ICLEI South Asia in collaboration with the Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities (FSLGA), organised a three-day regional training workshop on Circular and Climate-Resilient Municipal Solid Waste Management Planning in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 12-14 May 2026. Supported by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), the event brought together 21 local government representatives from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to strengthen municipal capacities for designing and implementing sustainable, climate-resilient waste management systems.
The workshop combined technical sessions, peer learning, group exercises, and field visits to equip participants with practical approaches for improving municipal solid waste management while fostering regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Opening the programme, Ms Hemanthi Goonasekera, Chief Executive Officer, FSLGA, emphasised the need to translate technical learning into tangible municipal action. Ms Bedoshruti Sadhukhan, Associate Director, ICLEI South Asia, introduced the workshop framework, encouraging participants to reflect on everyday practices that contribute to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable consumption.
The technical sessions covered the full spectrum of municipal solid waste management, from waste generation, segregation, collection, recycling, treatment, and disposal to integrated planning and governance. Facilitated by experts from ICLEI South Asia, the discussions highlighted persistent challenges such as weak policy enforcement, inadequate public awareness, limited disaster waste management systems, and gaps in recycling quality.
Participants were introduced to key planning tools, including waste characterisation studies, baseline assessments, stakeholder mapping, and preparation of municipal solid waste management plans. Interactive group exercises enabled participants to develop shared visions for cleaner cities, with a strong emphasis on source segregation, plastic reduction, recycling, and community participation.
The programme also explored integrated waste management approaches and a range of waste processing technologies, including composting, biomethanation, vermiculture, refuse-derived fuel (RDF), and sanitary landfills. Participants assessed the technical, financial, and environmental suitability of these technologies while developing practical solutions to address local waste management challenges.
Case studies from Mandi Municipal Corporation (India), Kandy Municipal Council, and Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council (Sri Lanka) showcased successful local initiatives, including door-to-door waste collection, four-way waste segregation, composting systems, material recovery facilities, improved recycling practices, and engineered sanitary landfills.
A dedicated session on financing and procurement highlighted blended financing models, public-private partnerships, performance-based contracts, and scientific landfill development, while introducing approaches such as biomining for legacy waste management.
The workshop concluded with exposure visits to Sisili Hanaro EnCare Pvt. Ltd. and Cleantech Pvt. Ltd., where participants observed innovative practices in clinical waste treatment, e-waste recycling, and circular economy solutions.
Post-training assessments showed a significant improvement in participants’ understanding of integrated waste management planning, financing mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and circular economy principles. Participants expressed their commitment to applying these learnings to strengthen source segregation, expand recycling systems, and enhance climate-resilient municipal waste management in their respective cities, reinforcing regional cooperation for more sustainable urban development.
