CEA, Dialog partner to expand e-waste collection across Sri Lanka
Newswire: Dialog Axiata has relaunched its e-Kunu electronic waste management programme in partnership with the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), allowing the public to hand over designated electronic waste at Dialog outlets across the country.
The initiative was officially launched on 3 August at the CEA, alongside the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations.
Under the programme, Dialog will accept a range of electronic waste items, including mobile phones, laptops, chargers, cables, lithium-ion batteries, AA and AAA batteries, hard disks, routers, landline phones, CDs, DVDs and set-top boxes at its branches islandwide.
The collected waste will be handed over to registered e-waste recyclers and disposal operators for environmentally responsible processing.
CEA Chairman Tilak Hewawasam and Dialog Axiata Chief Executive Officer Supun Weerasinghe signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.
The programme aims to expand access to safe e-waste disposal facilities and encourage the responsible management and recycling of electronic waste, one of the world’s fastest-growing waste streams.
According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, approximately 62 million tonnes of electronic waste were generated globally in 2022, with only 22.3% being formally recycled. The report projects global e-waste volumes to rise to 82 million tonnes by 2030.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s renewed focus on electronic waste management is highlighting a new and emerging area of business opportunity for foreign businesses/investors, as the country’s growing digital economy generates increasing volumes of discarded electronic products. The relaunch of Dialog Axiata’s e-Kunu programme with the CEA demonstrates the potential for developing a more organised e-waste collection, recycling and recovery industry. As the use of smartphones, computers, batteries and other electronic equipment expands, demand for environmentally responsible disposal and resource recovery is also expected to grow. This creates opportunities for investment in e-waste collection networks, recycling facilities, battery recovery, waste-processing technology and circular-economy businesses. Foreign companies could also bring advanced technologies, expertise and international best practices to strengthen Sri Lanka’s recycling infrastructure. The emerging e-waste sector is therefore another example of how Sri Lanka’s evolving economy is opening new avenues for foreign businesses/investors, particularly in green industries, technology and sustainable development.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260811Z_2 |