1. Pranitha Muthuraju 7402ENG S5024938
STATE OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
REPORT-SRI LANKA
Assessment item-1 - Cleaner Production and Eco-efficiency (7402ENG)
Submitted by Pranitha Muthuraju-S5024938
Course Convenor-Dr Sunil Herat
Abstract
Due to the developing economy, Sri Lanka is facing a rapid change in the industrial sector. Factors
such as global warming and climate change are now considered as a major issue. In order to reduce
the pollution Cleaner Production has to be implemented. This paper discusses about the current state
of Cleaner Production in Sri Lanka and why it has to be implemented for the benefit of the
economy.
4/22/2016

2. 1
Pranitha Muthuraju 7402ENG S5024938
1.0 Introduction
The Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka lies
in the Indian Ocean and to the southwest
of the Bay of Bengal. The island consists
mostly of coastal plains, with mountains in
the south part. The country is divided into
25 districts. Next to India, Sri Lanka is the
country with high gross domestic product
(GDP) growth rate in South Asia .More
than 80% of Sri Lanka’s industries
operate in close proximity to Colombo
(Ministry of Forestry and Environment
2000). There ratio of small- and medium-
scale industries is large when compared to
large-scale industries.[1]
Cleaner production is a term coined by the
United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) .It is a mutual beneficial scheme
for both the industries and the environment.
The growth of industrial sector in Sri
Lanka has not only contributed for the
economy but also for the pollution. This
report focusses on the current state of
cleaner production to minimise pollution
and discusses the success stories in Sri
Lanka.
2.0 Description of environmental
issues
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Environment and
Natural Resources (MoENR) had listed the
major environmental problems like inland,
coastal water pollution and land
degradation. Urban areas like Colombo,
Sri Lanka are the most affected areas due
to the solid waste pollution. Perera
calculates that about 15% to 20% of the
domestic waste contains pollutants like
plastics, metals and glasses which are
hazardous to the environment[2].
2.1 Water pollution
Sri Lanka’s coastline extends to about
1300 km and almost 61.6 % of the
industries are located along the coastline.
Sectors such as Agriculture, tourism, oil
and shipping, leather industries are the
major form of water pollution. Tourism
industry is a major income to a country
like Sri Lanka. The CZMP 2004 reports
that, the tourism expansion in Hikkaduwa,
Beruwela and Unawatuna areas has
resulted in the degradation of water quality
and visual pollution. [3].The shipping
route is majorly affected by the oil spillage
which leads to visual pollution as well.
The NASA’s data of 2013[4] shows the
increase in nitrogen level in the shipping
routes and the orange line between Sri
Lanka and Singapore depicts the severity
of pollution. The world consumes nearly
425 trillion gallons per year contributing to
water stressed regions. In addition to this
the energy power plants contaminates and
uses water sources more than any other
industry[5].In this rate the availability of
fresh water would decrease rapidly.
2.2 Mismanagement of land use -tsunami
resettlement
The Tsunami on 2004 had a major impact
on Sri Lanka’s land pattern, disturbing 65
per cent of the coastline. Because the
tsunami water consists of sludge, the water
were considered to be polluted and
unhealthy after the impact.[6]Disposal of
tsunami debris and waste management
caused more impacts to the coastline and
the pollutants seeped to the ground water
polluting the freshwater source as well.
Due to a number of factors the residents of
the affected areas followed resettlement
leading to deforestation.
2.3 Rubber/Leather industry
The rubber and leather industries are
considered as one of the major polluting
industry in Sri Lanka. Natural rubber has
40 % of rubber and 60% chemical

3. 1
Pranitha Muthuraju 7402ENG S5024938
discharged into the environment. The
water contaminated by the discharge of
rubber industry cannot be used for other
purposes. Moreover most of the medium
and small scale rubber industries don’t
have enough equipment to do the end-of-
pipe treatment to avoid pollution.
2.4 Air pollutants and greenhouse gas
emissions
Air pollution is caused by gases such as
nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and
volatile organic compounds. The Figure 1
shows the global damage in developing
countries due to indoor, outdoor and total
pollution. When considered to indoor,
outdoor pollution has a drastic impact on
the economy.
Figure 1: Forecast Global damage of
developing countries due to air pollution[7]
3.0 Why Cleaner Production is
needed in Sri Lanka
Cleaner production has to be implemented
to develop a country’s economy. The
discussed environmental issues would be a
major problem in the economy of a
developing country like Sri Lanka.
3.1 Health sector and population
According to a survey conducted in Mela
Ela, a territory in Sri Lanka, the main
cause of Health deterioration was the
disposal of solid waste and black water
directly[8]. The survey implicates that
nearly 13% of the families are affected by
diseases like dengue due to the breeding of
mosquitos on the stagnant water. In
addition to this flash floods were seen
occurring frequently due to the deposition
of solid waste. If this situation continues
the breathing air and drinking water would
be major problems that are the essentials
of human life.
3.2 Flora, Fauna and Ecosystems
Sri Lanka is one of major country rich in
biodiversity .Degradation of the
biodiversity has been a major impact of
pollution. The Flora and Fauna provides a
lot of services such as preventing soil
erosion, providing resources and fresh
water. Certain insects like dung beetles
that feed on the fungi and other grass
family insects are being endangered by
climatic change as well [9]Forest Die back
has been recently identified in many zones
influencing climate changes which affect
the human life in return.
3.3 Tourism and Economy
Sri Lanka being famous for its benign
climatic conditions depends majorly on its
tourism sector. The tourism income
increased from US $ 1.3 million to US 147
million during 2002.Coastline and marine
ecosystem are the most important
attraction for tourists since 41 % of hotels
and guest rooms are located at the coast
line. Coral mining is an old practice it is
considered illegal and destroying of coral
reefs would disturb the marine
ecosystem[10]. The tourism sector is
disturbed due to this practice as coral reefs
are a major attraction.
3.4 Agriculture sector and rural poverty
Food is a product of biodiversity. The
climatic change caused by pollution not
only affects the human life directly but
also through the grown food quality. Wild
Relatives are affected by increase
temperature as the range is way higher

4. 2
Pranitha Muthuraju 7402ENG S5024938
than .Lack of quality would lead to the
import of crops instead of export due to
which the agricultural sector might
diminish .In addition to this Sri Lanka’s
30 % of the labour forces are employed by
the agricultural sector. This situation may
give rise to the rural poverty level.
4.0 Present scenario of Cleaner
Production in Sri Lanka
The cleaner production for industries in Sri
Lanka was first launched in 1980 by the
enforcement of the National
Environmental Act. This imposed laws for
the industrial pollution .The organizations
failed to follow the laws due to certain
factors like availability of labour or lack of
financial help.
4.1 Environmental protection standards
At present various environmental
standards [11] exist that helps industries to
follow cleaner production.
 The industries that dispose waste
water have to follow the tolerance
limit that vary according to the
disposal areas and the type of
industries.
 The National Air quality standards
were setup by WHO (World Health
Organization) to limit the
greenhouse gases discharged to the
atmosphere.
 Pollution Control and Abatement
Fund (PCAF) is a program
launched to assist the industries to
install waste water treatments and
other pollution control methods.
 Common Waste Treatment system
has been established to help
industries with no space to install a
common treatment system.
 The locations of the industries are
taken into consideration in the
Siting of Industry program, highly
polluting industries can be sited
together in an area with treatment
facilities.
 The Central Environmental
Authority (CEA) has compiled an
inventory of all toxic chemicals
used in industries. The
International Register of
Potentially Toxic Chemicals also
helps the CEA in establishing Eco-
Efficiency.
4.2 National Cleaner Production policy-
2002
Based on the National Policy and strategy
for Cleaner Production the (NCPC)
National Cleaner Production Centre was
established.
NCPC Success story: This success was
achieved based on the involvement of the
NCPC. Rathkerewwa Coconut Industry:
The companies get benefited by cleaner
production in a financial way. The raw
materials wasted due to wrong production
methods would lead to a huge loss to the
company. Rathkerewwa is one of the
oldest coconut industry established in Sri
Lanka. Raw materials during loading and
unloading were wasted and the water
utilization was more than the range. The
National Cleaner Production Centre was
invited to study the place. The reason for
wastage was understood by conducting
energy audits. By changing the method of
operation and cleaning the workplace
about 70% of the water consumption was
minimized. The company saved nearly
USD 200,000[12].
4.3 UNIDO-Chemical Leasing
United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO) introduced the
concept chemical leasing to enhance the
green energy concept. Chemical leasing
describes a model that shifts the preference

5. 3
Pranitha Muthuraju 7402ENG S5024938
from the sales of chemicals to the value-
driven approach.
Success story: The model was
implemented in the newspaper printing
and publishing sector. The printing
technology uses a lot of volatile
compounds that is not favoured by the
environment and workers. The Chemical
Leasing model was tested in a medium
scale printing business of Wijeya
Newspapers Ltd which prints one of the
major newspapers Sinhala Daily.
[13]Issues such as wastage of ink
consumed and spraying of ink in
production was identified. Rubber wiper
was installed as a solution. Due to the
implementation of chemical leasing Waste
water generation and ink was reduced
profiting financially.
4.4 Environmental monitoring and
auditing –present
In addition to the laws and practices
enforced, the industries are monitored and
audited frequently in regards with the
environmental issues. For example clean
air 2015 campaign was introduced for the
environmental issues.
4.4.1Carbon Footprint calculation
The Garment industries in Sri Lanka play a
major role in climate change. Analysis and
monitoring are carried out to identify
issues and create opportunities for the
industries to improve the environmental
value in production process.
Success story: MAS Holdings is the
largest apparel industry in Sri Lanka that is
associated with Marks & spencer, Nike
and many other major chains. The Result
of foot printing showed that the maximum
carbon footprint came from the production
of raw materials. The environmental issues
were addressed during the analysis[14].
4.5 Awareness and training programs
Educating common people serves as the
backbone of sustainable practices. Even
though few programmes are not deep
rooted they serve the purpose.
4.5.1 PROSPER Sri Lanka
PROSPER Sri Lanka was developed by
NCPC to create awareness and promote
the already existing Eco-Efficiency
programmes. The target includes nearly
300 professionals from various sectors of
the industry and the programme takes
place for 18 months. The programme
focusses on creating awareness about the
sustainability to the working class[15].
4.5.2 Eco-Tourism
Tourism is the main sector to improve the
economy in Sri Lanka. Tourism even
though improves the international status of
the country would affect the biodiversity
as some tourists would knowingly or
unknowingly affect the environment. This
programme concentrates on creating
awareness among people about
safeguarding the environment. They focus
on
 Minimizing the impact on
environment while touring.
 Learning about the local issues
related to environment.
 Makes sure that the money spent
helps in improving the biodiversity.
Success story of Eco-Tourism:
COLOMBO-Sri Lanka implemented Eco-
Tourism and became one in the list of
world’s most popular travel sites on Trip
Advisor thus giving a positive boost to the
country’s economy .According to the list
[16] Saraii village was described as a
perfect Eco-Hotel to visit. Saraii village
implemented Agro-Forestry business
which motivated the villagers to
implement further good practices.

6. 4
Pranitha Muthuraju 7402ENG S5024938
5.0 Challenges and barriers
Challenges faced by the organization vary
from poor management skills to
financing[17].
1. Management: Top level management
influences the company’s actions and
outcomes. The main focus of
management is production and it is not
interested in spending money on
Cleaner production. Suppliers and
customers can play an important role
in influencing the decision of the
management.
2. Knowledge: As the Cleaner
Production practices are not familiar
the lack of knowledge in technology
becomes a drawback. Lack of
technical resources and expertise. An
Environmental Management can be set
up to provide technical advice.
3. Financing: Difficulty in parting
funds separately .Government can
provide loans to improve the
production method.
4. Policies: Weak legal provisions
encourage the industries not to
follow the laws strictly leading to
disposal of excess waste to the
atmosphere.
6.0 Conclusion
Implementing cleaner production in Sri
Lanka is not an easy task .The cleaner
production strategy may be easy to
implement in the new industries but for the
industries established over a three decade
span, complications arise in changing the
infrastructure. These industries have out-
dated processes and technologies which
does not support any change like end of
pipe treatment. Financial funds also
become a concern in implementing cleaner
production technology. Necessary
legislative provisions are already available
against these industries but due to the
flexibility in command on old industries it
becomes difficult[11].Even though cleaner
production techniques are gaining
importance ,rapid growth of technology
and economy favours the increase in
pollution level .A developing country like
Sri Lanka should have strict legal
provisions and efficient cleaner production
methods to progress into a developed
country. Focus has to be given on
implementation improvement and strict
legal provisions on a priority basis since
the action implemented so far has been
slow.
7.0 References
[1] "Country Synthesis Report on
Urban Air Quality Management,"
2006.
[2] K. Perera, "An overview of the
issue of solid waste management in
Sri Lanka," 2003.
[3] R. Samaranayake, "Pre-and post-
tsunami coastal planning and land-
use policies and issues in Sri
Lanka," Coast Conservation
Department, Sri Lanka, 2006.
[4] (2013). A satellite’s view of ship
pollution. Available:
http://climate.nasa.gov/news/860/
[5] B. K. Sovacool, "Environmental
Issues, Climate Changes, and
Energy Security in Developing
Asia," Asian Development Bank
Economics Working Paper Series,
pp. 17-14, 2014.
[6] S. L. M. o. Environment and N.
Resources, Sri Lanka: post-tsunami
environmental assessment vol. 882:
UNEP/Earthprint, 2005.
[7] G. Hutton, "Global Damage Costs
of Air Pollution from 1900 to
2050," 2011.
[8] A. Abeygunawardane, N.
Dayawansa, and S. Pathmarajha,
"Socioeconomic implications of
water pollution in an urban
environment a case study in Meda
Ela Catchment, Kandy, Sri Lanka,"

7. 5
Pranitha Muthuraju 7402ENG S5024938
Tropical Agricultural Research,
vol. 22, 2011.
[9] D. Weerakoon and S. Wijesundara,
"The National Red List 2012 of Sri
Lanka, Conservation Status of
Flora and Fauna," ed: Ministry of
Environment, Colombo, 2012.
[10] P. T. P. KUMARA, W. Kumara, H.
Sandaruwan, R. Iroshanie, H.
Upendra, and P. Cumaranatunga,
"Impacts of Reef Related Resource
Exploitation on Coral Reefs: Some
Cases from Southern Sri Lanka,"
COASTAL OCEANS RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE
INDIAN OCEAN, p. 23, 2008.
[11] E. Ramani, "Implementation of
industrial pollution control
programs in Sri Lanka," in Fifth
International Conference on
Environmental Compliance and
Enforcement, Workshop D, 1998,
pp. 16-20.
[12] National Cleaner Production
Centre. Available:
http://www.ncpcsrilanka.org/home.
htm
[13] "Chemical leasing:a global success
story-Innovative business
approaches for soundand efficient
chemicals management," ed.
Vienna: UNITED NATIONS
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
ORGANIZATION, 2011.
[14] Mohan Munasinghe, P. Jayasinghe,
V. , Ralapanawe, A. G. a. , and K.
Goonesekera, "Carbon and Energy
Footprints and Overall
Sustainability of Garment
Manufacturing in Sri Lanka,"
Munasinghe Institute for
Development (MIND) 2013.
[15] PROSPER Sri Lanka. Available:
http://prospersrilanka.org/index.ph
p
[16] Saraii Village. Available:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/InfoC
enter-a_ctr.treehouseEN1
[17] "BARRIERS TO ENERGY
EFFICIENCY IN INDUSTRY IN
ASIA," I. a. E. Division of
Technology, Ed., ed: United
Nations Environment Programme,
2006.