate the appointment of sustainability managers % of relevant industries appointing / Baseline to be 40% of relevant  3.9, 6.3, 6.4, 20 MoInd MoE, UGC, CEA, SLSEA,
or sustainable officers depending on the scale of designating sustainability managers / established industries 7.2, 7.3, 8.4, BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
industries sustainability officers 9.4, 12.2, 12.4, LINDEL, UDA, NCPC, CIAs
12.5, 12.6, 12.7
8.15 Promote green jobs % of relevant industries creating green Baseline to be 40% of relevant    8.3, 8.9, 12.6 20 MoInd MoE, MoEn, SMoSVRI,
jobs established industries VTA, NAITA, CEA, SLSEA,
BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
LINDEL, UDA, NCPC, CIAs
8.16 Facilitate the development of emergency No. of industries with emergency Baseline to be Target to be set   11.c 30 MoInd, DMC, MoE, BoI, RISC,
preparedness and business continuity plans for preparedness and business continuity established IDB, NEDA, ISB, LINDEL,
industries plans UDA, NCPC, CIAs, CEA,
Labour Dept., academics
8.17 Conduct a national level public awareness campaign Public awareness on greening Present level of Public awareness on    4.7, 12.8 50 MoInd MoMM, MoE, CAA,
on greening industries through print and electronic industries public awareness greening industries media, CBOs, CEA,
media on greening increased consumer societies
industries
8.18 Motivate and reinforce community/individuals No. of green products and services Baseline to be Target to be set    12.8 40 CAA MoMM, MoInd, MoE,
Theme 9
to consume green products and services through promoted established media, CBOs, consumer
behavioural and attitude changes societies
8.19 Promote ethical behaviour of industrialists No. of programmes promoting ethical Baseline to be Target to be set    12.8 40 CPA MoMM, MoInd, MoE,
behaviour of industrialists established CEA, media, CBOs,
consumer societies
252 253
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
8.20 Addressing public issues related to operation of Mechanism for addressing public Existing mechanism Updated mechanism 10 CEA MoE, MoInd, IP
industries grievances on attending public operators, LAs, SLP, UDA,
complaints. MoH, DMC, SMoPC&LG
8.21 Promote ethical and responsible advertising No. of ethical and responsible Baseline to be Target to be set    12.8 30 CAA MoMM, MoInd, MoE,
to promote green products and services while advertisements established media, CBOs, consumer
discouraging the consumption of potentially harmful societies
products and services
8.22 Promote National Green Reporting System (NGRS) No. of green reporters registered and 10 Target of 20%    12.6 20 MoE MoInd, CEA, SDC, SLSEA,
as an encouragement for industries to embrace low reported annual increase of BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
carbon initiatives registrations and LINDEL, UDA, NCPC, CCC,
50% annual report ITI, CIAs
submissions
8.23 Promote the adaptation of green initiatives through No. of applicants 100 applicants Target to be set    9.4, 12.2, 12.4 120 (12.0 per CEA MoE, MoInd, MoST, SLSI,
the National Environmental Awarding scheme and 12.5, 12.7, year) SLAB, SDC, SLSEA, BoI,
12.b RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
LINDEL, UDA, NCPC, CIAs
Strategy: 9. Introduce a monitoring system.

9.1 Introduce / adopt International Standard Industrial % of industry categories ISIC Different 100%  - 20 MoInd MoE, DCS, CEA, SLSEA,
Classification (ISIC) for relevant industry categories organizations BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA,
classification adopted
follow different ISB, LINDEL, UDA, NCPC,
classifications CIAs, academics
9.2 Establish a fully-fledged database covering all Industry database Stand-alone Fully fledged industry   17.18 200 MoInd MoE, DCS, CEA, SLSEA,
categories of industries databases database established BoI, RISC, IDB, NEDA,
of different ISB, LINDEL, UDA, NCPC,
organizations CIAs, academics
9.3 Introduce a monitoring system for industries for the Proper monitoring system No proper Proper monitoring   3.9, 6.3, 6.4, Included in 9.2 MoInd MoE, DCS, CEA, SDC,
purpose of progress tracking of various sustainability monitoring system system established 7.2, 7.3, 8.4, SLSEA, BoI, RISC, IDB,
initiatives / EPL and SWML compliance and for 9.4, 12.2, 12.4, NEDA, ISB, LINDEL, UDA,
international communications (NDCs, SDGs, etc.) 12.5 NCPC, CIAs
9.4 Upgrade the existing EPL and SWML system from EPL and SWML with necessary Present EPL and EPL and SWML   6.3, 6.4, 7.2, 20 CEA MoE, MoInd, BoI, RISC,
an “end of pipe treatment” approach to a “resource regulations SWML systems updated with 7.3, 8.4, 9.4, IDB, NEDA, ISB, LINDEL,
efficiency” approach, focusing on waste minimization necessary regulations 12.2, 12.4, UDA, NCPC, NWPEA,
and incorporating the polluter pay principle 12.5, 12.6 CIAs, academics
254 255
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
9.5 Ensure industry compliance of EPL and SWML % EPL and SWML EPL – high polluting EPL – high polluting    6.3, 6.4, 7.2, No additional CEA MoE, MoInd, DCS, BoI,
60-70%, medium 100%, medium 7.3, 8.4, 9.4, cost RISC, ITI, IDB, NEDA,
compliance from eligible industries
polluting 50%, low polluting 90%, low 12.2, 12.4, ISB, LINDEL, UDA, NCPC,
polluting 25% polluting 70% 12.5, 12.6 NWPEA, CIAs, academics
SWML –around
80% applied
industries (about
800 industries)
9.6 Introduce ICT based remote monitoring systems to Remote monitoring system 0 Remote monitoring   6.3, 12.4, 12.5 To be estimated CEA MoE, MoI, BoI, RISC, IDB,
track the environmental performance of selected high system established NEDA, ISB, LINDEL, UDA,
polluting industries NWPEA, CIAs, academics
9.7 Facilitate the establishment of industry “sectoral No. of sectoral benchmarks for green 0 5 sectors (tea, textiles,   6.3, 6.4, 7.2, 75 MoInd MoE, CEA, SLSEA, BoI,
benchmarks” for “green indicators” indicators garments, hotels, 7.3, 8.4, 9.4, RISC, IDB, NEDA, ISB,
cement) 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 LINDEL, UDA, NCPC,
NWPEA, CIAs, academics
Theme 9
256 257
chapter 3
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION
258 259
3.1 Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to address the economics and financial dimensions of the NEAP. Firstly, it
provides the conceptual framework, which depicts the complementary nature of environmental planning
and economic development in reinforcing each other’s dimensions, rather than its traditionally assumed
contradictions. Secondly, it provides a framework for costing and valuation of the proposed environment
actions for each theme. Finally, the potential sources of traditional and alternative financial solutions are
explored, to support the implementation of the NEAP.
Sri Lanka’s population, which was seven million at the time of its independence, has more than trebled since
then, exerting increased pressure on the country’s stock of natural resources. In addition, the island and its
people have become increasingly vulnerable to global environmental challenges such as impacts of climate
change, loss of biodiversity and over-use of natural resources. While the country’s stock of natural resources
is a valuable input to its economic development, in contrast, its depletion because of developmental pressure
and human activity threatens the very survival of humans. Thus, the economic focus in environmental planning
should be to manage economic development and human activity with the sustainable and efficient use of
environmental resources and integrate these elements into sectoral and cross-sectoral plans, programmes
and policies.
PEOPLE
Social Equity
Bearable Equitable
SUSTAINABLE
PLANET PROFIT
Environmental Viable Economic
Stewardship prosperity
Figure 3.1. The Triple Bottom Line
Sustainability is defined by three core elements, each of which must be considered carefully in relation to the
others: environmental sustainability (environmental protection), economic sustainability (economic viability)
and social sustainability (social equity) (Figure 3.1). Thus, environmental sustainability is one of the three
elements which play a vital role in achieving sustainable development. From a business perspective, the Triple
Bottom Line of sustainable development is constituted by three pillars as people, planet and, profit (3Ps).
Currently, businesses tend to follow the concept of the triple bottom line, recognizing the need to strike a
balance among the three elements, in order to succeed in a dynamic, competitive and challenging business
environment. Apart from the long-term benefits associated with conservation and sustainable use of natural
resources, the triple bottom line improves the international competitiveness of production in global markets,
where there is an increasing demand for sustainable production and consumption.
260 261
3.1.1 Financing Environmental Conservation and Management Fully-costed initiatives: Some of the prioritized actions of the NEAP have been already costed fully in the
relevant sectoral programmes and projects prepared in the country. The recent documents of this type
Because of the need to safeguard the nation’s stock of natural resources, it is important that there should be
include the Biodiversity Financial Needs Assessments in Sri Lanka (BIOFIN); the National REDD+ Investment
a sustainable mobilization of public and private finances to achieve sustainability. Conservation finance is one
Framework and Action Plan (NRIFAP); the National Action Programme for Combating Land Degradation 2015-
of the available mechanisms, which includes investment strategies that sustainably manage the environment.
2024 (NAP-CLD); the National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change Impact in Sri Lanka 2016-2025(NAP-CC);
Public or government funding has been the conventional source of funding for investments in environmental
the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan 2016-2022 (NBSAP); the National Action Plan for Haritha Lanka
conservation and management. Traditionally, the financial costs of environmental conservation and
Programme, 2009-2016 and 2015-2022; the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Corporate
sustainable use of natural resources were considered to be additional costs to the government, business and
Plan; the Clean Air 2025 Action Plan - Plan for Air Quality Management; the National Environmental Action
household sectors. The governments of developing countries often face difficult trade-offs when allocating
Plans (NEAP) 1998-2001, 2003-2007, 2007-2012; the National Water Use Master Plan of 2014, National
public funds for environment management because of budgetary constraints and competing priorities. As a
Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) Annual Report 2018; the Coastal Zone and Coastal Resource
result, it is not unusual that there is insufficient financing for environmental conservation and management.
Management Plan, 2018; and the draft Sri Lanka Tourism Action Plan 2020-2023. In addition, for some
In addition, the combination of technical, financial and institutional issues has resulted in poor and unreliable
proposed actions, cost estimates were also gathered from the key informants and stakeholder consultations.
services, subsidies and taxes, which are difficult to be justified on both economic and social grounds and
negative environmental externalities. For instance, in many developing countries popular policies applied on Partially-costed activities: when the fully-costed actions were unavailable, the second approach to costing
transport, fuel, electricity, and agriculture appear to have not been guided by the justifiable economic and was based on partially-costed activities. Under this approach, costing information available from relevant
social conditions, and have resulted in adverse environmental outcomes. documents, institutions, and key informants were taken as baseline data. Then, these data, representing cost
norms were transformed into cost approximates of the prioritized actions of the NEAP.
There is a wide gap between available finance and the expenditure needed to achieve SDGs at global, as well
as local levels. Therefore, exploring innovative financing mechanisms to achieve the SDGs is essential to meet No-cost activities: once the above two approaches were completed, what was remaining were the activities
the financing gap, as well as for stimulating the businesses and individuals to internalize the externalities. This which did not reveal any documentary evidence on costing. The approach used for these actions was the
will need greater commitments from different sectors to generate required finance beyond traditional public expert judgments and approximations based on available values elsewhere. All the available cost estimates
finance and international loans. Therefore, the collective efforts from governments, the private sector and taken from the above sources are included in the specific action plans of nine thematic areas. Further, there
CSO/NGOs will be key drivers to reshape markets to be more inclusive, equitable and sustainable. are instances where some actions require preliminary work, and such actions are expected to be costed when
such information is available while the NEAP is implemented.
For long-term stability of the environmental sector, it must be financially sustainable. The best way is to
generate finance from resource users and those who are creating environmental externalities, rather than
relying solely on public financing. Therefore, investments in the environmental sector could be financed Preparation of action plan for each thematic area
from user payment schemes such as payments for ecosystem services or with economic and market-based
instruments like green taxes (levies), tradable permits based on the polluter pays principle. However, reducing
the need of financing for environmental conservation and enhancing the efficiency of existing financing is also Prioritized the actions
equally important to ensure the financial sustainability of investments in the environmental sector.
Desktop study and initial costing

3.2 Approach to Costing, Valuation and Financing
The framework used for resource mobilization chapter is presented in Figure 3.2.
Costing Financial cost to implement particular action/s identified by the relevant thematic area Fully costed initiatives by the sector Partially costed activities Where no costing is available
• find them from sector plans and • Use cost norms and other accepted • Use expert judgment and
make necessary adjustments and methods approximation using available
Valuation Benefits of such action/s or economic justification
use values elsewhere
Financing Resource mobilization. How are we going to recover the cost?

Refining the indicative cost with expert / stakeholder consultation
Figure 3.2. Framework for Costing, Valuation and Financing
3.2.1 Costing Estimate the indicative cost / financial need for each activity
Budget estimates are an integral component of the NEAP. Any actions identified by the thematic areas, carry
Figure 3.3. Indicative Cost Estimation Process
both financial costs and benefits. While the costing process consists of a step-by-step approach (Figure
3.3), the cost estimates are based on three alternative sources. According to the step-by-step approach,
the prioritized actions under each thematic area are costed using available cost data. However, given the
limitations of the availability of data, the costing exercise is based on the following three alternative sources.
It is important to note that all cost estimates are indicative and are not exact.
262 263
Table 3.1. Summary of Indicative Budgets61
No. Strategy Indicative No. Strategy Indicative

budget budget
(LKR M) (LKR M)
Strategy 4 Manage losses and damages due to climate-induced disasters to be

Theme 1: Action Plan for Air Quality Management
estimated
Strategy 1 Effectuate a sound institutional framework for integrated AQM, while fostering 18 Strategy 5 Enhance national capacity through the creation of awareness, education, research to be
advocacy, governance and stakeholder participation and development, technology transfers and information dissemination for climate estimated
Strategy 2 Manage air pollution from mobile sources 1,342 change mitigation and adaptation
Strategy 3 Manage air pollution from stationary sources 297 Strategy 6 Strengthen partnerships and resource mobilization for adapting to climate change 15
Strategy 4 Manage indoor air pollution issues 151 impacts and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions
Strategy 5 Prevent air pollution due to unethical, unintentional and harmful actions 185 Total indicative budget for Theme 3 44,184
Strategy 6 Reduce air pollution by deploying environmentally sound technologies, processes 2,030
and cleaner fuels Theme 4: Action Plan for Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine and Coastal Resources
Strategy 7 Establish comprehensive and integrated air quality monitoring network and 1,475 Strategy 1 Conserve, manage and sustainable use coastal and marine ecosystems 515
modelling facilities, with a centralized data sharing platform Strategy 2 Conserve marine mammals and other threatened species 80
Strategy 8 Encourage information and knowledge management, including citizen science, for 50 Strategy 3 Conserve, sustainably develop and manage coastal and marine resources 1,199
better air quality Strategy 4 Administer and manage affected areas along the coast 6,058
Strategy 9 Foster innovation, research and development for effective AQM 163 Strategy 5 Control coastal and marine pollution 645
Strategy 10 Enhance global participation and collaboration for furthering AQM No Strategy 6 Control sand mining and mange extraction of other mineral resources to enhance 210
additional beach stability, habitat and biodiversity conservation
cost Strategy 7 Adapt to climate change and natural hazards impacts on coastal features, 240
Total indicative budget for Theme 1 5,711 infrastructure, coastal communities and livelihoods
Strategy 8 Carry out research and development to support the conservation and sustainable 168
Theme 2: Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use
use of marine and coastal resources
Strategy 1 Optimize the conservation of ecosystems, their services and integral biodiversity, 7,647 Strategy 9 Strengthen policy, legal and institutional framework for coastal and marine 2,891
through a well-connected and effective protected area system and other area- conservation and sustainable use
based conservation measures. Total indicative budget for Theme 4 12,006
Strategy 2 Ensure viable populations of native species in all terrestrial and aquatic systems 349
Strategy 3 Mainstream the wise use, fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from 16 Theme 5: Sustainable Land Resources Management
fauna, flora and the genetic resources Strategy 1 Align policy and legislative support for sustainable land management 93
Strategy 4 Safeguard and promote traditional knowledge and practices in biodiversity 9 Strategy 2 Practise sustainable management of lands in critical natural ecosystems and 300
conservation and sustainable use environmentally sensitive areas
Strategy 5 Assess and apply economic values of biodiversity and ecosystem services in 30 Strategy 3 Ensure sustainable land use in agriculture 4,250
decision making Strategy 4 Conserve and practise sustainable management of grasslands (pathana, savanah, 130
Strategy 6 Promote research, ensure data governance and sharing for evidence-based 55 damana, villu and production grasslands)
decision making and communication Strategy 5 Minimize disaster impacts on land resources 3,295
Strategy 7 Apply necessary policy frameworks, legal and organizational arrangements for 45 Strategy 6 Facilitate sustainable land management through Information and Communication 105
biodiversity conservation and sustainable use Technology (ICT) options.
Total indicative budget for Theme 2 8,151 Strategy 7 Mobilize resources for SLRM (institutional strengthening, governance, capacity 1,493
building, and awareness creation)
Theme 3: Action Plan for Climate Actions for Sustainability58
Strategy 8 Promote sustainable management of mineral resources 2,170
Strategy 1 Strengthen enabling environment through policy support, legal and institutional 24 Strategy 9 Strengthen international cooperation for SLRM 1,130
framework related to climate change Total indicative budget for Theme 5 12,966
Strategy 2 Assess vulnerability and build resilience to address adverse impacts of climate 625
change
Strategy 3 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through low carbon development pathways 43,520
58 Most costs are to be estimated with additional information to be generated during NEAP implementation
264 265
No. Strategy Indicative No. Strategy Indicative

budget budget
(LKR M) (LKR M)
Theme 6: Holistic Waste Management Theme 8: Environment Management in Cities and Human Settlements
Strategy 1 Ensure a sound waste administration and operation for Integrated Sustainable 663 Strategy 1 Ensure spatial sustainability through integrated planning and rational zoning with 43
Waste Management, while fostering governance, information, advocacy, land compactness, optimum mix-use and social-use
compliance and stakeholder engagement Strategy 2 Secure urban governance and resilience 166
Strategy 2 Effect maximum conversation of resources in waste management through 1,690 Strategy 3 Develop sustainable energy with enhancing energy efficiency, harnessing 287,678
prevention and reduction renewable energy and rational use of energy
Strategy 3 Ensure sustainable management of plastics and other recyclables 28,210 Strategy 4 Establish energy efficient and environmentally sustainable transport systems 237
Strategy 4 Manage the biodegradable waste component through biological treatments 9,479 Strategy 5 Promote and facilitate green and high-performance building and infrastructure as 230
Strategy 5 Exploit treatment with an energy recovery option for management of non- 204 well as smart ICT
recyclable and non-usable waste Strategy 6 Foster urban biodiversity and ecosystem services 107
Strategy 6 Manage final disposal sites 2,114 Strategy 7 Promote circularity and sustainability for green growth 303
Strategy 7 Manage hazardous waste 460 Strategy 8 Further social mobilization to ensure inclusion, empowerment and equity 138
Strategy 8 Foster innovation, research and development to support holistic waste 215 Strategy 9 Enhance global participation and collaboration for liveable cities and human No
management settlements additional
Strategy 9 Enhance global participation and collaboration for furthering holistic waste 5 cost
management Total indicative budget for Theme 8 288,902
Total indicative budget for Theme 6 43,040
Theme 9: Action Plan for Greening Industries
Theme 7: Integrated Water Resources Management Strategy 1 Enhance the application of Resource Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP) practices 13,890
Strategy 1 Ensure environmental safeguards in providing access to safe drinking water for a 990,015 Strategy 2 Introduce the concept of Circular Economy 265
healthy nation Strategy 3 Promote the use of sustainable biomass energy and improve user efficiency 6,095
Strategy 2 Provide safe sanitation and prevent contamination of surface and ground water 360,200 Strategy 4 Promote eco-industrial parks 4,000
bodies with sewage Strategy 5 Introduce a special greening programme targeting SMIs and micro industries 120
Strategy 3 Improve water quality of rivers, lakes, reservoirs/tanks and ground water by 2,940 Strategy 6 Introduce Tri-generation facilities 39,008
reducing pollution Strategy 7 Reduce emissions from industrial processes 10
Strategy 4 Promote watershed management for the sustainability of water resources 510 Strategy 8 Create enabling environment through relevant policy instruments, institutional 1,825
Strategy 5 Increase water conservation and water use efficiency in all sectors 220 arrangements and legal framework
Strategy 6 Improve irrigation system management for conservation of water 10,020 Strategy 9 Introduce a monitoring system 315
Strategy 7 Improve ground water management 420 Total indicative budget for Theme 9 65,528
Strategy 8 Minimize salt water intrusions 630 Total indicative budget for all thematic areas 2,195,318
Strategy 9 Reduce water-induced disasters, such as floods and droughts. 270
Strategy 10 Assure water security of the nation 348,130
Strategy 11 Implement IWRM at all levels 85
Strategy 12 Introduce new policy and institutions for improved water resources planning and 170
management
Strategy 13 Promote awareness, capacity building and community mobilization 120
Strategy 14 Strengthen water related research 1,100
Total indicative budget for Theme 7 1,714,830
266 267
a critical strategy to achieve the aims of the SDGs. For this purpose, it is important to describe to them the
No. Strategy Indicative economic benefits of such an investment by assessing the benefits of avoiding the environmental damages
budget (as avoided cost is a benefit).
(LKR M)
Environmental valuation will also increase awareness and inform policy decisions on resource allocation and
Resource Mobilization Action Plan efficient management and provides the required inputs for the cost-benefit performance on management
Strategy 1 Create enabling conditions for effective resource mobilization for NEAP 25 policies/programmes.
Strategy 2 Streamlining resource mobilization and fund utilization by the government for 48
In a wider social context, valuing environmental benefit is essential to evaluate environmental policy changes.
NEAP
Economic analyses can measure how beneficial environmental improvements would be for resource users
Strategy 3 Enhance resource mobilization through multilateral donor agencies and trust 11 and more importantly, how to design the management policies in a more efficient, equitable and sustainable
funds manner. Unfortunately, such changes related to environmental quality are not reflected in daily market
Strategy 4 Enhanceresource mobilization with alternative financing tools 585 transactions as they are not captured because of market imperfections.
Strategy 5 Enhance environmental outcome and reducing environment pressure through 57
Reciprocity, Suasive Tools and Community Empowerment Table 3.2. provides annotated examples of valuation estimates for each thematic area and brief explanations
of how such estimates provided the justification for financing to implement proposed strategies in the NEAP.
Strategy 6 Commencing Green Accounting practice in Sri Lanka 25
Total indicative budget for action plan for resource mobilization 751
Implementation and Monitoring Action Plan
Strategy 1 Ensure enabling conditions for successful implementation of the NEAP 148
Strategy 2 Effective tracking of the implementation of the NEAP 101
Total indicative budget for action plan for implementation and monitoring 249
Action Plan for Information and Knowledge Management for Green Growth
Strategy 1 Coordinate and incentivise knowledge generation for environmental management 182
Strategy 2 Guide and empower decision - makers, with timely access to quality data and 173
information
Strategy 3 Influence behaviour and attitudinal change through awareness and advocacy 254
Strategy 4 Promote quality and lifelong environmental and sustainability-oriented education 852
Strategy 5 Build capacities and access financing for research, innovation and monitoring 267
change
Total indicative budget for action plan for Information and Knowledge Management for 1,728
Green Growth
Total indicative budget to implement NEAP 2,198,046
3.2.2 Valuation
"The basic aim of ecosystem valuation to facilitate more equitable, sustainable, inclusive and informed
decision-making, by articulating in monetary terms the economic importance of ecosystem services for
human well-being” (BOBLME, 2014).
Environmental valuation is important in the context of public policy-making, in relation to the environment,
and it is also important as a measure of the cost of damages to the environment (or in contrast, of the
benefits of improvement to environmental quality), as it allows for the costing of the degree/value of the
damage, as well as provision of the economic justification for the investment. The low priority and the
insufficient investments in environmental infrastructure, particularly in developing countries, are partly due
to insufficient documentation of the benefits of such improvements. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate
and value such benefits/demands through valuation, to document evidence for the benefits of investments in
environmental conservation and management.
Environmental valuation is also needed to assess the potential for cost recovery (through, for example,
restoration), leveraging private financing because attracting private investors for investing in environment is
268 269
Table 3.2: Selected valuation studies applicable to NEAP

Article Key Findings Linkage with NEAP action plan
(Note that values given have not been converted to current values.)
Theme 2: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use

Assessment of the 1. According to this study, the direct The action plan of Theme 2 highlighted
Economic Value and indirect economic value of the importance of enhancing the
Theme 1: Air Quality Management
of Muthurajawela wetland has been assessed. The biodiversity conservation, while
Air Quality and 1. The study estimates that the This study shows that investing in air Wetland results shown that, Muthurajawela providing the better service to species
Cement Production: expected annual welfare gains by quality improvements will produce Source: Emerton & Kekulandala, has a high direct and indirect and the assessment shows the
2003
Examining the reducing the Suspended Particulates vast welfare gain, avoid future health economic value of LKR 726.5 M a magnitude of the economic benefits
Implications of Point Matter (SPM) level by 50% is LKR expenditures on airborne health year, or LKR 0.24 M/ha. that wetlands provide.
Source Pollution in Sri 699 per representative individual, impacts and enhance the productivity
2. The study shown that, This study found that substantial funds
Lanka while the annual welfare gain to all of the people. True benefits may be
Muthurajawela is worth an average are required to manage the wetland
Source: Bogahawatte & Herath, people living in the vicinity of the higher than what is shown because the
2008 of almost LKR 23,000 a year to each sanctuary, to address threats and
factory is LKR 2.96 M. amount shown may reflect only part
of more than 30,000 beneficiaries. pressures, and to enforce controls on
of the total benefits/willingness to pay
Wetland agriculture (more than land and resource uses. Accordingly,
(WTP) of air quality improvements.
2. A 100% reduction in SPM levels LKR.150,000 per beneficiary per this study can be used to justify the
will meet WHO standards. This This study therefore, strongly justifies year), waste and sewage treatment value and importance of wetland
will result in an annual gain per the financing of the series of air (more than LKR 180,000 and flood conservation and the benefits that can
individual of LKR 1,398 with the quality improvements proposed under control services contribute by far be derived from it.
annual gain to the community being different strategies of Theme 1 of the the highest economic value on a per
about LKR 6 M. NEAP. capita basis.
Health cost of urban 1. The study investigates the health This reflects that pollution control is
air pollution in Sri cost attributable to air pollution in
an essential task in the city area and
Theme 3: Climate Actions for Sustainability
Lanka: an empirical Kandy city area in Sri Lanka. They air quality improvements will certainly The Economic Cost The analysis reported here shows The negative impact of climate change
analysis in Kandy city calculated the burden of diseases produce huge welfare gain and avoid of Climate Change that estimated future climate change has the potential to be reduced with
Source: Karunarathna, et al., attributable to air pollution which is
the future health expenditures on and the Benefits scenarios have a large potential the implementation of appropriate
2019
approximately 2.7% of their monthly airborne health impacts and enhance from Investments in negative economic impact on the Sri adaptation measures to reduce the
income. Accordingly, the average the productivity of the people. True Adaptation Options Lankan coconut value chain. The mean estimated loss due to climate change as
medical expenditure was LKR 1,214 benefits may be higher than that for Sri Lankan Coconut value of this loss is LKR 4,781 M/yr proposed in Theme 3 of NEAP.
per month per person and the because it may reflect part of the Value Chains which is nearly 5% of the total value of
average exposure to the polluted total benefits/WTP of air quality Source: Pathiraja, et al., 2017 the industry at equilibrium.
environment was 170 hours per improvements. Therefore, this study
person per month. strongly justifies improving quality Theme 4: Conservation and Sustainable use of Coastal and Marine Resources
by controlling air pollution is more Valuation, This study estimates the total value of These results assist to identify
2. Monthly mean willingness to pay for
important as proposed in different rehabilitation and mangroves in four villages in the coast pragmatic evaluation of ecological
avoiding pollution induced health
strategies under the Theme 1 of NEAP. conservation of of Hambantota District. The indirect value of mangroves and justify their
risk as LKR 1,314 per person per
month. mangroves in tsunami values of mangroves in supporting conservation and management for the
affected areas of near-shore fisheries was calculated as extremely important fisheries sector
Hambantota, Sri Lanka being between 1,276-20,564 USD -1yr in the coast, as well as other strategies
Source: Ranasinghe & Kallesøe,
-1
ha. proposed under Theme 4 of NEAP.
2006
270 271
Article Key Findings Linkage with NEAP action plan Article Key Findings Linkage with NEAP action plan
Evaluation of This study investigated the These findings may be useful to ensure
Theme 5: Sustainable Land Resources Management Performance of performance of existing RO drinking environmental safeguards in providing
On-site and off-site This study provides a comprehensive The financial and social feasibility of Existing RO Drinking water stations. access to safe drinking water for a
cost of soil erosion in account of both on-site and off-site soil conservation indicated importance Water Stations in healthy nation and may provide the
Community-based organizations (CBOs)
the Upper Mahaweli costs of soil erosion in the UMW. The of soil conservation. Financing for soil the North Central guidelines and awareness to maintain
provide the RO drinking water at a
Watershed (UMW) of on-site costs were estimated using the conservation will generate enormous Province, Sri Lanka the drinking water quality in order
reasonably low rate to develop health
Sri Lanka replacement cost method59. The on-site environmental and socio-economic Source: Suresh Indika, et al., to enhance the water use efficiency
2021
conditions and lifestyle. Most of the
Source: Gunathilaka & cost was estimated to be LKR 721.12 benefits. This study supports the need as proposed under the strategy 5 of
Gunawardena, 2000
CBO operated RO stations (84% of
million, of which 69.5% is contributed for soil conservation measures as theme 7.
RO stations) supply product drinking
by tobacco and shifting cultivation and proposed in Theme 5. water at the standard price of LKR
poorly managed seedling tea. The total 1 (Sri Lankan rupee) per one litre. It
off-site costs of soil erosion was LKR ranges from 50 cents per litre to LKR
22.33 million as of 1993 and it rises 1.5 per litre. Usually, the average
to LKR 134.82 million over 50 years. monthly income of the CBO-operated
The social cost benefit analysis results RO stations was around LKR 54,062.00,
found that welfare generally will be with the range from LKR 2250.00 to LKR
increased if soil conservation measures 210,000.00.
are implemented on all lands within
the UMW. Theme 8: Environment Management in Cities and Human Settlements
Theme 6: Holistic Waste Management Sustainable Although the construction cost of green Promoting green and high-performance
Development Through buildings is 20-25% higher than for buildings and infrastructure is one of
Circular economy The results indicate that establishing This provides the financial and Green Building traditional buildings, the benefits are the key strategies in the NEAP. The
of composting in Sri compost facilities to recycle organic economic justification for investing Concept in Sri Lanka. ten times as much over the entire life findings of this study further confirm
Lanka: Opportunities waste in Sri Lanka will decrease total in composting which provides Source: Bombugala & of the building. the importance of promoting green
and challenges for waste management and chemical environmental and economic benefits Atputharajah, 2010
building concept, as it generates the
reducing waste fertilizer use costs by USD 191 M. to the nation. This is also one of the Implementing the green building
series of benefits.
related pollution and Facilitating inter-provincial trade strategies proposed under the NEAP concept can result in reduction of
improving soil health in compost will further expand the and supports the government’s carbon emissions by 35%, water usage
Source: Bekchanov & Mirzabaev, composting potential in the country, commitment to promote composting. by 40%, energy usage by 50% and solid
2018
reducing waste management and waste by 70%.
chemical fertilizer use costs by
Theme 9: Greening Industries
USD 357 M.
Taxing the Pollution: A This study used data from 62 rubber- The results can be used by the CEA
Theme 7: Integrated Water Resources Management Case for Reducing the producing firms in Sri Lanka and as a baseline to monitor effluents
Environmental Impacts estimated the marginal cost function60 carefully and introduce the market-
Economic analysis Estimated price elasticities are -0.18, These findings may be useful to NWSDB of Rubber Production for pollution abatement. The results based instruments such effluent charge
of residential, -0.17, and -1.34 for residential, to review the existing pricing policies in Sri Lanka show that taxes will bring firms (where tax should be equal to the
commercial and commercial, and industrial water and may provide the guidelines to into compliance and found the tax marginal abatement cost). Findings of
Source: Edirisinghe et al., 2008
industrial uses of demands, respectively. In addition, re-design the current pricing policies rate necessary for environmental this study justify the implementation
water in Sri Lanka. real income, number of connections and to introduce the cost recovery compliance is LKR 26 per 100 g (in 2005 of several strategies proposed under
(population), and weather variables are pricing policy in order to enhance the values) of COD/yr. Theme 9 of NEAP.
Source: Hussain, et al., 2002
found to be important determinants of water use efficiency, as proposed under
urban water demand. Strategy 5 of Theme 7.
59 The replacement cost refers to the amount of money that must be spent currently to replace an essential asset with one of
the same or higher value (Investopedia, 2021). 60 Cost of reduction of additional unit of pollution
272 273
The government
Traditionally, it has been the government which has had to endure the burden of spending on the environment,
Life cycle cost analysis: This study provides a comparison about This provides the justification for but such spending has often been far from being sufficient to achieve the desired environmental outcome.
green vs. conventional the cost of conventional and green investing on green buildings which Often faced with a narrow fiscal space, governments in developing countries usually cut down spending on
buildings in Sri Lanka buildings. According to the results, it provide the huge environmental and environment, assuming that its negative outcome is covered by the considerations on other short-term issues.
Source: Weerasinghe et al., indicates that operation, maintenance economic benefits for the industries.
(2017)
and end of life cycle cost of the green Findings of this study justify the For the government, investment in environment means bridging the gap between desirability and feasibility.
building are comparably less than the implementation of several strategies Apart from the international commitments made by the successive governments of Sri Lanka, there has been
conventional building, respectively by proposed under Theme 9 of NEAP. unilateral policy initiatives on environment, as emphasized in the national and sectoral policy documents. If
35 to 41%, 26 to 30% and 6 to 18% due the government is to ease its capacity constraint, there must be innovative and alternative mechanisms of
to energy cost reduction by 40 to 50%, financing.
water consumption reduction by 50
to 60%, 95% waste recycling, reduced The corporate sector
absenteeism by 2%.
For private sector businesses, spending on the conservation of environment and sustainable use of natural
The economic rationale for environmental actions can be established through simple cost benefits analysis resources has been weak, because it was considered to be an additional cost which would erode their cost
when the cost of action and benefits of the actions are available. However, often, they are not always readily competitiveness. In cases where the environment has been considered, it has often been the large-scale
available. Therefore, it is suggested that NEAP should facilitate systematic undertaking of high-quality corporate sector, which allocates expenses on the environment from their corporate social responsibility
environmental valuation studies for environmental decision-making. (CSR) budget.
Spending on environmental aspects has increasingly become a part of the corporate sector’s core business
3.3 Financing solutions
activity. This has become vital today in order to meet the sustainable consumption and production
The objective of this section is to present a broad-based resource mobilization plan for meeting the financial standards demanded by the markets, the competitive edge enjoyed by the corporates who have moved into
needs for investing in management, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. “green production” procedures and, the triple bottom line of sustainable development. Investment in the
environment has therefore become an integral part of core business of the corporate sector by i) adding value
3.3.1 Guiding principles to their products, enhancing product quality, market value, social appreciation and, their global reputation;
ii) enabling the business sector to comply with international environmental standards and to improve the
The resource mobilization plan unveils a newer perspective on broad-based innovative financing mechanisms
competitive market access; and iii) expanding and strengthening the long-term cost advantage and business
for investing in environmental matters, guided by the following principles:
sustainability.
1. Spending on the environment is an investment rather than a cost, although traditionally, it was treated as
an additional cost arising from negative externalities of human activity. Communities
2. When spending on the environment is considered an investment, it is easier to recognize that there are For communities, investing on environment means enhancing people’s access to pleasant living and healthy
“returns to investment” in the form of short-term and long-term benefits, as well as private and social lives for themselves, as well as for their children and grandchildren. The natural environment provides
benefits. communities with clean air to breathe, fresh water to drink, healthy food to eat and an unspoiled environment
3. Potential returns to investment in the form of private and social benefits provides a rationale for both in which to live. Investing in the environment allows people to enjoy their pleasant living and healthy life by
private and public sector investment on the environment, taken from a broad-based resource mobilization conserving and sharing nature. However, this is conditional because the active participation of communities
plan. is guided by the awareness and mechanisms in place but constrained by poverty related issues.
4. A broad-based resource mobilization initiative is a business case that would attract potential investors to The question is that unlike other organizations with common objectives such as the government or the
finance the resource mobilization plan by undertaking investment in environment. corporate sector, how do communities become involved in investing in environment? Based on the innovative
resource mobilization plans that are being presented here, communities are expected to contribute directly
A broad-based resource mobilization initiative will open the way for going beyond the traditional perspectives
in various ways to expand the resource base for investment, but simultaneously contribute in various ways to
on spending on environment as an additional cost, particularly in attracting private and community investment.
avoid potential future spending on environmental conservation.
The resource mobilization plan makes use of conceptualization in the Biodiversity Financing Initiative (BIOFIN)
of Sri Lanka and the other international sources, which provide information on gradually transforming world The nation
economic affairs in favour of conservation and sustainable use of environment. For the nation as a whole, investing in environment means the conservation of the stock of natural capital.
The biodiversity of a country is part of its capital assets (natural capital) along with financial capital, physical
The following sections emphasize the importance of participation by different stakeholders for investing in
capital, and human capital. The overall stock of capital assets contributes to people’s living, as well as to the
the environment.
creation of their wealth. Investing in the environment is the nation’s effort to conserve its natural capital
and to compensate for its depreciation, so that the nation’s prosperity can be enhanced for the present and
sustained for the future.
274 275
3.3.2 Financing approaches 2. Realigning of expenditures: This financing instrument is concerned with the re-orientation of existing
expenditure to obtain a more sustainable outcome with environmental considerations such as replacing
Existing financing approaches are dominated by the government’s budgetary allocations and contributions
subsidies on carbon intensive energy sources with investing in renewable energy sources, which results in
by international donor agencies. In addition, government agencies generate revenue from environmental
the same outcome, but does so sustainably.
related fees and penalties. However, a large part of this revenue is credited to the government’s consolidated
fund, so that it could be considered more of a revenue for the government, rather than finance mobilization 3. Avoiding future expenditures: This instrument uses current expenditure with an environmentally consistent
for spending on the environment. outcome resulting in an avoiding future expenditure or reducing financial needs. Investing in sustainable
business practices may avoid future expenditure on environment conservation, while investing on air
quality improvement may reduce the future expenditures on related health issues of the population.
Improved environmental
Deliver better Generate new revenues 4. Delivering better output/resources: This instrument is concerned with the more efficient and effective
outcome
use of existing resources, as well as influencing a better output. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of
managing resources for investing in the environment is a better delivery of sustainable business practices
are aimed at producing an improved output, which can claim higher market premium.
Reduced pressure on
Avoid future expenditure Re-align expenditure Green accounting: The efficacy of these outcome-based financing instruments needs to be evaluated in terms
environment
of their environmental outcome. Green accounting allows for frequent stock-taking of the natural capital and
its flow changes, showing either an increase or decrease over time. Green accounting has received global
attention, with increased awareness over the depleting stock of natural capital and increased concern over
Enabling its sustainable use and conservation.
Financial flows
actions
In the past, there were preliminary discussions and workshops related to the above, but actual implementation
of the estimates of green accounting has not occurred. It is important that under the NEAP, Sri Lanka initiates
Figure 3.4. Financial sources, environmental outcomes, and actions the practice of green accounting. This requires the establishment of an implementation mechanism and
(Adopted from BIOFIN Workbook, 2016) adoption of approaches to account for the valuation of the stock of natural capital and annual net inflows to
it, by accounting for the differences between the outcome of investment in environment and its depreciation.
Other spending on the environment includes Sri Lanka’s corporate sector allocations for environment
conservation and protection their CSR initiatives with large-scale corporates moving into sustainable
3.3.2.2 Financing tools
production for export markets. Private commercial banks have begun to promote “green lending” initiatives
to those businesses that meet given environmental standards. In addition, there are community-based local Alternative financing sources must be secured because i) they are expected to reduce the fiscal burden of the
organizations concerned with spending on specific areas of environment. government; ii) they will provide an opportunity for different stakeholders to participate more in investing
in the environment; and iii) they will provide alternative sources of financing which can significantly raise
Under the BIOFIN project in Sri Lanka, there are two recent initiatives that could be considered as important funding for investing in the environment, above its current minimum levels. See Table 3.3 for more details.
milestones for financing sustainable business practices. The first is the launch of the Roadmap for Sustainable
Finance in Sri Lanka by the Central Bank in 2019, in collaboration with the Sustainable Banking Network Whichever the source of funding, in terms of their environmental outcome, they will align with one or more
(SBN). The Roadmap provides guidelines for the commercial banks to divert and promote their business of the four scenarios depicted in Figure 3.4 delivering better, generating new revenues, avoiding future
lending to those businesses which meet the sustainable criteria. The second is the initiative by the Sri Lanka expenditure and, re-aligning current expenditure.
Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC),
to award the National Sustainable Tourism Certification (NSTC) to the tourist hotels and guest houses which
adopt the sustainable practices.
The above initiatives provide evidence of various financing approaches that could be adopted for resource
mobilization.
3.3.2.1 Outcome-based financing instruments

Four types of financing approaches are planned to provide finance solutions for investing in the environment,
as proposed in the Biodiversity Financing Initiative Workbook (UNDP 2016: 35-39) and also guided by the
country’s own experience:
1. Generation of new revenues: This finance instrument is based on the use of both traditional and innovative
sources of financing instruments to increase financial flows. The challenge is not about generating financial
flows, but maintaining the fund/s by the government or the private sector or both in partnerships, and the
use and implementation of that fund in environmental programmes.
276 277
Table 3.3. Financial tools

Asian According to the ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy – Sri Lanka (2018-2022), the priority
Development areas of financing for environment have been identified as environmental sustainability,
Government funding Bank (ADB) climate change, and disaster risk management. There are 99 ADB-funded projects in Sri
Typical government expenditure for the environment is from the government’s annual Lanka covering many aspects, including 47 projects under the theme of environmentally
budget, these funds are disbursed largely through relevant governmental departments sustainability. This provides evidence for the ADB’s commitment to funding for sustainable
and statutory bodies with a mandate to managing the environment. One of the main issues development activities. The current focus of ADB has also been specified as funding for
of depending on the government’s budgetary allocations for investment in environment, projects on clean energy and environmental safeguards. In addition, the ADB is expecting
is its great degree of vulnerability to the gradually narrowed down fiscal space in Sri Lanka. to support the implementation of programmes designed to achieve environment-related
SDGs in Asia and the Pacific in partnership through ESCAP and UNEP.
Environment related fees are another source of financing for investing in environment. European Even though it is not a development agency per se, the EU has provided technical and
Fees have been often been charged as entry fees of the specific sites such as the botanic Union (EU) financial assistance to Sri Lanka to implement several environment-related projects
gardens and national parks and as license fees charged for permitting economic activities among other development activities. Under the SWITCH-Asia Programme of the EU,
in environmentally sensitive areas. In most of the cases, the funds collected from entry launched in 2007, many Asian countries including Sri Lanka (2015) have benefitted in
fees and license fees have been part of the government’s consolidated fund. This means initiatives of developing Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP). The EU-Sri
that such funds cannot be used directly for investing in environment in the related sectors. Lanka Joint Commission has agreed upon future cooperation on climate change and the
In other words, income and expenditure are unrelated matters in most government implementation of the Paris Agreement, while the recovery from the global COVID-19
agencies. crisis is to be used as an opportunity to sustainably rebuild the economy.
Environmental fines and penalties are imposed by the government for violating
UN assistance
environmental laws by individuals or organizations. While there are a wide range of
activities, which would infringe these environmental laws in any geographical location of United Nations Technical assistance of the UNDP is available for the environment areas related to SDGs,
the country, the penalties that generate these funds are also considered to be part of the Development biodiversity and ecosystems, sustainable agriculture and irrigation and, clean energy. The
government’s consolidated fund. However, the main issue is that such fines and penalties Program UNDP's Strategic Plan (2018-2021) has specified its diverse commitment to a broader
are too small to be effective and at the same time enforcement of the law is also weak. (UNDP) development agenda in the areas of eradicating poverty, structural transformations and,
building resilience. While the core work of the UNDP is defined by a series of signature
Environmental taxes on economic activities, which carry environmentally harmful
solutions, one of them is nature-based solutions for development.
externalities, are widely used policy measures all around the world. Fundamentally,
environmental taxes are designed either for discouraging such activities by raising United Nations Under the UN umbrella, UNEP is the leading operational global environmental authority.
their private cost and price, or for financing the recovery of the harmful effects of such Environment It sets the UN global environmental agenda, promotes coherent implementation for the
activities. However, these taxes are also credited to the consolidated fund and appear to Programme dimension of environment for sustainable development and, serves as an authoritative
have become part of the government’s general revenue. (UNEP) advocate for the global environment. UNEP programmes are categorized under the seven
broad thematic areas: climate change, disasters and conflicts, ecosystem management,
Government incentives or subsidies on economic activities, which would improve the environmental governance, chemicals and waste, resource efficiency, and environment
environmental outcome or reduce pressure on environment can be encouraged. Even under review.
though these incentives or subsidies do not generate revenues, they do perform a major
role in avoiding future expenditure or re-aligning current expenditure. Global environmental funding initiatives
Multilateral Funding Agencies Global Since the time of its establishment in 1992, to help assist in the most pressing environmental
Environmental problems in the world, the GEF has provided more than USD 21.1 B in grants and mobilized
World Bank In particular, under the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), World Bank finance Facility (GEF) an additional USD 114 B in co-financing for more than 5,000 projects in 170 countries.
is available during 2018-2025 for development- and social aspects-related environmental Further, through its Small Grants Programme (SGP), the GEF has extended its support for
projects, including conserving natural ecosystems, reducing agrochemical use and for more than 25,000 civil and community initiatives in 133 countries. GEF funds are available
implementing environmental action plans. In addition, the World Bank has a 10-year to developing countries to meet the objectives of the international environmental
multi-phase programme for 2019-2028 for Sri Lanka for climate change, with 774 M USD conventions and agreements.
funding. According to the Country Partnership Framework (2017-2020) of the World
Green Climate The GCF was set up in 2010, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Bank, the priority areas for World Bank funding have been identified as (a) management
Fund (GCF) Change (UNFCCC). Despite being only a decade-old organization, GCF has already served
of natural resources and the environmental impacts associated with economic growth,
in more than 100 countries in the world and currently become the world largest climate
structural transformation, and urbanization; (b) natural disasters and climate change; and
fund. It supports developing countries that have been affected by the climate change in
(c) green development.
adaptation and mitigation practices. The adaptation practices are required to cope up with
water-related disasters, heat-related disasters and, cyclones and storms. GCF support is
available in the following areas: vulnerable people and communities; health, well-being
and, security; infrastructure and built environment; ecosystems and ecosystem services.
The mitigation practices are applied on reducing greenhouse emissions.
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Global Green GGGI is an international organization established in 2010, with the aim of promoting a The following can be implemented in partnership with the corporate sector. While these
Growth balanced economic growth with environmental sustainability - green growth. As of 2020, solutions may not generate direct financial flows, they will lead to delivering a better
Institute GGGI has 38 members and delivers programmes for more than 30 member countries output, avoid future expenditure and, re-align current expenditure.
(GGGI) around the world including some of the South Asian countries. The GGGI programmes • Sustainable Standards and Certification: an introduction of sustainable norms and
include technical support, capacity building, policy planning and implementation, and standards to a wide range of economic activities - a product or a service, which
assistance to build green investment projects. The expert knowledge of the GGGI has been would be certified by a competent and independent third party. Under the BIOFIN
available for waste management, solar energy, sustainable transportation, green building, Sri Lanka programme, the Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme has been already
green industry and forest landscape. implemented for the tourist accommodation sector.
International IUCN is a union of governments, organizations and experts, which provide knowledge-based • Green Financing: is a prioritization of business lending to such business activities with
Union for support to conserve nature and accelerate the transition to sustainable development. Its integrated sustainable norms and standards. Many commercial banks have already
Conservation focus is on a wide range of areas under the themes of business and biodiversity, climate moved in this direction and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka launched Sustainable
of Nature change, ecosystems management, environmental law, forests, gender, global policy, Financing Roadmap providing guidance for green lending.
(IUCN) governance and rights, protected areas, marine and polar, nature-based solutions, science Adoption of • Carbon trading mechanism: Because carbon-neutral products claim a high premium
and economics, species, water and world heritage. sustainable in global niche markets, initiatives to facilitate the development of a voluntary
Other There are various international initiatives extending both financial, as well as non-financial standards carbon trading market in Sri Lanka, with the participation of the private sector, can be
international assistance for investing in the environment. The Satoyama Development Mechanism commenced. The Colombo Port City can be developed as Asia’s primary carbon-neutral
initiatives (SDM) of Japan, Green for Growth Fund (GGF) which is a public-private partnership Special Economic Zone.
initiative is an example China Development Bank (CDB), Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic • Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES): This will be another innovative market-based
Development, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), Food and financing mechanism for different sectors such as biodiversity conservation, watershed
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO). management, and energy.
Alternative sources of funding • Rewards for Ecosystem Services (RES): is another important innovative tool for resource
mobilization. The reward scheme does not involve markets or the commodification
New revenue There is a wide range of revenue-generating tools that can be used for mobilizing funds for
of ecosystem services, but simply rewards communities for support that they already
generating investing in the environment. Examples include: a) increased revenue from environment-
provide for enhancing ecosystem services.
tools related fines and penalties; b) green lottery, targeting middle-income consumers and
using digital technology; c) differentiated green number plates for motor vehicles, perhaps • Sustainable Ecosystem Management: This concept recognizes the importance of striking
with incentives; d) eco-label for products with certified sustainable standards, which can a balance between competing human needs and long-term ecosystem sustainability,
be adopted under the Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) policy; and e) through a process of stakeholder negotiation and adaptive management.
environmental taxes and payments that can be applied to a wide range of environmentally Private sector initiatives61
harmful activities, as well as for covering the costs of solid waste collection.
Private Private sector investment can be encouraged into sustainable production activities of
investment as services such as utilities, transport, waste management, lighting, and other logistic supply,
core-business provided that the government creates enabling environment for private sector participation
and takes the initiative of becoming business partners adopting one of the public-private-
partnership models. Today, state-of-the-art technology for sustainable economic activity
is available, and there are various international organizations providing technical and
knowledge assistance for investment planning. The private sector participation can be
built into either build-own-operate (BOO) or build-own-transfer (BOT) arrangements.
Environment Large-scale companies have already initiated voluntarily investing part of their profits
as part of the in environment as part of their business strategy, even though such investments are
core-business 'unrelated' to the core-business. This initiative can be encouraged and extended even to
medium and small businesses, if the government provides opportunities and guidance for
such investment.
61 As several private sector companies have been incorporating environmental aspects as part of their core-business activities and social
responsibility initiatives, the government can facilitate such activities. It is necessary to acknowledge the fact that investing in environment per
se is not a viable commercial activity for the private sector. In cases where investing in environment is expected through private investment,
they need to be an integral part of the business strategy adding value to the core-business.
280 281
Table 3.4: Potential Sources of international assistance and NEAP thematic areas
Investing in If investing in environment is a ‘related’ activity of the business, then it is an incentive for
environment companies at all scales to move into investing in environment, because it enhances their
as a ‘related’ market competitiveness. At international levels, the markets in advanced countries have Multilateral UN assistance Global initiatives
activity: been imposing sustainable standards of the products, they import so that green standards assistance
in exports have become increasingly essential for maintaining market competitiveness. World ADB EU UNDP UNEP GEF GCF GGGI IUCN Other*
While some of the large-scale companies have already adopted such green standards, Bank
even the local SME sector needs to knowledge and the capacity to improve their
competitiveness, by improving responsible and sustainable production standards. The Air Quality  
government is able to adjust the demand side for sustainable products, provide incentives Management
and disincentives, and facilitate with guidelines, certification and green labels. Biodiversity     
Conservation Government agencies, business firms, banks and other organizations have been increasingly Conservation and
green cards providing plastic cards to the public for different purposes. A differentiated card can be Sustainable Use
issued by each of these entities to the voluntary customers for a higher premium. This Climate Actions for       
would generate continuous financial flows for investing in environment. Sustainability
Green bonds Green bonds can be issued for raising financial resources either from the domestic capital Conservation and   
market (like Treasury Bonds) or from the international capital market (like International Sustainable Use of
Sovereign Bonds). Green bonds are different from other bonds because of their restrictive Marine and Coastal
purpose of investing in environment-related activities. In the last decade, worldwide, Resources
international green bonds have grown exponentially, to finance environment-related
Sustainable    
investment projects. As international green bonds are usually for the purpose of raising
Land Resources
large funds, it may not be cost-effective to use them for generating smaller funds. Sri
Management
Lanka has initiated raising international funds through ISB in 2007, and the amount of
international funds raised at a time has been in the range of USD 500–1,500. After raising Holistic Waste   
USD 17,550 B in total by the end of 2019, the government has terminated ISB issuance Management
because of its challenging debt-sustainability problem. It is necessary to address these Integrated   
issues in assessing the option of green bonds as a potential financing instrument during Water Resources
the NEAP implementation period. Management
Reciprocity, It is important conceptually incorporate and apply, where possible, the principle of Environment   
Suasive reciprocity into the NEAP 2022. Reciprocity defines as ‘sharing benefits among the people Management in
Tools and which is much more important for ecological restoration at community level (such as Cities and Human
Community reciprocal agreement for watershed conservation)’. Suasive tools should be adopted in Settlements
order to change the behaviours of the individuals/firms. Appreciating suasive sentiments Greening Industries        
of the people non-market values can be mainstreamed effectively. Suasive instruments, Note: International agencies are aligned with the NEAP’s thematic areas on the basis of their current funding/assistance and future prospects.
trust, and reciprocity operate together. Identifying communities as resources mobilizing *Other includes agencies providing smaller grants, country-initiatives for bilateral finance and, private initiatives for investment in environment; these agencies
agents also important for sustainable resource management. Actions must be stipulated include Satoyama Development Mechanism (SDM), Global Greengrants Fund (GGF), Global Environment Fund (GEF), Kuwait Fund, China Development Bank
(CDB), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), World Health Organization (WHO) and others.
for collective community action for the mobilization of resources and sharing of benefits.
As communities do not have easy access to capital/financial resources through positive
reciprocity and pooling resources there can be an amplifier effect for the expected
3.4 Resource Mobilization Plan
outcome for the NEAP.
Strategy 1. Create enabling conditions for effective resource mobilization for the NEAP.
Strategy 2. Streamline resource mobilization and fund utilization by the government for the NEAP.
Strategy 3. Enhance resource mobilization through multilateral donor agencies and Trust Funds.
Strategy 4. Enhance resource mobilization with alternative financing tools.
Strategy 5. Enhance environmental outcome and reducing environment pressure through Reciprocity,
Suasive Tools and Community Empowerment.
Strategy 6. Commence Green Accounting practice in Sri Lanka.
282 283
3.4.2 Action Plan for Resource Mobilisation
Actions Key Performance Indicators Baseline Target Time Frame Indicative Implementation Responsibility
(KPIs) (in years) Budget
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
Strategy 1. Create enabling conditions for effective resource mobilization for the NEAP.
1.1 Prepare accurate budgeting for NEAP Actions % of accurately budgeted actions Negligible 100% 50% 100% No additional Every lead MoE
cost agency
1.2 Develop valuation framework applicable for Sri Lanka Framework in place None Valuation  3 MoE Uni, UN agencies
framework
adopted
1.3 Identify of gaps in valuation research/studies for using Study recommendation on valuation research No study Validated study  2 MoE Uni, UN agencies,
them in NEAP recommendations sector experts
1.4 Prioritize allocating funds for undertaking necessary No. of communication rounds on the priorities to None 2/yr 4 10 20 10
research / primary valuation studies to fill identified gaps funders/year NRC, NSF, UN
MoE
No. of periodic review of funding allocated and utilized Every 2 yr 1 2 5 10 agencies
on those priorities
1.5 Prepare thematic area- wise potential sources of funding No. of thematic areas wise resource mobilization plans None 10 10
No additional
prepared MoE NPD, ERD
cost
No. of updates per plan 10/yr 10/yr 10/yr 10/yr
Strategy 2. Streamline resource mobilization and fund utilization by the government for the NEAP.
2.1 Estimate government budgetary allocations for NEAP No of thematic area wise budget allocation reports NEAP None 10/yr 10/yr 10/yr 10/yr No additional MoE NPD, ERD
actions actions cost
2.2 Develop a mechanism to utilize selected environment Report on feasibility of using environmental fees for Study report  5
related fees for NEAP implementation NEAP actions prepared
Related ministries,
Measures to overcome any legal, policy or institutional Barriers removed  5 MoE CEA, FD, DWC, DMT,
barriers taken AGD
Formulate mechanism for utilization of funds Operational  2
mechanism
2.3 Develop a mechanism to utilize selected environmental Report on feasibility of using environmental fees for - 5
fines and penalties for NEAP implementation NEAP actions prepared Related ministries,
Measures to overcome any legal, policy or institutional 5 MoE CEA, FD, DWC, DMT,
barriers taken AGD
Formulate mechanism for utilization of funds 2
2.4 Develop a mechanism to utilize selected environmental As above - 5 MoE Related ministries,
taxes for NEAP implementation CEA, FD, DWC, DMT,
5
AGD
2
2.5 Identify incentive / disincentive mechanisms to promote/ As above - 5 MoE Related ministries,
discourage activities with serious environmental CEA, FD, DWC, DMT,
5
consequences AGD
2
284 285
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
Strategy 3. Enhance resource mobilization through multilateral donor agencies and trust funds.
3.1 Identify a comprehensive list of external funding for NEAP No. of thematic area-wise available financing sources Non-existent 10 databases 10 3
actions under specific thematic areas database
MoE Lead agencies
3.1.1 Communicate with financiers with finalized NEAP as the Annual update of the thematic areas-wise databases None 1/thematic area 10/yr 10/yr No additional
national priority for environmental funding cost
3.2 Prioritize designing of projects based on NEAP for global Level of alignment of new projects for GEF, GCF and All new project 50% 100% 100% 3 MoE GEF and GCF agencies
financing mechanisms such as GEF, GCF, Adaptation Fund Adaptation Fund with NEAP are fully aligned to in SL
with specialized agencies NEAP
3.3 Prepare thematic area-wise financing plans with identified Thematic area-wise financing plans prepared 10 plans  10/yr 10/yr 5 MoE
gaps which needs to be sourced outside of the sources
Annual updates undertaken/thematic area 10/yr
considered in the strategies 2 and 3
Strategy 4. Enhance resource mobilization with alternative financing tools.

4.1 Explore the feasibility of generating finances for NEAP No. of feasibility studies undertaken for new sources of 5 studies 5
from new sources financing
AGD, related
No. of pilot studies undertaken 5 5 1
10 MoE ministries, LDD, CEA,
No. of new sources selected for upscaling 3 3
SLSI
No. of new sources proven to be appropriate is selected 2 1
for legalization
4.2 Review, revise and upscale Green Financing Initiative (GFI) Review results No.of banks Review report  
of the CBSL and selected Commercial Banks currently
CBSL, UN agencies,
engaged 10 MoE
Uni
No. of new banks engaged in GFI No. of additional
banks engage
4.3 Promote carbon (emission) trading mechanism Feasibility study undertaken - Study report 
SLCF, MoInd, Uni, UN
Volume of carbon traded in tons/yr Current volume 10 MoE
agencies
of C trading
4.4 Promote Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) No. of pilot projects implemented None 5 2 5
IUCN, UN agencies,
25
MoE Uni, private sector,
CBOs, RPCs, MASL
No. of new projects commissioned None 50 20 50 500
4.5 Establish Rewards for Ecosystem Services and Stewardship Feasibility study conducted None 1 1
10 MoE
(RESS) No. of new projects commissioned None 10 2 5 10
4.6 Regularise CSR funding for transparency with an Feasibility study for introducing the concept None Study report 
appropriate percentage of funding to be spent on actions
relating to NEAP for medium and large corporates
Gazette notification on CSR contribution to NEAP None Publishing 
of gazette CCC, BSL, AGD, private
20 MoE
notification sector
Amount of funding mobilize from CSR Currently not 200 million/yr
directly relating
to NEAP actions
286 287
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
Strategy 5. Enhance environmental outcome and reducing environment pressure through

Reciprocity, Suasive Tools and Community Empowerment.
5.1 Apply community based and suasive tools for Sustainable No. of tools introduced   
Ecosystem Management Other relevant
government agencies,
5.1.1 Identify Community-managed conservation areas possible Co-management benefits  50 MoE
CBOs, NGOs and civil
and execute the projects
society
5.1.2 Develop Bio-cultural Community Protocols (BCPs) Extent of BCPs objectives achieved 
5.2 Introduce and operationalize reciprocal complementary Cost saved by communities by reciprocal sharing of
economy for Sustainable Ecosystem Management ecosystem goods and services Other relevant
government agencies,
5 MoE
CBOs, NGOs and civil
No. of Benefit Sharing Agreements and Volume of BES   society
exchanged
5.3 Develop sustainable standards and criteria for identified No. of standards and criteria developed    2 MoE Sectoral line agencies
sectors
Strategy 6. Commence Green Accounting practice in Sri Lanka.

6.1 Prepare a manual for initiating Green Accounting practice Study is completed None (other Complete 
than discussions)
6.2 Establish implementation mechanism with human Statistical unit established 
CBSL, DCS, other
resources 25 MoE
statistical agencies
6.3 Conduct valuation of the stock of natural capital First green accounts available  
6.4 Establish accounting methods for annual estimates of new Annual changes in the stock and flows of natural capital 
additions to natural capital and its depreciations available
288 289
chapter 4
INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE

MANAGEMENT FOR GREEN GROWTH
290 291
4.1 Introduction
Environmental knowledge goes beyond the traditional confines of awareness, advocacy and education. In
today’s information-saturated, digitally inter-connected world, environmental knowledge is about information
that promotes a different value system and leads the next generation away from a high-consumption, high-
pollution lifestyle to one more harmonious with nature. In 2015, countries of the world signed the Sustainable
Development Goals - agreeing to balance economic development needs with social and environmental
safeguards, over the next 15 years. The sustainable development agenda for 2030 has roots in the global
environmental conservation efforts of over three decades. The concepts of sustainable development and
inter-generational equity were introduced as far back as 1980 by the World Conservation Strategy, jointly
promulgated by IUCN/UNEP/WWF, and later reinforced by the Brundtland Commission Report (Brutland,
1987). This landmark report refers to: (a) the need for reconciliation between economic development and
environmental conservation; (b) the need to place any understanding of environmental concerns within a
socio-economic and political context; and (c) the need to combine environment and development concerns.
The term ‘sustainable development’ presented the theoretical basis to balance the three pillars (environment,
economic and social) of development and to re-orient the large economic aspects of development towards a
more holistic approach.
In the current age of sustainable development, there is a strong focus on lifelong learning and building national
human resources. Advanced capacities are required to take forward the environmental conservation agenda
through technology, social norms and values, as well as mindful and ethical consumption. The Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) expressly detail different targets on conservation and education, and these speak
to capacities for policy makers, researchers, teachers, media and public to act/promote the new global
agenda for sustainability. SDGs promote access to quality knowledge and information to transform society
by reorienting education and helping people develop knowledge, skills, values and behaviours needed for
sustainable development. It is about including sustainable development issues – such as climate change and
biodiversity – into teaching and learning. Individuals are encouraged to be responsible citizens who resolve
environmental challenges, respect cultural diversity, and contribute to creating a world that is kinder to its
people and gentler on the environment.
Environmental knowledge and education are defined as a learning process that increases people’s knowledge
and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise
to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions
and take responsible action.’ (UNESCO, 1992).
Communicating for Development is:

‘A social process based on dialogue using a broad range of tools and methods. It is also about seeking
change at different levels including listening, building trust, sharing knowledge and skills, building policies,
debating and learning for sustained and meaningful change’. (UNESCO, UNEP 1976)
4.2 Current Status: Education and Sustainable Development in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has achieved high human development with a comparatively low impact on the climate and natural
systems (Pascal et al., 2020). Sri Lanka’s per capita emissions remain low - at 1.02 tonnes per person (UNFCCC,
2021) - and is lowest among middle-income countries. Approximately 35% of the country is set aside as
protected areas (MoMD&E, 2016). The economy is based largely on services, plantations and manufacture.
About half the power generation is met through monsoon-dependent renewable energy such as large
hydropower generation. The population remains largely rural and agriculture dependent. Cultural and
religious norms place value on a simple lifestyle and constrained consumption. In this respect, the country
has been highlighted in recent studies, as an example of a nation that has placed value on education, social
protection, health and well-being above industrial and consumption-based economic growth. Basically, it is
a country that can provide an example of ‘sustainable and low-carbon development’ (Pascale et al., 2020).
292 293
However, recent developments have not been so promising. Sri Lanka is a densely populated country and CEA is the creation of the Environmental Pioneer programmes for national schools. These programmes have
its forest cover depletes annually, mainly for commercial agriculture and expanding townships. Its Central created a new generation of environmental enthusiasts and activists, creating space for a more vibrant youth
Highlands UNESCO world heritage site is considered the ‘water tower’ of the country, but is impacted by engagement in conservation activities.
forest depletion, encroachment, land erosion through unsustainable agriculture practices and climate
change-induced droughts. Sri Lanka’s power sector is moving increasingly towards fossil fuels because However, Sri Lanka’s examination-focused education system also does not deliver practical, tactile education
of unpredictable monsoons, while solid and chemical waste management has become a huge social and on nature and its components. This gap continues throughout tertiary levels of education in all areas, creating
environmental issue. The pressure for land in rural areas and expanding human settlements cause conflict an educated younger generation out of touch with intrinsic and practical environmental awareness with an
between humans and wildlife. In 2019 Sri Lanka recorded 405 elephant deaths and reportedly 12 leopard immediate connection to the natural world, and supports the required propulsion to sustainable lifestyles and
deaths in 2020. Water quantity and quality have both depleted rapidly both because of increased extraction consumption. Sustainable production is articulated in some education programmes, particularly at University
and pollution. At least three provinces record human mortality and morbidity due to Chronic Kidney Disease, and Continuing Professional Development education systems, however, sustainable consumption concepts
attributed to poor water quality. Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka has set aside some 35% of its lands for have not been incorporated in the education system. The underpinning principles of sustainable development
conservation as legally protected areas. Sri Lanka’s forest cover hovers around 29% and its natural resources such as its multidisciplinary context, interdisciplinary insight, systems-thinking and life-cycle approach, which
are used extensively for tourism promotion and local/traditional industries. are required to achieve a transformative change in the way education is delivered and received, are still not
reflected adequately in Sri Lanka’s schools, universities and other avenues for the creation of awareness. As
While addressing poverty and reaching middle-income status over the past 20 years and while recovering such, the inclusion of SCP as a holistic, lifelong learning opportunity is identified as an urgent need by the
from a 30-year internal conflict, Sri Lanka has urbanised rapidly. Official statistics do not count the large sprawl stakeholders, not only for the progression of the education sector itself, but also for shaping the entire society
that has developed around urban centres and along major road networks. Urban migration is also spurred to take on the transformative development paradigm demanded of this era.
by low-returns on subsistence agriculture, lack of employment opportunities in rural areas and unwillingness
of youth to engage in traditional livelihoods such as fishery, farming and work in plantations. Urban lifestyles At the same time, a new wave of environmental consciousness is currently evident. Environmental awareness
and consumption patterns depart significantly from the traditional, sustainable rural life of Sri Lanka. With is promoted, and increasingly through social media channels - by civil society groups and a vigilant media.
better incomes, an emerging, urbanised (or aspiring to be urban) middle class has started to embrace a The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has a green lending programme to encourage banks to adopt more social and
“Western” perspective of a “good life” at the expense of their traditional consumption patterns. environmental safeguards when financing projects. Sri Lanka’s Sustainable Development Policy and Strategy
is detailed in the following section and promotes a path of balanced human development rooted firmly in the
Since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Agenda in 2015, Sri Lanka has developed a number triad of social, economic and environmental indicators of growth and progress.
of strategic documents extolling the country’s sustainable past, highlighting the current unsustainable
development trajectory and the need to find a middle ground - meeting economic and well-being aspirations 4.3 Policy and Legal Framework that influence Environmental and SD
of the people with environmental conservation. Some critical issues that have arisen consistently in this Knowledge
discourse are the rising inequality between geographical regions and the urban-rural divide, driving increased
migration into urban centres, the increasing exposure of rural agricultural life to climatic extremes, high 4.3.1 Right to Information (RTI)
levels of unemployment among more educated youth, and demand for more forest lands for agricultural
The right of access to information was introduced in Sri Lanka as a fundamental right, with the incorporation
expansion - exacerbating human-wildlife conflict and water management issues.
of Article 14 (a) (i) in the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Thereafter, in giving effect to this right, the
With increasing urbanisation and digitalization, Sri Lanka’s working population and younger generation are Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016 was enacted by the Sri Lankan Parliament in August 2016, providing
losing their traditional roots that firmly bound people to the environment around them. for a mechanism to obtain and supply information. With the issuance of Regulations under the Act, the
RTI became fully operational in Sri Lanka in February 2017. The RTI Act envisages information disclosure
A number of recent assessments on Sri Lanka’s education opportunities for sustainable development point through two predominant means - provision of information in response to a RTI request submitted to a public
to opportunities and gaps in this area. An in-country situation analysis National Sustainable Consumption authority by a citizen and proactive disclosure of information by public authorities62.
and Production (SCP) Education Plan (SWITCHAsia, 2017) points out that Sri Lanka has historically prioritised
the education sector, and placed emphasis on management of natural resources and the environment • Proactive information disclosure: Section 9 compels every government minister to disclose information
through legal and institutional mechanisms. Environmental education has become part of the school and relating to initiation of development projects to the public, and particularly, to persons affected by such
university curricula, with many universities offering specialist environmental degree programmes and post- projects. There are practical reasons that these requirements are partially followed or observed in the
graduate courses. Environmental concepts have been integrated into other mainstream tertiary streams – breach. Most of these reasons relate to the lack of appropriate communication strategies to for timely
engineering, economics, architecture, agriculture, legal and communication. The Ministry of Environment communication.
has engaged in school awareness programmes for targeted campaigns. One of the most consistent campaigns
• There are concerns with regard to the transparency of decision-making on the applicable processes, i.e.
has been around Protecting the Ozone Layer. Agencies allied to the Ministry or engaged in conservation –
whether IEE or EIA should be done. Questions relating to the deciding authority and the criteria for decision-
such as the Central Environmental Authority, Forest Department and Marine Pollution Prevention Authority
making remain unanswered.
– have conducted educational programmes targeting schools, youth and public at different times, generally
aiming at commemorative days for Oceans, Forests, Biodiversity, Environment, Water etc. The Environment For the RTI to be meaningful in environmental processes, people at the ground level, need to be educated on
Education and Awareness Division of the Central Environmental Authority was established three decades RTI. There are concerns regarding how public awareness raising can occur sustainably. CSOs cannot be relied
ago and imparts education and awareness for various target groups. Programmes developed by this unit are
targeted for a diverse audience - ranging from public officials to pre-schoolers. An important legacy of the
62 in terms of Sections 8 and 9 of the RTI Act and Regulation 20 issued in terms of the RTI Act.
294 295
on fully to meet this objective, as CSO interventions are mostly donor-driven and therefore, not sustainable. conservation and (f) Eco-management: maintaining or improving the environment through practical, physical
In addition, both CSO activism and environmental activism are highly politicised, resulting in selective concern action (Hungerford and Litherland, 1986). These strategies require knowledge and information that is timely,
regarding issues. relevant, accurate and accessible. Information can be data and spatial information, traditional knowledge
and practices, research findings, analyses and promotional material. The actions described above have been
4.3.2 The National Policy and Strategy for Sustainable Development (Draft 2019) encapsulated into five main strategies to deliver knowledge and information.
The vision of the national policy and strategy on sustainable development is a “Sustainably Developed Sri 1. Coordinate and incentivise knowledge generation for environmental management.
Lanka” referring to a nation that is free of poverty, hunger, disease and want. The vision points to a nation 2. Guide and empower decision-makers with timely access to quality data and information.
that is a just, equitable, tolerant, open and socially inclusive nation, in which the needs of the most vulnerable
3. Influence behaviour and attitudinal change through awareness and advocacy.
are met. A country that prioritises not just economic growth, but sustained, inclusive and sustainable growth
and decent work. A future where consumption and production patterns are sustainable and wise-use of all 4. Promote quality and lifelong environmental and sustainability-oriented education.
natural resources such as land, water, forests, minerals and seas. A nation in which good governance and
5. Build capacities and access financing for research, innovation and monitoring change.
the rule of law prevail. A nation where development and the application of technology are climate-sensitive,
which respects biodiversity and is resilient to natural and man-made shocks and people live in harmony This chapter acknowledges the strategies and actions in Chapter 2 related to knowledge generation,
with nature, and protecting other living species and forests. This utopian dream requires policy makers to information dissemination, education, advocacy and capacity building embedded in the thematic sectors.
balance development needs with conservation priorities and social inclusion. Sri Lanka, in this strategic policy This chapter does not attempt to duplicate sector-specific knowledge management activities, which are
and action framework, has expressed its own priorities along the framework of the 17 SDGs, around seven built in to complement actions proposed by the sector experts and are vested with specific sectoral (often
guiding principles - all of which are driven by knowledge and awareness of the foundational building blocks technical) agencies. Instead, this chapter provides an umbrella approach (see Fig. 4.1), with two arms that
of sustainable development. to support thematic areas and specific knowledge management actions for sustainable development (see
Fig. 4.2). Thematic areas will be supported to implement sector-specific actions by creating an enabling
4.3.3 National Policy on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) environment (providing platforms, policies and protocols for information sharing, technical advisory services);
by coordination among agencies and thematics for efficient and cost-effective programmes and by monitoring
This policy was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2017, with support from the European Union. The SCP
effectiveness of knowledge delivery (Figure 4.1).
emphasised global concerns relating to sustainable development and the need to incentivise and promote
environmentally conscious, socially appropriate production and ethical consumption patterns. The SCP seeks
Beyond this umbrella support to the thematic areas and their KM strategies and actions, this chapter outlines
to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation by:
some knowledge, advocacy and education pathways that are critical to ensure the transition to a low-carbon,
• Reducing material/energy intensity of economic activities by reducing emissions and waste from extraction, sustainable development paradigm that is well informed and science-based. Actions that have been designed
production, consumption and disposal; specific to this chapter are outlined in Figure 4.2. These strategies correspond to several SDG targets as
detailed in Table 4.1.
• Promoting a shift of consumption patterns towards groups of goods and services with lower energy and
material intensity without compromising the quality of life;
• Applying life-cycle thinking, which considers the impacts from all life-cycle stages of the production and • Data and knowledge sharing protocols and platforms
consumption process; and Creating the enabling • Data and knowledge gap assessment
Environment • Capacities for government, teachers, trainers, media
• Guarding against the rebound effect, where efficiency gains are cancelled out by resulting increases in and civil society for environmental KM
consumption.
• CEPOM on Knowledge Management
The Policy Principle on “knowledgeable, conscious, inclusive and empowered nation on SCP” seeks to sensitise Coordinated • Joint Campaigns on SD Themes
all citizens to appreciate SCP as the basis for a good lifestyle; develop a critical mass of human capital to Knowledge Generation • Linking science and communication media
and Dissemination
promote SCP; introduce SCP concepts into the Sri Lankan education system as a life skill; promote concepts • CSO coordination & engagement
such as systems analytics, life cycle thinking among all social segments but especially the public sector; make • Practical learning for schools and universities
the private sector aware of economic benefits of SCP; establish National Innovation Systems to create/foster
innovative research and guide and support consumers’ choices for sustainable products and services changes • Survey’s to measure effectiveness of KM actions
through information, including eco-labels. These are measured by a number of time-bound policy targets, Monitoring
• Data for indicators on KM
which unfortunately, have not been met. Progress • Environmental status reports tracking NEAP
implementation
• M&E Committee reporting to CEPOM established
4.4 Strategies for Management
Action that is designed to deliver knowledge and environmental information to build eco-consciousness is
presented in six categories: (a) Negotiation: attempting to reach an agreement over an environmental issue,
policy or practice through discussion; (b) Persuasion: attempting to modify the other’s viewpoints, through
Figure 4.1. Knowledge Management Umbrella Services to support thematic areas
public debate, speeches, or media campaigns; (c) Consumerism: discriminating through social action or
boycotting goods and services; (d) Political action: lobbying, voting or supporting politicians to strengthen
environmental policy; (e) Legal action: ensuring the enforcement of laws and regulations meant to support
296 297
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT FOR GREEN GROWTH KM Strategy Corresponding Thematic Area and relevant Strategy
SDG Targets
KM for NEAP and
Sectorial Knowledge Management 4. Promote quality 4.4 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use (Strategy 4)
Sustainable Development
and lifelong 4.7 Greening the Industry (Strategy 9)
environmental
Political and policy buy-in Research and analysis and Sustainable Land Resources Management (Strategy 6)
sustainability- Water (Strategy 13)
oriented
Negotiation capacity Sectoral Data education
5. Build capacities 17.6 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use (Strategy 6 & 7)
and access 9b Air Quality Management (Strategy 9)
Holistic and Practical
Communication Campaign financing for 9c
Education
research, Sustainable Use of Coastal and Marine Resources (Strategy 7)
innovation and Holistic Waste Management (Strategy 7)
Data generation and
sharing
Education and training monitoring
change
Table 4.2: Stakeholder groups
Training of Trainers
Government Media Civil Society

Environment Status
Reports
Development Education Politicians & Professional Non- Private Sector
Sector Parliamentarians Associations governmental
Figure 4.2. Differentiating thematic and overall KM action Organizations
Table 4.1: KM Strategies, SDG targets and corresponding thematic KM Strategies National SD Ministry of Provincial Electronic/ SLAAS National NGOS Chambers
Council Education Councillors print
KM Strategy Corresponding Thematic Area and relevant Strategy journalists
SDG Targets Department National Parliamentarians Journalism IEPSL Regional NGOs District
of Census and Institute of Training Industry
1. Coordinate 12a Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use (Strategy 4) Statistics Education Institutes Chambers
and incentivise 14a Air Quality Management (Strategy 9) Ministry of Vocational Women’s Caucus Media OPA Federations or Sustainable
knowledge 17.16 Environment Training Colleges collectives Banking
generation for Holistic Waste Management (Strategy 7) Institutes Network
environmental Sustainable Use of Coastal and Marine Resources (Strategy 7) Central University Social media SLEMA Presidential Biodiversity
management Environmental Grants influencers Environmental Sri Lanka
2. Guide and 12.8 Climate Actions for Sustainability (Strategy 9) Authority Commission Medallists
empower 13.3 Forum
Sustainable Land Resources Management (Strategy 7 & 8)
decision- 17.14 District Universities Media Bar
makers, with Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use (Strategy 6) Development regulator Association
timely access to Committees
quality data and District Teacher Electronic/ Research and
information Environmental Training print think tanks
3. Influence 12.8 Environment Management of Cities and Human Settlements Committees Colleges journalists
behaviour and 8.4 (Strategy 7) Judiciary Religious
Education
attitudinal 8.8
Greening the Industry (Strategies 8 & 9) centres
change through
Integrated Water Resources Management (Strategy 13) Provincial Ministry
awareness and
Councils of Higher
advocacy Education
SLIDA
IPS/ NSF/
District
Secretariats
298 299
4.5 Action Plan for information and knowledge management for

Green Growth
Strategic Activity/Specific Actions Key Performance Indicators Baseline Targets Time Frame Budget Implementation Responsibility
(KPIs) (in years) (LKR M)
1- 2 2–5 5–10
Strategy 1: Coordinate and incentivise knowledge generation for environmental management.

1.1 Promote Research for Knowledge gaps No. of new peer-reviewed, Research is not Cloud-based portal for environmental research    MoE UGC
published papers coordinated among available
IPS, IFS and NSF
responding to research technical agencies or
needs divisions of the Ministry
1.1.1 Coordination mechanism for new environmental research Coordination mechanism 0 At least 01 meeting per yr    1 MoE
established at MoE meetings
1.1.2 Produce bi-annual research gap report and circulate to all Research gap report 0 05 RGP produced (2022,2024,2026,2028,    10 MoE
technical agencies63, universities and tertiary institutions 2030)
through a research needs seminar
1.1.3 Provide grants for multi-disciplinary research projects with No. of new grants provided 0 Identify 5 research areas and fund new    25 MoE
NSF, IFS, IPS and UGC research projects64
1.1.4 Develop reporting templates to streamline inputs of final No. of reports submitted by Ad hoc reporting 02 reports per intern on prescribed template    1 MoE CEA
year students posted into the Ministry and CEA research interns
1.1.5 Provide a platform for Environment Research and Platform operational and Not available At least 05 technical agencies and ten    2 MoE, CEA
Information Sharing accessible universities sharing environmental research
findings
1.2 Traditional knowledge conservation and use mechanisms No. of TK-based solutions TK information is TK repository at MoE linking to other    MoE, MoCA
developed added to the knowledge collected but not widely databases at national/provincial level
CEA SDC, MoEd
repository disseminated
1.2.1 Traditional knowledge repositories for biodiversity, food TK repositories available 0 06 sector-based repositories for biodiversity,    5 MoE MoA, State ministry
security, climate and water management, agriculture created food security, climate and water management, of Indigenous
at MoE and other relevant government agencies agriculture and health medicine, MoWS
1.2.2 Competitions for submissions of TK solutions for No. of TK-based 0 At least 03 competitions   10 MoE
environmental issues in schools and universities encouraging competitions for schools
students to think ‘outside the box’ and universities
1.3 Environmental data standards and data sharing promoted No. of inter-agency data No. data sharing No. of clearing house mechanisms operational   MoE and ICTA
sharing agreements signed protocol in place SDC
No. of new environmental indicators FD, DWC, CC&CRMD,
measured MEPA,
1.3.1 Environmental data sharing protocols developed linked to Data sharing protocols 0 Data sharing protocols gazetted   5 MoE ICTA
National Data and Information Sharing Policy
1.3.2 Incentives, training and awareness to increase data collection No. of training programmes 0 1 programme/yr   2 DCS
and standardization for quality environmental data for data standardisation
1.3.3 Prepare Status of the Environment / Environmental Outlook Outlook reports published Last report published in Corresponding to the Global Environmental    20 MoE Uni and Policy Think
reports for Sri Lanka 2009 Outlook reports Tanks
63 Such as Forest Department, Department of Wildlife, Marine Environmental protection Agency, CEA, Coastal Resources and Management Authority
64 Linked to Strategy 5, action 5.1
300 301
1- 2 2–5 5–10
1.3.4 Establish inter-ministerial working group for environmental No. of SDG indicators/ or Only 5 out of 44 Data or proxy data available and collated for    1 SDC DCS
SDGs indicators and data analytics, identify sub-clusters to localised proxy indicators indicators for 44 indicators or their localised indicators
work on compound indicators and support reported against by 2030 environment reported
in 2018
1.3.5 Initiate international technical cooperation to overcome No. of capacity building 0 At least 02 programmes conducted x x x 100 (from SDC and
environmental data deficiencies and build capacity of initiatives for environmental donor DCS
national and local public sector officials on environmental SDGs agencies)
SDGs and their data needs
2. Guide and empower decision- makers, with timely access to quality data and information.
2.1 Empowering national and local political leaders with No. of parliament None 03-04/ yr    MoE CEA, SDC
scientific data and information debates conducted on
environmental issues
2.1.1 Establish an inter-ministerial committee on Inter-ministerial 0 02/yr    2.5 MoE CEA, SDC
environmental issues under the Minister for committee meetings
Environment to support NEAP implementation
and link with the Inter-ministerial Coordinating
Committee on SDGs
2.1.2 Develop briefing papers and position papers, policy No. of briefing papers Ad-hoc and when Depending on inter-ministerial    20 MoE CEA
recommendations for current environmental issues requested committee recommendations, develop
with stakeholder input at least 02 papers/yr
2.1.3 Establish a NEAP CC65 for environmental knowledge NEAP CC established Not available NEAP CC meetings to monitor    No MoE
and communications and meet at least 02/yr Knowledge and Communications Action additional
Plan cost
2.2 District and Provincial development planners/ No. of inter-agency data None Training for district level officials 02/yr    CEA, MoE ICTA
committees access information/data for sharing agreements
Environmental safeguards programmes
development decision-making signed
01/yr
Electronic content produced
06 modules in all 03 languages
2.2.1 Updated District environmental profiles are available District Environmental TBE 66
All DEP’s updated with MoE support by    50 CEA, MoE
and have the data repositories online to enable profiles updated 2025
NEAP implementation
2.2.2 Training to DSs, DDCs and DECs67 on accessing and No. of data related 0 Initial training pgm-25, bi annually 75    20 MoE FD, DWC, SD, ICTA,
using data in Biodiversity and Climate clearing training programmes LUPPD
houses and other databases
2.2.3 Develop online module on accessing environmental Online module updated 0 Module available (2023) updated (2027)   40 MoE ICTA
data repositories including Clearing House in 3 languages
Mechanisms (Biodiversity and Climate Change) and
how to use this data for development decision-
making
65 Please refer Chapter 4 on Implementing Arrangements

66 To be established in 2022
67 District Secretariat, District Development Committees, District Environmental Committees
302 303
1- 2 2–5 5–10
2.3 Promote landscape level planning tools and Strategic No. of national and unknown All national and district planning    CEA
Environmental Assessments for development district planning officials officials are aware of SEA approach and
planning. aware of SEA and are trained to use it
landscape approaches
2.3.1 Develop training modules i) landscape Training modules 0 02    10 CEA MoE, Uni
approaches for ecosystem restoration and available
sustainable development and ii) applying strategic
environmental assessments as a development
planning tool
2.3.2 Conduct awareness programmes for public sector, No. of officials with TBE At least 25 national and 25 subnational    30 CEA, MoE SLIDA
private sector developers, project proponents, improved knowledge officials/ yr
Ministry of Finance, National Planning Department, on SEA and Landscape
Sustainable Development Council Approach
3. Influence behaviour and attitudinal change through awareness and advocacy.

3.1 Develop and maintain a pool of trainers/ resource persons No. of trainers registered No training pool At least 25 trainers added every year through    MoE, CEA, SDC
with deep understanding and commitment to eco-conscious in MoE and available for available ToT CEA
development/ sustainable living programmes
3.1.1 Develop a localised, unique training and awareness package Training programme 0 Training programme developed in 2022,   10 CEA, MoE SDC Uni
for sustainable living and green development adapted to Sri available updated in 2025
Lankan context
3.1.2 Training of trainers conducted for a wide range of resource ToTs conducted 0 02/yr    15 CEA MoE
persons drawn from media, academics, government and
private sectors
3.1.3 Mobilise retired public and private officials and teachers as No. of retired officers 0 25 per year    5 CEA MoE, SDC
trainers and promoters of eco-conscious lifestyles trained and mobilised
3.1.4 Build environmental consciousness among religious leaders, No. of religious persons 0 100 per district   10 CEA MoCA
preachers and influential religious personalities to promote trained as trainers
environmental awareness through religious programmes
3.2 Promote public awareness on sustainable consumption and Localised awareness Not available At least 01 campaign/yr    3 CEA SDC
eco-conscious lifestyles programme development
3.2.1 Develop content for new and conventional media (social Promotional content 02-03 graphics At least 05-06 graphic and video-based    5 CEA MoE, SDC
media, print, web-based and electronic) on sustainable developed content created/yr
lifestyles and sustainable consumption
3.2.2 Environmental promotional campaigns designed and Reach of media campaigns Currently CEA has Budget increased by 100% and at least 10    25 CEA MoE
disseminated through multiple media channels a small budget for successful campaigns conducted by 2030
annual environmental
promotions
3.2.3 Poster and video-based knowledge products annually for New media influence 10 Posters Social Media At least 20 new social media posts and 04    15 CEA MoE
social media with women social media influencers (artists/ measured. 02 videos videos created/yr
sportspersons and religious) to speak on sustainable lifestyles Social media following increased
No. of posts and messages
with over 1,000 hits
304 305
1- 2 2–5 5–10
3.2.4 Conduct annual surveys through online or WhatsApp based Survey results available on 0 At least 09 surveys administered after    2 CEA, MoE Uni,
platforms to monitor effectiveness of information campaigns website awareness campaigns are launched
3.2.5 Training of Trainers (ToTs) for environmental promotions on No. of officials trained in 0 01 ToT conducted every year for communications    10 CEA, MoE MoMM
using professional communications tools and new media new media officials from all technical agencies
3.3 Target youth and especially young entrepreneurs for Youth targeted Ad hoc programmes Prepared plan to reach younger generation    10 MoE, CEA, MoE, NYSC
sustainable development, consumption and production programmes for sustainable conducted on demand through 03 youth clubs and 02 entrepreneurs CEA
related awareness consumption and with programmes on SCP (2023)
production Funded and implemented Plan (2024-2030)
3.3.1 Initiate partnership with NYSC and youth clubs to promote No. of youth clubs with 0 At least 01 programme/yr    30 NYSC CEA, MoE
sustainable concepts and a youth awards scheme for sustainability programmes
sustainability
3.3.2 Develop programmes targeting young entrepreneurs No. of programmes 0 02 programmes/yr    20 MoYS Sustainable Banking
promoting sustainable production and environmental- conducted for green Network, MoF, NYSC
friendly, green technologies technology at Province/
District Chambers
3.3.3 Create IT or app-based knowledge platforms that can be used Green Technology App 0 App available (2024)    10 ICTA MoYS CEA, MoE,
by young entrepreneurs Downloads monitored (2025-2030) NYSC, SMED, NEDA
3.4 Groom a new generation of environmentally-literate political No. of young TBE68 At least 02 young (below 40) parliamentarians    MoE CEA
actors parliamentarians involved engaged every year in environmental action/
in environmental action negotiations
3.4.1 Include select young politicians in delegations representing Environmental negotiation 0 Transparent process established to include    2 MoE Parliament
Sri Lanka for international convention meetings / missions/ mission composition youth politicians and ministers in 02 country
negotiations negotiation missions/yr
3.4.2 Commemorate international days (Forest/Ocean/ Participation and speeches 1 national Programme Youth political participation increase by 20%    2 MoE Parliament,
Environment/Water/Biodiversity, land, air quality & Ozone) made by young politicians 25 District programmes by 2024, 30% by 2026 50% by 2030 PCs
with young political leadership at national/provincial
3.5 Improved engagement with civil society No. of joint programmes 0 One joint advocacy campaign conducted with    MoE and NGOs, NGOS,
with Civil Society civil society CEA CSO federations
3.5.1 Conduct regular dialogues with civil society groups under Dialogues with NGOs and Ad hoc Structured discussions with CSOs (02/yr)    5 MoE and NGOs, NGOS,
Minister’s patronage CSOs CEA CSO federations
3.5.2 Engage civil society groups for environmental advocacy by No. of grants provided for Ad hoc 10-15/yr    10 MoE and NGOs, NGOS,
providing technical and other support to conduct thematic advocacy campaigns CEA CSO federations
campaigns
3.6 Build media capacity and knowledge to report on sustainable, No. of journalists reporting TBE69 50% increase by 2025    MoMM, CEA
eco-conscious development projects on environmental issues SLPC
with facts and data 100% increase by 2030
3.6.1 Education and awareness on sustainable consumption and No. of advertising 0 10/yr    20 CEA CEA
production for advertising industry companies participated in
awareness programmes
3.6.2 Conduct practical programmes and courses for journalism No. of field visits conducted 0 At least 05 visits/yr70    25 MoMM, Journalism and
for journalists SLPC media undergraduate
programmes
68 To be established through a survey of parliamentarians and provincial politicians in 2022
69 To be Established through a survey in 2022
70 This target should be discussed with other thematics such as biodiversity, coastal, water and waste
306 307
1- 2 2–5 5–10
3.6.3 Journalism awards to promote consistent reporting on No. of journalists trained 0 Programme established and funded (2023)    20 MoMM, CEA
environmental issues (Develop a programme that offers Journalists trained 10-15/yr from 2025 SLPC
mentoring and stipend for environmental reporting for 10-12 onwards
media annually)
3.7 Establish baseline and monitoring system on environmental Monitoring standards and Baseline established in Monitoring protocol developed (2022) annual    CEA Independent
awareness and engagement to support KM activities system operational 2022 data collection (2022 onwards) Surveys (2022, evaluators, Uni
2024, 2027, 2030)
4. Promote quality and lifelong environmental and sustainability-oriented education.

4.1 Improve and upgrade content in school and university No. of upgrades added Upgrades are not At least 04 coordinated and upgraded.    NIE and MoE, CEA
curricula to national school and coordinated UGC
02 for schools and 02 for universities
university curricula
4.1.1 Review current environmental subjects and technical Curriculum committee None Committee established with membership from    3 NIE and MoE, CEA
curricula every five years to upgrade with new developments established across MoE and CEA UGC
(coordinate across MoE and allied agencies such as CEA, FD,
CCD, MEPA etc)
4.1.2 Develop more accessible on-line courses for environmental/ Online platforms for schools 0 Content developed for 02 courses    15 MoEd. NIE MoE, CEA
sustainable development learning as elective subjects for and universities and UGC
students above Grade 6
4.1.3 Develop Educational Materials including Poster, videos No. of videos 0 05 videos documentaries/yr    25 CEA MoE
documentaries, animation videos etc. relevant to upgraded documentaries per year
curricula
4.2 Promote practical environmental education and nature- % of schools providing Currently environment Every student coming out of the national   MoEd, CEA MoE, CEA
based learning opportunities space for practical education is theory education system has a basic understanding of
environmental education based sustainable living and green development
4.2.1 Promote and engage students in practical environment Environment Clubs TBE 10% of schools to have Environmental Clubs   10 MoEd MoE, CEA, PDoEds
related programmes in their area/ or cross-learning among established in schools by 2023
urban and rural schools
50% by 2025
4.2.2. Nature-based field visits made mandatory for every grade Circular on nature-based None Circular issued to all education zones to   To be MoEd MoE, CEA, PDoEd
learning issued promote and fund nature field visits for every estimated
class annually
4.2.3 Environmental Pioneer Programme to be promoted with No. of Env Pioneers TBE71 At least 100 Presidential medallist/yr    250 CEA MoEd
greater incentives achieving presidential
Increased by 10%/yr
medals
4.2.4 Green schools with SCP clubs or environmental councils No. of Green Schools TBE72 Increased by 50% by 2025    10 MoEd MoE, CEA
to develop better practices in waste, water, energy
100% by 2030
management within schools
4.2.5 Foreign and local study tour to motivate the best No. of programmes with Motivate to eco-friendly 01 programme for merit holders/yr    125 CEA MoEd
performance presidential medallists, teachers and others knowledge and skill sharing generation
01 programme for others/yr
who involve in EPP.
71 To be Established by CEA
72 To be Established by CEA and NIE
308 309
1- 2 2–5 5–10
4.3 Invest in building teacher capacity No. of teachers trained with Teacher training 30% of teaching cadre trained by 2023    MoEd, SDC
new material programmes are mostly PDoEds,
50% by 2025
theoretical and not
NCoE,
integrating practical
Religious
aspects
Education
Centres,
CEA
4.3.1 New training material on sustainable development and No. of programmes and TBE 73
Training material available    50 CEA SDC
integrated teacher training programmes at all Training training material available
Colleges to build cadre of Green Teachers
4.3.2 Implemented Green Leaders’ programme for trained No. of Green Leaders None At least 1,000 Green Leaders/yr    10 CEA, NCoE MoEd, NIE
teachers.
Increased by 50% by 2025
4.3.3 School syllabi reviewed bi-annually with input from all No. of syllabus upgrades Ad hoc 74
At least 03 upgrades aligned with core    3 MoEd, NIE CEA, MoE
environmental sectors and aligned with educational reforms conducted educational reforms by 2030
being rolled out for primary and secondary schools
4.3.4 Teachers to be provided with incentives and budget to Budgets for environmental TBE Budgets secured in 2022    20075 CEA SDC
conduct practical environmental programmes and monitoring programmes for Env. Clubs
Increased by 50% in 2025
of environmental quality of local areas with students
4.3.5 Best Environmental Teacher awards schemes at province No. of applicants for awards TBE76 Increased by 30% by 2025    10 CEA MoEd, SDC
level
4.4 Professional development opportunities for public and No. of professional Not available At least 03 short courses conducted in the    MoE CEA
private sector development courses SLIDA curriculum, Central Bank training
and discussion forums programmes for sustainable banking/ yr
conducted on NEAP
4.4.1 Develop/ improve content for short courses with SLIDA on Course content upgraded TBE Improved environmental courses available for    25 SLIDA MoE
NEAP implementation focusing on overall green development all levels of public sector training
concepts with modules on thematics such as climate change,
biodiversity (land and ocean), air quality, land management
and forestry, industry, water, waste etc
4.4.2 Course on environmental safeguards introduced through Course available None Course developed   10 SLIDA MoE, CEA
SLIDA (with CEA)
4.4.3 Integrate more updated environment-related content No. of public sector officials Course currently being Environmental content reviewed and    25 SDC MoE
and information to the SLIDA course on SDGs, focusing on trained using upgraded conducted by SLIDA for upgraded every 03 yr
modules on environmental goals and their targets course and new content public officials
4.4.4 District-level workshops and forums on environmental No. of national and district TBE At least 03/yr    1 DECs MoE, NPD, SDC
sustainability and safeguards in development programmes levels discussions with CEA
(focus on environmental SDGs) leadership
73 SCP education programme would have developed training material for teachers
74 Environmental activities have been incorporated in to the primary learning curricula and the Grade 6 (upwards) science on an ad hoc basis, as
need arises
75 At least Rs. 20 -25 million per year for 09 years
76 CEA’s Teacher Awards Scheme should be studied for replication
310 311
1- 2 2–5 5–10
4.5 Environmental education for Divisional and Field based staff % of extension workers, Ad hoc training Extension and field officers are equipped to    MoE MoPP&L/DoA, DFAR,
working in rural development, health and extension services by sector, with improved provide sustainable alternatives to current DoH, CEA
of agriculture, fisheries and livestock etc knowledge of sustainable practices
alternatives
4.5.1 Include environmental education, green development No. of in-service training TBE All in-service institutes training field-based  25 MoE with SMoPC&L
concepts and sustainable production into in-service. training institutes with green extension services have green development relevant
curricula for extension services of agriculture, livestock, development programmes modules government
fishery and health etc agencies
4.6 Lifelong environmental learning promoted No. of new programmes None At least 05programmes available in Sinhala    MoE, MoEd International
available in local language and Tamil agencies, foreign Uni
4.6.1 Localize existing online programmes with global institutes/ No. of online programmes None Develop and roll out 02 training programmes   25 MoE International
universities (IUCN, WRI, FAO and UNDP etc.) and promote for available in local languages in Sinhala and Tamil (2023 and 2027) agencies, foreign Uni,
learning for public, civil society, private and media MoEd
4.6.2 Develop cross-discipline programmes at tertiary education No. of new tertiary None At least 03 universities include tertiary    30 MoE, MoEd International
establishments and encourage lifelong learning for retired programmes in local programmes for adult learning on sustainable agencies, foreign Uni
public private sector participants, unemployed, professionals language development
from other disciplines (lawyers, health workers, artists)
5. Build capacities and access financing for research, innovation and monitoring change.
5.1 Develop new partnerships to foster research and innovation % of increase in research Research grants are Allocate research/innovation grants in MoE    MoE, NSF, Inventors Association,
grants compared to 2020 underfunded budget to universities. Increase in multi- UGC,CEA SLINTEC
partner research projects with private sector
and institutes
5.1.1 Build partnerships with foreign research institutes and No. of collaborations and TBE77 Increased by 50% by 2025    25 MoE UGC, ERD
universities to promote cross-learning between countries exchange programmes with
foreign research institutes
5.1.2 Financing research through industry-based CSR or Trust No. of innovative funding TBE79 At least 02 new funding mechanisms by 2025   2 MoE MoF
Funds; or through innovative taxes, levy (such as the funding mechanisms for research
mechanism for air quality research)78
5.2 Innovation and sustainability awards schemes promoted for No. of new innovations TBE80 Patented innovations increased by 25 by 2025   CEA SLIC
private sector from Sri Lanka patented
By 50% by 2030
5.2.1 Presidential Awards scheme further developed and widely No. of applicants for 01 event/yr 01 event/yr    150 CEA Private sector, media
promoted Presidential Awards
5.2.2 Sustainability awards for private sector industry (targeting Innovations awards TBE Increased by 25% in 2025    50 SDC EDB, SLIM
SMEs as well) targeting new innovations for sustainable schemes
Private sector
development in collaboration with SDC’s new awards scheme
Patented innovations By 50% in 2030 Chambers and
for private sector
available for wider use associations,
NIPO
77 To be Established by 2022
78 This indicator is linked to the research gaps identified in Strategy 1 above.
79 To be Established by CEA
80 To be Established by 2022 by Sustainable Development Council
312 313
1- 2 2–5 5–10
5.3 Build capacities to access environmental financing and access No. of new proposals 0 At least 05 new fundable proposal developed   20 NPD MoE, NPD, ERD
innovative novel financing for environmental sustainability developed for and submitted to / approved by Ministry of
environmental finance by Finance/yr
national agencies
5.3.1 Training module on innovative environmental and green No. of awareness Ad hoc programmes Training module developed and conducted, at    10 MoF, MoE CBSL.
financing and green auditing among key officials in Ministry programmes in green least 02 programmes/yr
International
of Finance, National Planning Department and Central Bank financing
Agencies
5.3.2 Systematize green Accounting and auditing / natural capital Green accounting used in 0 TBE    10 DCS, MoE MoF, CBSL
accounting for key sectors key sectors
314 315
chapter 5
IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NEAP
316 317
5.1 Introduction
The Government of Sri Lanka has demonstrated, in many ways, the commitment to environmental conservation,
aligned with its Constitutional provision that “the state shall protect, preserve and improve the environment
for the benefit of the community”. Since the concept of sustainable development gathered momentum in
1980’s, some noteworthy initiatives in environmental planning in Sri Lanka include the establishment of the
Central Environmental Authority; the establishment of a ministry dedicated to the subject of environment;
preparation of the National Conservation Strategy in 1988; the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) in
1992 and its revisions in 1993 and 1998; the National Environmental Policy (NEP) in 2003 and 2022; Caring
for the Environment 2003 and 2008 and the National Action Plan for Haritha Lanka Programme 2009. These
progressive environmental plans, prepared under the leadership of the MoE, were ambitious and visionary in
addressing environmental degradation. However, there were many setbacks in the successful implementation
of those plans. Therefore, in the current iteration of the NEAP 2022-2030, more emphasis is given for the
effective implementation of the proposed plan, to better achieve its intended objectives.
The proposed implementation and monitoring arrangements for the NEAP will facilitate smooth
implementation and easy tracking of the progress of delivery of the targets set in the NEAP. It will also help to
identify barriers to implementation and find remedial measures to overcome such impediments. It will provide
a clear process of monitoring and periodic review. Implementation strategies for environmental actions have
been discussed since the introduction of the National Conservation Strategy (1988), which highlighted the
need for close coordination and cooperation of organizations. The process that is presented here is built upon
the coordinating mechanisms proposed in the first generation of National Environmental Action Plans (1992,
1993 and 1998) and subsequently, in Caring for the Environment (2003 and 2008). Where needed, changes
to those mechanisms are also incorporated to address weaknesses encountered in operationalizing those
measures.
With the mandate for sustainable development and management of the environment, the Ministry of
Environment, together with its line agencies, shall take the lead role in preparing and coordinating the
implementation and monitoring, reviewing and adapting facets of the NEAP, while entrusting the respective
agencies responsible for implementing each action identified in the NEAP.
Because the NEAP is a national plan for environmental management, it requires the coordination and
engagement of many agencies. The MoE has developed the NEAP covering the period 2022-2030 to
operationalize the National Environment Policy, 2022 and taking all environment related sectoral policies,
strategies, programmes and action plans.
The NEAP 2022-2030 is organized under nine thematic areas as discussed in the Chapter 2. These thematic
areas cover strategies and action plans identified in the NEAP for the period covering 2022-2030 and include
Resource Mobilization and Knowledge and Information Management for Eco-conscious Development as
cross-cutting areas, in addition to the Implementation and Monitoring Arrangements being discussed in this
chapter. These cross-cutting areas were formulated as a way of addressing setbacks in the previous versions
of national environmental plans in achieving the objectives laid down therein.
318 319
Figure 5.1 provides a schematic diagram of the mechanism for implementation and coordination of the NEAP. The proposed NEAP CCs are given below:
NEAP CC 1: Air Quality Management
NEAP NATIONAL LEVEL NEAP SUB-NATIONAL LEVEL
COORDINATION COORDINATION
NEAP CC 2: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use
Committee NEAP CC 3: Climate Action for Sustainability
on integrated
NEAP Environment & NEAP CC 4: Conservation and Sustainable Use of Coastal and Marine Resources
Implementation Development NEAP Coordinating committees Provincial Level
Policy (CIEDP) Provincial Env. Committees NEAP CC 5: Sustainable Land Resources Management
Involves State at Chief Secretariats (9) NEAP CC 6: Holistic Waste Management
agencies (national,
NEAP CC 7: Integrated Water Resources Management
provincial and
local) Inter District Level NEAP CC 8: Environmental Management in Cities and Human Settlements
NEAP Secretariat at MoE
governmental
NEAP Governing
District Env. Committees at NEAP CC 9: Greening Industry
Agencies (IGOs) District Secretariats (25)
Body at MoE Facilitation / Periodic NEAP CC 10: Information and Knowledge Management for Green Growth
International
Coordination Reporting NEAP CC 11: Resource Mobilization
Organisations (IOs)
Private Sector Divisional Level
These NEAP CCs should be constituted with agency heads of responsible agencies in all thematic /
Periodic Divisional Env. Committees
NGOs Community cross-cutting areas under each committee. Meetings should be convened on quarterly basis, under the joint
Reporting at Div. Secretariats (331)
at national and sub Chairpersonship of the Secretary MoE and respective Secretaries of the Ministry/Ministries relevant to the
national levels subject area/s of the specific NEAP CC. The joint Chairpersonship of each NEAP Coordinating Committee
Guidance / could be held on a rotational basis by the Secretary of the lead ministry (ies) within the sectoral group, in
NEAP Working Groups (NWGs)
Feedback instances where there are many ministries involved. The NEAP CCs for subjects within the jurisdiction of the
MoE will be Chaired solely by the Secretary MoE.
Figure 5.1. NEAP Implementation and Monitoring arrangements
Membership of each committee should include, ideally,
a) key officials of the agencies responsible for implementing NEAP actions (ministries, departments, statutory
5.2 Institutional Arrangements for Coordination of NEAP Implementation
bodies);
and Monitoring
b) inter-governmental and international organizations relevant to the specific subject areas;
5.2.1 Committee on Integrated Environment & Development Policy (CIEDP)
c) recognized experts in the relevant subject areas;
It is proposed that a Committee on Integrated Environment and Development Policy (CIEDP), is convened as
d) civil society organizations and community-based organizations;
an apex body for harmonizing environment and development decision-making. The purpose of the CIEDP is
to handle any policy inconsistencies/complex policy decisions that may arise in the process of implementing e) private sector representation; and
NEAP. This same arrangement can be used for other programmes including the implementation of Nationally f) provincial planning secretariats.
Determined Contributions (NDCs). The CIEDP should be chaired by the President’s Secretary and will have
Environment, Finance, Planning and Secretaries of development-oriented ministries as members. The Department of National Planning and any other relevant agency can be included in every NEAP
Coordinating Committee. Also, depending on the need, agencies which are not in NEAP CCs can also be
5.2.2 Coordinating Committees (NEAP CCs) invited for meetings.
NEAP proposes over 650 environmental actions, within nearly 100 strategies, under nine thematic and NEAP CC functions are detailed under the broad categories of coordination, facilitation and monitoring of the
three cross-cutting areas. Responsibility for implementing most of these actions are under various national, NEAP implementation as follows:
provincial and local authority level stakeholders, outside the ambit of the MoE and its line agencies.
Therefore, an appropriate institutional mechanism for the coordination of activities across various ministries 1. Periodically reviewing the progress of the implementation of the NEAP thematic areas.
is essential for smooth implementation of the NEAP. NEAP Coordinating Committees (NEAP CCs) are proposed 2. Identifying any constraints/hindrances for smooth implementation of NEAP actions within the NEAP CC
for coordinating action and monitoring progress amongst line agencies across ministries. As recommended area and through respective ministries/line agencies, providing guidance/support as needed, to overcome
in this NEAP, eleven NEAP Coordinating Committees (NEAP CC) for NEAP implementation will be established, these.
representing nine thematic areas and two cross-cutting areas (Communication and Knowledge Management,
3. Providing guidance for resource mobilization for areas lacking resources for implementing actions in the
as well as Resource Mobilization). Each NEAP Coordinating Committee is expected to focus on these actions
NEAP.
within its area of authority that affect the whole or any part of the environment.
4. Identifying important new issues related to environmental management, that need new or different policy,
regulation or legislative directions/approaches than those mentioned in the NEAP.
5. Assisting in the smooth collaboration of NEAP Focal Points of development agencies, assess capacity needs
and coordinate capacity enhancement for better NEAP implementation.
320 321
Identifying specific issues that cannot be resolved by the respective NEAP Coordinating Committees and 5.2.3.2 NEAP Working Groups
preparing relevant papers on these sectoral issues should be referred to the higher-level Committee of
Required technical support for the above NEAP CCs are expected to be provided by operational NEAP Working
Secretaries (the Committee on Integrated Environment and Development Policy - CIEDP) to obtain solutions.
Groups (NWGs) for each thematic/cross-cutting area. The respective Directors of MoE are expected to lead
and convene NWGs for all 11 areas. These NWGs will include appointed representatives from all lead agency
5.2.3 NEAP Secretariat (NEAP Focal Points of respective agencies) and outside experts, as appropriate, in the given nine thematic
The Ministry of Environment is expected to create a dedicated unit, with required capacities as the NEAP areas and two cross-cutting areas.
Secretariat within the MoE, to facilitate and coordinate NEAP implementation and monitoring. Within the
NEAP focal points are key persons in coordinating activities relating to NEAP within their institutions, such
existing structure of the MoE, the Policy Planning & Monitoring Division is identified for this function. The
as integration of identified NEAP actions into their plans, facilitation of implementation and reporting of
NEAP Secretariat will have the task of overall coordination of the NEAP implementation and monitoring.
progress of implementation periodically. Capacity building required for these NEAP focal points is discussed
At the national coordination level, organizing meetings of the NEAP Coordinating Committees, preparing
in the next chapter. Respective Directors of the MoE, as the convenors the NWGs, should represent the NEAP
agendas, drafting technical papers to be tabled at the meetings, briefing the meetings and preparing meeting
CC at their quarterly meetings, which will have required progress reports and technical inputs in relation to
minutes are selected tasks of the NEAP secretariat.
their respective thematic areas. NWGs are also responsible for preparing provincial, district and divisional
It is also essential that the entire MoE contributes to the implementation of the activities of the NEAP level plans of the NEAP for the implementation and monitoring of the NEAP. These implementing agencies/
Secretariat, though the Secretariat will be housed within the Policy Planning & Monitoring Division. It is also development agencies extending across both government and non-government agencies are expected to
recommended that the newly appointed MoE Development Officers at the Divisional Secretariat level are appoint NEAP focal points to spearhead agency specific NEAP actions. They will be the liaisons for the NEAP
also managed under the NEAP Secretariat, and be used to coordinate NEAP implementation at the Divisional Secretariat for its implementation and monitoring. Mid to senior level focal points should be appointed from
Secretariat level. Figure 5.2 indicates the NEAP CCs (thematic and cross-cutting areas) and subject areas under the respective agencies.
their management, as well as the responsible divisions within the ministry and their responsibilities.
5.2.4 Sub national level coordination of NEAP
NEAP Coordinating Committee Relevant Division in MoE Responsibility
5.2.4.1 Provincial Environmental Committee (PEC)
1. Air Quality Management Air Resource & National Ozone Unit
Provincial Environmental Committees (PECs) are to be set up at the Chief Secretariats of each Province.
2. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Biodiversity Secretariat Provide leadership Provincial CCs are to be represented at the NEAP CC convened at the national level, linking NEAP
3. Climate Actions for Sustainability Climate Change Secretariat in coordinating the
implementation at sub national level with the national level. The DEC (see below) is also encouraged to be
implementation
4. Conservation and Sustainable Use of and monitoring
represented at respective PEC, though there is no mechanism for this at present.
Biodiversity Secretariat
Marine and Coastal Resources aspects relating
to NEAP thematic All sub-national coordinating mechanisms will be linked to appropriate planning divisions. Linkages with the
5. Sustainable Land Resources Management Land Resource Division
areas + IKMGG NEAP Secretariat (Policy Planning and Monitoring Division) will be easy to establish as it is in the same area of
Pollution Control and Chemical Management and Resource expertise. Sub-national NEAP plans will be kept as single plans (without separating them into thematic area
6. Holistic Waste Management
Division Mobilization specific plans), although the identity of each thematic area will be retained.
7. Integrated Water Resources Management Environment Planning and Economics Division crosscutting areas
identified under
8. Environmental Management in Cities and Pollution Control and Chemical Management the Unit/Devision 5.2.4.2 District Environmental Committee (DEC)
Human Settlements Division with overall
District Environmental Committees (DEC) of the District Secretariats are expected to coordinate the NEAP
9. Greening Industries Climate Change Secretariat guidance provided
by the NEAP
implementation at District level. These meetings should be convened by the District Secretaries with
10. Information and Knowledge Management for Secretariat coordination support from the Director Planning for respective District Secretariat. Required assistance should
Education Training & Research Division
Green Growth be provided by Development Officers (DOs) of MoE assigned to each Divisional Secretariat covering the whole
11. Resource Mobilization International Relations Division district. The NEAP Secretariat should coordinate with the DECs regarding the NEAP. When the MoE Assistant
Directors are appointed at the district level, they can take over the role that MoE DOs played at the DECs.
Figure 5.2. NEAP Coordinating Committees and Responsibilities of Units/Divisions within MoE
5.2.4.2.1 Divisional Environmental Committee (DivEC)
Responsibilities for NEAP thematic areas are identified for existing divisions of the MoE. Some divisions
are assigned with two thematic areas. Therefore, it is vital that mandates and capacities within the current Integration and implementation of the NEAP at a sub-national level can be coordinated through existing
divisions are reviewed and restructured if required, and thematic areas redistributed for the better aligning of mechanisms at these levels. Divisional Environmental Committees (DivEC) are to be revived and used for
subject areas with the NEAP. Themes that may require reallocation are Greening the Industry, Environmental coordinating the NEAP at the divisional level. There are 331 Divisional Secretariats with many field level
Management in Cities and Human Settlements and Sustainable Use of Coastal and Marine Resources. officers, including the Development Officers (DOs), of the MoE within each DS office. By building their capacity
to own the NEAP and the NEAP process, these committees can play a vital role in facilitating the coordination
of the implementation and review of the NEAP. This can be effected under the overall leadership of the
5.2.3.1 NEAP Governing Body at MoE
Divisional Secretary and divisional meetings can be coordinated by the Assistant Director Planning at each
This will consist of the Secretary/MoE as the Chair, Director General, Planning as the Secretary Governing divisional secretariat, with the MoE DOs facilitating the process, with guidance from the NEAP Secretariat.
Body, as well as Additional Secretaries/MoE and all Directors. Its function will be the internal governance of These Divisional Environmental Committees are expected to be represented at the District Environmental
the NEAP. Committee meetings.
322 323
5.3 Implementation of the NEAP

Based on the overall institutional framework proposed, the responsibility of implementation of NEAP actions
lies with respective government and non-government81 agencies at national and sub - national levels, as
identified in respective action plans given in the Chapter 2.
Each action in NEAP Action Plans must be integrated into programmes and annual plans of the agencies with
implementation responsibility, as identified in the NEAP, for effective implementation of NEAP. In addition,
these agencies must undertake detailed spatial planning - covering appropriate Provinces, Districts and
Divisions - based on where actions must be implemented.
Implementation mechanisms at the district level can be revisited when Assistant Directors of the MoE operate
from district secretariats.
A draft reporting format for implementation agencies is given in Annex 1. These formats can be further
developed on finalization of the NEAP and provided on a retrievable electronic platform (database managed
by the NEAP Secretariat) where agency specific action plans and reporting formats can be retrieved and
submitted electronically for reporting progress.
5.4 Financing the NEAP

Funds for the NEAP will be generated based on a resource mobilization plan, that looks at the NEAP as an
investment plan. Initial ideas on costing, valuation and financing were presented in the previous chapter. As
indicated there, thematic area specific resource mobilization plans must be generated though appropriate
sources of funding for implementation of the NEAP for its successful implementation.
5.5 Monitoring the NEAP

The main focus of this section is to establish a mechanism to review the progress of implementation of NEAP
actions by respective implementation agencies, identifying challenges and reporting progress to the NEAP
CCs. Under the overall leadership of the proposed NEAP Secretariat, NEAP implementation reports from
individual implementing agencies will be reviewed by respective divisions of the MoE. These progress report
should be written electronically and uploaded to a database for easy review against the NEAP Actions. The
entire process should be coordinated at each agency by the NEAP focal points.
While monitoring is mainly confined to implementation progress review as explained above, some degree of
monitoring of outcomes of the NEAP at the thematic area level is also recommended. Appropriate thematic
area level representative KPIs, baselines and targets should be identified for all thematic areas to capture
outcome level impacts before commencement of the formal implementation of the NEAP. Such monitoring
can be undertaken with the help of Central Environmental Authority (CEA), other specialized organizations,
academics, eligible NGOs, international organizations and community-based organizations. It is proposed
that the university system is engaged for quality monitoring at affordable cost. In addition, this will provide
training to undergraduates and new graduates, particularly if students from different geographic areas of the
country are represented in this process of training.
Quarterly reporting and bi-annual reviews must be undertaken based on monitoring results and the revision
of NEAP should be carried out after five years of implementation (in 2025).
Research and development, policy advocacy and data and information sharing institutions also will be
necessary to successfully implement the NEAP.
81 Non-government agencies are all agencies other than the government agencies including private sector, civil society, NGOs and International
Organizations etc.
324 325
5.6 NEAP Implementation and Monitoring Action Plan
Actions Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Baseline Target Time Frame Indicative Implementation Responsibility
(in years) budget
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
Strategy 1. Ensure enabling conditions for successful implementation of the NEAP.

1.1 Publish NEAP with Cabinet approval Finalization of the NEAP Draft final text of Published NEAP  2.5 MoE UNDP
NEAP is available
1.2 Convert NEAP Action Plans to a NEAP on an easy-to-use e platform Not available NEAP in a functional database  0.5 MoE UNDP
retrievable database for easy querying
and tracking
1.3 Establish and operationalize the NEAP Dedicated mechanism for coordinating NEAP Non-existent NEAP Secretariat established and    35 MoE MoPP&L
Secretariat with required resources implementation and monitoring operational
NEAP Working Groups appointed and   
functional
1.4 Establish NEAP coordinating NEAP Coordinating mechanisms at
mechanisms at all levels • National 07 national NEAP CC  No
Respective ministries,
• Provincial None 09 Provincial Environmental Committees  additional MoE
related agencies
• District and 25 District Env. Committee  cost
• Divisional levels 331 Divisional Env. Committees 
1.5 Establish functional NEAP Working NEAP WGs None 11 working groups 
Groups for each thematic / Quarterly NWG meeting minutes 4x11 meetings/yr    10 MoE All lead agencies
cross-cutting area represented at
NEAP CC
1.6 Ensure functionality of NEAP Quarterly meetings of coordinating committees None 04 meetings /yr for NEAP CC, PEC, DEC and    To be NEAP PCs, DS, DivS all lead
coordinating mechanisms at all levels convened DivEC estimated agencies
1.7 Build capacity of NEAP coordinating No. of capacity building programmes conducted None 01 in each province 
mechanisms at Provincial, District and
100 MoE MoPP&L, PC, DS, DivS
Divisional levels
02 in each district 
1.8 Integrate NEAP actions of all lead % of NEAP actions integrated into agency a To be determined 50% 
agencies into their annual plans nnual plans at thematic area level No
Lead MoE, respective
additional
agencies ministries, NPD
75%  cost
100% 
326 327
Actions Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Baseline Target Time Frame Indicative Implementation Responsibility
(in years) budget
(LKR M)
1-2 2-5 5-10
Strategy 2. Effective tracking of the implementation of the NEAP.

2.1 Create an online platform for Online platform for NEAP reporting None Functional online database in place for  0.5 MoE Lead agencies
implementation monitoring of NEAP reporting
NEAP
2.2 Monitoring report from all key agencies Quarterly reports from each lead agency None 4 reports /agency/yr    No MoE Lead agencies
received additional
cost
2.3 Prepare quarterly thematic area-wise Quarterly reports None 4x7/ yr    10 MoE Lead agencies
reports for NEAP CCs
2.4 Convene NEAP CCs on a quarterly basis NEAP CC minutes None 4x7/ yr    6 MoE Lead agencies
2.5 Conduct special monitoring missions on Inspection reports None No. of cases As and   50 MoE Lead agencies
issues directed by NEAP CCs when
required
2.6 Conduct programme review every Programme review reports None Every other year   20 MoE Lead agencies
other year
2.7 Review and revise NEAP in 2025 Revision of NEAP None Revised NEAP  10 MoE Lead agencies
2.8 Monitor the smooth implementation of Quarterly reports None 4 reports/yr    2 MoE Lead agencies
the Resource Mobilization action plan
2.9 Monitor smooth implementation of the Quarterly reports None 4 reports/ yr    2 MoE Lead agencies
Communications and KM Action Plan
328 329
6. REFERENCES
330 331
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344 345
1. Ministry of Agriculture 33. Central Environment Authority

2. Ministry of Defense 34. Marine Environment Protection Authority
3. Ministry of Education 35. National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka
4. Foreign Ministry 36. Road Development Authority
5. Ministry of Fisheries 37. Sri Lanka Ports Authority
6. Ministry of Industries 38. Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority
7. Ministry of Lands 39. Waste Management Authority
8. Ministry of Plantation 40. Urban Development Authority
9. Ministry of Ports & Shipping 41. Board of Investment of Sri Lanka
10. Ministry of Power 42. National Water Supply and Drainage Board
11. Ministry of Tourism 43. Water Resources Board
12. Ministry of Transport 44. Disaster Management Center
13. Ministry of Urban Development and Housing 45. Geological Survey & Mines Bureau
14. Ministry of Water Supply 46. Industrial Development Board
15. Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation 47. Industrial Technology Institute
16. State Ministry of Agriculture 48. Sri Lanka Foundation Institute
17. State ministry of Canals and Common Infrastructure development in settlements in Mahaweli Zones 49. Institute of Architects
18. State Ministry of coconut, Kithul, Palmyra Cultivation promotion and related industrial product 50. Institute of Development Administration
manufacturing & Export diversification 51. International Water Management Institute
19. State Ministry of Estate Housing and Community Infrastructure 52. National Engineering Research and Development Center of Sri Lanka
20. State Ministry of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish & Prawn Farming, Fishery Harbor Development, Multiday 53. Natural Recourse Management Center
Fishing Activities and Fish Exports
54. University of Jayawardhanapura – Faculty of Technology
21. State Ministry of Production and Supply of Fertilizer and Regulation of Chemical Fertilizer and Insecticide
55. University of Moratuwa – Department of Mechanical Engineering
Use
56. University of Moratuwa – Department of architecture
22. State Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government Affairs
57. University of Wayamba – Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management
23. State Ministry of Urban Development, Coast Conservation and Community Cleanliness
58. University of Peradeniya – Department of Environmental and Industrial Sciences Faculty
24. State Ministry of Wildlife Conservation, Elephant Round and Trench Construction, Protection and
59. University of Peradeniya – Department of Civil Engineering Faculty of Engineering
Replanting and Forest Resources Development
60. National Building Research Organization
25. Department of Agriculture
61. Food & Agriculture Organization
26. Department of Agrarian Development
62. United Nations Development Programme
27. Department of Land Use Policy Planning
63. Sri Lanka Energy Managers Association
28. Department of National Physical Planning
64. International Union for Conservation of Nature
29. Department of National Planning
65. Sustainable Development Council
30. Department of National Zoological Gardens
66. Center for Environmental Justice
31. Department of Irrigation
32. Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department
346 347
7. aNNEXE
348 349
Annex 1: Sample of a progress reporting format on NEAP

Name of the Implementing Agency
Reporting period
Thematic Area
Strategy
Action KPI Baseline Target Time Progress SDG Target / Remarks
Frame contributing
NDC
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NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 2022-2030: Pathway to sustainable development

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN 2022-2030:

Table of Contents............................................................................................................................................ iii

2 chapter 2 - THEMATIC AREAS......................................................................................................... 11

2.1 Theme 1 - Air Quality Management.................................................................................... 13

2.2 Theme 2 - Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use.................................................. 37

ISBN 978-624-5817-24-5 2.3 Theme 3 - Climate Actions for Sustainability....................................................................... 67

3 chapter 3 - RESOURCE MOBILIZATION...................................................................................... 259

National Environmental Action Plan

List of Figures Advisors

8. Environment Management in Cities and Human Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala

Theme Coordinators for NEAP Preparation

Theme 1: Air Quality Management Theme 7: Integrated Water Resources Management

Theme 6 & 9: Holistic Waste Management and Greening Industries

3Rs Reduce, Reuse, Recycle CEA Central Environmental Authority

Acronyms EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 General Overview

1.2 The Process for the Preparation of the NEAP

1.4 Introduction to NEAP Presented below are summaries of each theme.

The chapter consists of six strategies and 26 actions.

Chapter 4 presents five strategies and 22 actions.

Chapter 5 has two strategies and 17 actions.

Air is a natural resource produced from a series of complex interactions between

2.1.3 Policy and Legal Framework

2.1.6 Action Plan for Air Quality Management

Strategy 1: Effectuate a sound institutional framework for integrated AQM,

Strategy 2: Manage air pollution from mobile sources.

Strategy 3: Manage air pollution from stationary sources.

Strategy 4: Manage indoor air pollution issues.

Strategy 5: Prevent air pollution due to unethical, unintentional,

6.8 Create awareness to prevent miscommunications No. of awareness programmes conducted/yr - 2   -

Strategy 9: Foster innovation, research and development for effective AQM.

2.2.4 Introduction to the Action Plan

2.2.6 Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use

Strategy 4. Safeguard and promote traditional knowledge and practices in biodiversity

2.3.3 Policy and Legal Framework 2.3.5 Strategies for Management

2.3.6 Action Plan for Climate Actions for Sustainability

2.9 Human Settlement

Agriculture and Livestock

Strategy 4: Manage losses and damages due to climate-induced disasters

© P.B. Terney Pradeep Kumara

46 Oil, effluents, faecal pollution

The nine strategies are as follows;

Strategy 2: Conserve marine mammals and other threatened species.

Strategy 4: Administer and manage affected areas along the coast.

Strategy 5: Control coastal and marine pollution.

51 Now District Secretary

2.5.6 Action Plan for Sustainable Land Resources Management

Strategy 2: Practise sustainable management of lands in critical natural ecosystems and

Strategy 3: Ensure sustainable land utilization in agriculture.

Strategy 4: Conserve and practise sustainable management of grasslands (pathana, savanah,

Strategy 6: Facilitate sustainable land resource management through Information and

Strategy 7. Mobilize resources for SLRM (institutional strengthening, governance capacity

Strategy 8: Promote sustainable management of mineral resources.

© Sisili Projects Consortium Private Limited

The severity of waste issues is attributed largely to the urbanization,

2.6.6 Action Plan for Holistic Waste Management

Strategy 2: Effect maximum conservation of resources in waste management through

Strategy 3: Ensure sustainable management of plastics and other recyclables.