Environment & Sustainability Guide in Sri Lanka
Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies
Air Quality Index
Air quality data is limited with current average AQI and PM2.5 unavailable; 6-month trend stable. Urban areas like Colombo face moderate pollution from traffic and industry, but no major worsening reported. Government monitors via CEA with stations in key cities.
Water Quality
Water quality varies; 90% have access to improved water sources but surface water polluted by agriculture, industry, and sewage. Urban rivers like Kelani show high coliform levels. NWSDB treats drinking water meeting WHO standards in piped supplies.
Recycling System
Recycling infrastructure limited; informal sector dominant with low formal rates. Plastic recycling exists via private initiatives, but national rate data unavailable. CEA promotes 3R program, focusing on waste segregation.
Green Spaces
Forest coverage ~30% (2.36M ha in 2022), down from 33% in 2010 due to agriculture and development. 25 national parks and 15 sanctuaries protect 15% land area, safeguarding biodiversity hotspots like Sinharaja.
Environmental Policies
Key policies include Environment Act No. 47 (1980), National Climate Change Policy 2019, and NDC under Paris Agreement targeting 7MtCO2e reduction by 2030. Bans on single-use plastics since 2017; CEA enforces EIA for projects.
- •National Climate Change Policy 2019
- •Plastic Ban 2017
- •Nationally Determined Contribution 2021
Natural Disaster Risk
HIGHHigh risk from floods, landslides, cyclones, tsunamis, and droughts. 2019 floods affected 1.5M people; 2021 landslides killed 6. Climate change amplifies monsoon variability.
Sustainability Initiatives
Sri Lanka targets 70% renewable energy by 2030; solar capacity grew from 64MW (2019) to 400MW+ (2023). Hybrid power projects and rooftop solar incentives drive transition.
National 3R Waste Management Policy promotes reduction, reuse, recycling. CEA's Clean Sri Lanka program includes composting and plastic recycling centers.
Million Tree Programme plants 1M trees annually to restore forests and carbon sinks; focuses on degraded lands in dry zone.
Wildlife & Nature
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