http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/3434 2026-08-30T11:43:17Z http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/3505 Plastic Waste Policies and Informal Waste Pickers: A Policy Gap Analysis in Sri Lanka Kumara, P C P The rapid increase in plastic waste has made effective plastic waste management a pressing necessity in Sri Lanka. Informal waste pickers contribute significantly to this process by collecting, sorting, and recycling a substantial portion of plastic waste. Despite their critical role, the extent to which national policies recognize and support these workers remains unclear. This study investigates the inclusion or exclusion of informal waste pickers within Sri Lanka’s plastic waste management policies, with a focus on the presence of livelihood protection measures, institutional mechanisms for participation, and potential risks of penalization. Using content analysis of existing policy documents, the findings reveal a lack of formal recognition or support for informal waste pickers. The study highlights the urgent need for policy reforms, including amendments to the National Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management and the integration of financial compensation mechanisms under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks. By addressing these gaps, Sri Lanka can advance towards a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable plastic waste management system that aligns with global best practices and social equity goals. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/3504 Onsite Construction Waste Generation in Sri Lanka: Patterns, Causes, and Policy Implications Herath, Madhavi; Karunaratne, Shiromi; Kumara, Sidni; Senanayake, Madhushika The rapid expansion of construction activities worldwide has led to a significant increase in construction waste. It poses substantial challenges to environmental sustainability and economic stability. For effective construction waste management, accurate quantification of onsite waste generation and a clear understanding of the factors contributing to waste generation are required. This study investigates material waste generation across different contractor grades in Sri Lanka, with the following objectives: (1) to quantify and compare onsite material waste generation for key building materials among various contractor grades; (2) to identify and analyse the principal factors influencing onsite construction waste, with a focus on contractor grade differences; and (3) to review prevailing waste management practices among Sri Lankan contractors and propose methodological improvements for future waste reduction. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from multiple contractor grades. Both subjective and statistical analyses of variation were used to examine the relationships. The findings revealed differences in waste percentages across contractor grades. Specially in the subjective analysis, particularly for key materials such as concrete, sand, aggregate, steel, plastic, and wood. However, statistically, there is no significant difference in total construction waste generation among the various contractor grades. It suggests that all grades contribute comparably to overall waste output. The study identified material handling inefficiencies, design-related issues, and inadequate site management as major contributors to waste. The upper-grade contractors demonstrated more advanced waste management practices. Still, specific improvements need to be made to minimise waste generation in the industry. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/3503 Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste in Kaduwela, Sri Lanka: Composition Analysis and Policy Implications for Waste Management De Silva, N; Senanayake, M.; Herath, M.R.; Karunaratne, S. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/3502 Bridging the Legal Gaps in Plastic Waste Governance in Sri Lanka’s Regulatory Framework Fernando, M.S.D.F Despite regulatory bans and widespread awareness campaigns, plastic bags remain in heavy use across Sri Lanka. This study investigated the usage patterns, environmental awareness and adoption of alternatives among adults over 30 in the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kalutara and Hambantota. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted among 100 respondents, complemented by expert inputs and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that 26% of participants use plastic bags daily and 36% use them 1–2 times per week, with the highest dependence among the 40–59 age group. Further, the 60–69 age group reported lower dependency and higher eco-consciousness. While 88% of respondents acknowledged marine and wildlife risks and 83.8% recognized microplastic-related health hazards, yet this awareness did not consistently translate into reduced use. Encouragingly, 85% supported investing in reusable alternatives and over 70% favored policy measures such as discounts and bans. By addressing this gap, the study highlights the mismatch between awareness and practice among older Sri Lankan consumers, pointing that awareness alone is insufficient for behavioral change; instead, a combined strategy of accessible alternatives, incentive-driven interventions and policy enforcement are needed to reduce plastic bag dependency and encourage sustainable consumer practices in Sri Lanka. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z