TRC Holds Telecommunication / ICT Waste Management Programme

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) recently held a meeting with the participation of Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and Ministry of Education (MOE) to support the National Week declared by the CEA to the “Elimination of Polythene Plastic and Electronic Waste” commence from 24th to 30th October 2016. The programme was initiated under the guidance of His Excellency the President Maithripala Sirisena. 

Representatives from CEA, MOE, telecom service providers and officials of TRCSL participated at this meeting. At this meeting, Director General of TRCSL Mr. Sunil S. Sirisena pointed out that with the rapid expansion of the telecommunication sector, tremendous demand has been created for the use of modern telecommunication and ICT equipment in Sri Lanka.

As such, substantial amounts of waste materials produced by outdated communication devices including mobile/fixed phone, batteries, personal computer, broadcasting equipment and accessories. It could generate environment, social and economic issues in Sri Lanka in the very near future. In order to dispose or re-use these complex waste materials, a sustainable mechanism is needed to be in place expeditiously.

Sirisena further stated that the TRCSL intends to   conduct some activities parallel to the National Week declared by CEA.As a social responsibility of the telecom regulator TRCSL wish to send a SMS messages through services providers to all mobile and CDMA subscribers to informing National Week message compiled by CEA. In this National Week establish Telecommunication / ICT waste collection centre in TRCSL premises. The TRCSL requested from all telecom Operator to place collection bins in the customer service centres in this national week. A decision was taken at the meeting to conduct school level education and awareness campaigns and method of proper disposal or re-use of telecommunication/ICT equipment in Schools around the country in collaboration with CEA and Ministry of Education.

Deputy Director General of CEA Mr. Upali Indrarathana explained about the National Week programm on Elimination of Polythene Plastic and Electronic Waste. Mr. N. Gunadasa Director – ICT Ministry of Education also highlighted impotency of school level education and awareness project.