BOI Strengthened its Human Resources with the Knowledge to Combat Unsustainable Plastic Usage on World Environment Day 2003

June, 6, 2023

The theme of World Environment Day on June 5, 2023, will concentrate to provide action-led efforts to mitigate plastic pollution under the theme of the #BeatPlasticPollution campaign. Sri Lanka as a country we were one of the leading polluters of the sea. Evidently, we are not featured on the list this year due to the remedial action taken by all stakeholders yet we need to be vigilant, and educate our communities about the importance of responsible usage of plastic and its disposal. 

In this context, the BOI continues its sustainable effort with its stakeholders, especially among the staff to create awareness of plastic pollution and its responsible usage. The Environment Management Department of the BOI organized an awareness program on World Environment Day. The expert lecture delivered by Mr. Janaka  Wijesekara on the topic of  “Beating plastic pollution and spotlighting solutions to plastic pollution"  shared expert knowledge on plastic usage & impact, further expected behaviors of individuals.

On this occasion, DG of the BOI Renuka Weerakone pointed out that the Board of Investment, firmly believes that sustainable development and economic growth go hand in hand. With this principle in mind, we have made it our mission to foster investment in environmentally conscious industries. By attracting both local and foreign investments, we encourage the adoption of alternative materials, innovative manufacturing processes, and effective waste management practices to combat plastic pollution.

The world is overwhelmed with plastic. It is mainly human behavior of irresponsible usage of the past catastrophic disposable habits and it makes the world become an inhabitable place.  It is evident that more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and with the inhumane motive of only for profit, mind-set plastic manufacturers designed it to be used only once.

According to the UN Environment Program, of the total usage of Plastics, less than 10 percent is recycled. About 19-23 million tons end up in lakes, rivers, and seas. Today, plastic clogs our landfills seeps into the ocean, and turns into toxic fumes, making it one of the most serious threats to the planet.

The recycling of plastic also continues its pollution due to the realizing microplastic into the air, further, aquatic population, contaminating fish stock in the sea and it will end up in the food chain. The contaminated sea stock and human consumption will lead to high-risk health issues in the world masses.    

It may be that science will help us to manage the risk of plastic contamination with alternative innovations.   Further, we need immediate invention of legislators and more responsible mindful consumption behaviors of humans if not it will destroy the rest of the ecosystem.

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