Synopsis: Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage city, faces a waste management crisis with environmental and social impacts from the Gohagoda landfill and unsustainable solutions like waste diversion. Issues of dignity and accessibility for vulnerable groups highlight the need for inclusive approaches. Immediate actions like waste segregation, community engagement, and infrastructure investments are essential. Collaboration with stakeholders, such as the Governor, Clean Sri Lanka Project, and JICA, can transform Kandy into a model of sustainable urban development.
Kandy, March 2025 — The historic city of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is at a critical juncture as it faces severe waste management challenges. Decades of mismanagement and lack of long-term planning have brought the city’s system to the brink of collapse. The Gohagoda landfill, operational since the 1970s, has reached maximum capacity, creating serious environmental, health, and social issues. Recent temporary measures, such as diverting waste to the Digana Aluthwatta area at a daily cost of LKR 50,000, represent an unsustainable financial burden. Meanwhile, the collection of pampers and ladies’ hygienic pads by Encare has failed to address the root causes of the crisis. This article explores Kandy’s key challenges and presents actionable solutions to establish a sustainable and inclusive waste management system that upholds human dignity while ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.
The Gohagoda landfill, operating for over 50 years, has evolved into a source of environmental degradation, health hazards, and social unrest. Positioned near the Mahaweli River, it risks water contamination through leachate runoff, threatening ecosystems and communities downstream. Residents have filed a “Saparadhi Aparadha” (negligence) case against the Kandy Municipality, citing gross mismanagement and deteriorating living conditions. The absence of proper leachate treatment facilities and environmental safeguards at the site underscores the need for immediate intervention. Without long-term planning, the landfill has become a symbol of institutional failure to manage waste responsibly. Temporary diversion of waste to Digana Aluthwatta costs LKR 50,000 daily, reflecting poor financial planning and failing to represent a viable long-term solution while draining municipal resources. Assuming that a 5-liter bag holds 2 kilograms, a 10-liter bag holds 5 kilograms, and a 20-liter bag holds 10 kilograms, Encare, tasked with managing non-biodegradable waste like pampers and hygienic pads, relies on the sale of specialized bags—priced at LKR 295 for a 5-liter bag, LKR 535 for a 10-liter bag, and LKR 1,065 for a 20-liter bag. By collecting one ton of non-compacted waste, Encare can earn only between LKR 53,250–147,500, exclusive of transportation and incineration fees. However, discussions with residents indicate that low-income families often avoid purchasing these bags due to financial constraints and privacy concerns, further underscoring the unsustainability of the current waste management model and its limited accessibility for vulnerable groups.
One of the key considerations in Kandy’s waste management strategy must be addressing the needs of vulnerable groups with empathy and respect. This includes not only schoolgirls and their families but also women, unemployed individuals, and other adult users of pampers and hygienic pads. For many individuals, especially those experiencing economic hardship, the prospect of openly seeking financial assistance for waste disposal can be deeply uncomfortable. Concerns about dignity and privacy often prevent these individuals from contacting municipal helplines to disclose their inability to afford Encare’s waste collection bags. Recognizing this barrier is essential. It underscores the need for proactive measures that respect cultural sensitivities and individual circumstances. The municipality must establish systems that allow these groups to access waste management services discreetly, without exposing their economic struggles or compromising their sense of self-worth. Establishing discreet collection points at schools, community centers, clinics, and residential areas would encourage usage without fear of judgment or stigma. Implementing privacy-first service models, such as discreet bag distribution and waste handling, would ensure these services are inclusive and compassionate. By embedding waste collection services within educational institutions and community hubs, Kandy can create trusted spaces for residents, ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of financial situation.
To address the broader challenges, several proposed solutions are essential for establishing a more sustainable waste management system. Immediate interventions include introducing Effective Microorganisms (EM) at landfill sites to control odors, pests, and leachate contamination. Regular compaction and covering of waste will improve site conditions and reduce groundwater contamination. On the infrastructure front, source-level waste separation must be mandated, with localized composting and recycling partnerships to process biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, respectively. Public engagement and education are also crucial. Launching awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of waste segregation can foster a culture of sustainability. Incentivizing eco-friendly practices through subsidies or tax benefits will further encourage households and businesses to participate in responsible waste management. In alignment with the Clean Sri Lanka Project, which promotes national efforts to reduce single-use plastics, enforce waste segregation, and introduce tech-driven solutions like smart waste monitoring systems, Kandy can enhance its strategies by adopting these best practices. By actively participating in this initiative, Kandy can contribute to the shared vision of a waste-free and sustainable future for the country.
Long-term investments in advanced composting plants, sanitary landfills, and public-private partnerships will be necessary to construct infrastructure capable of addressing Kandy’s waste management needs. Collaborations with organizations like JICA, which have supported impactful projects such as the Greater Kandy Urban Plan, can introduce innovative waste management solutions. These might include waste-to-energy technologies and biogas production, contributing to Kandy’s environmental sustainability goals. Targeted interventions for Lewella are also crucial. Establishing door-to-door collection services, pet waste management systems, and public awareness campaigns will help to reduce trash accumulation and promote eco-friendly practices within the community.
The waste management crisis in Kandy underscores the need for urgent action to address decades of neglect and mismanagement. By investing in infrastructure, fostering community engagement, and exploring innovative technologies, Kandy can transform its challenges into opportunities.
By Palitha Ariyarathna
JICA Formwer Freelance Commercial Group Community Group Secretary, Writer, Journalist, Former Beach Filed Officer and Life Safety Officer.
This article is not merely a critique to any person, company, or KMC but a call to action. With collective effort and visionary leadership, Kandy can evolve into a model city for sustainable urban development. Let us commit to a future where human dignity, environmental sustainability, and heritage preservation remain at the forefront.
Key Stakeholders for Action To address Kandy’s waste management crisis effectively, this article invites the attention of:
Governor of the Central Province: Ensuring regional policy alignment and resource mobilization.
Clean Sri Lanka Project: Supporting sustainable and tech-driven waste management strategies.
Women’s Organizations: Advocating for dignity, privacy, and inclusive waste management practices.
Kandy Municipal Council (KMC): Implementing innovative, community-centric waste management solutions.
JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency): Facilitating technical and financial collaboration for long-term infrastructure improvements.
References
- Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka. “Poverty Indicators-2019.” Accessible through the Ministry of Economic Policies and Plan Implementation. ISSN 1391-4693, April 2022.
- Community reports and legal cases concerning Gohagoda landfill operations, including the ongoing “Saparadhi Aparadha” (negligence) case filed by nearby residents against the Kandy Municipality.
- Leaflet distributed by the Kandy Municipality detailing Encare’s waste collection services and pricing structure.
- Greater Kandy Urban Plan (GKUP) developed in collaboration with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), highlighting sustainable urban planning initiatives.
- Lanka Web. “Environmental Concerns: Pollution, Illegal Dumping, or Inadequate Waste Management.” March 19, 2024. Accessible at https://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2024/03/19/environmental-concerns-pollution-illegal-dumping-or-inadequate-waste-management/.
- Academia. “Characterization of Landfill Leachate Draining from Gohagoda Municipal Solid Waste Open Dump Site for Dissolved Organic Carbon, Nutrients, and Heavy Metals.” Accessible at https://www.academia.edu/21495748/Characterization_of_landfill_leachate_draining_from_Gohagoda_municipal_solid_waste_open_dump_site_for_dissolved_organic_carbon_nutrients_and_heavy_metals.
- Tropical Agricultural Research, Volume 13: 23-33 (2001). “Managing Solid Wastes in Kandy City: A Cost Effectiveness Analysis” by S. Liyanage and J. Weerahewa. Accessible through Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya.
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). “Kandy New Wastewater Management System.”
o Financial assistance provided for construction to address wastewater challenges, benefiting over 300,000 residents and migrants. The project reduces pollution and enhances sanitation in Kandy. - JICA and GKUP Collaboration. “Greater Kandy Urban Plan (GKUP).”
o Revises urban development strategies for sustainable growth, heritage preservation, and efficient waste management, with a focus on recycling and infrastructure improvements. - JICA. “Solid Waste Management Master Plan for Kandy.”
o Emphasizes governance, ownership, and long-term waste solutions, envisioning a cleaner and healthier city prepared for rapid urbanization.