🔬 Rs. 204 Mn Lab Equipment Boosts Sri Lanka's Chemical Regulation Capacity

The Ministry of Environment and UNDP Sri Lanka have handed over advanced analytical laboratory equipment to six key national institutions to strengthen the country's capacity to detect, regulate, and manage hazardous chemicals and pollutants. Key Deliverables & Scope: • Investment Value: Approximately Rs. 204 Mn (est. US$ 663,000), funded via the Global Environment Facility (GEF). • Beneficiary Institutions: Received by 6 entities including the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka Customs, Central Environmental Authority, University of Sabaragamuwa, Consumer Affairs Authority, and the Government Analyst’s Department. • Core Objective: To upgrade infrastructure for life-cycle tracking—from import border control to market surveillance—specifically targeting mercury and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Economic & Policy Impact: • National Framework: Aligns with the updated National Environmental Act and ensures compliance with global treaties (Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm, and Minamata Conventions). • Project Scale: Part of a larger US$ 5.04 Mn project aimed at establishing a centralized chemicals database, boosting green procurement, and enhancing institutional capacity. • Sustainability: Complemented by MoUs ensuring cross-agency equipment sharing and long-term maintenance arrangements to maximize the investment value.