A round-table discussion was held on 13th December 2022 with the aim of identifying research needs of industrial waste management. This exercise further aimed at initiating and getting the industries engaged with local and international universities and other research organizations to find solutions in managing industrial wastes through shared new knowledge, best practices, partnerships, and collaborative efforts to face challenges of managing wastes effectively.
Prof. Yuansong Wei from Chinese Academy of Sciences was also present seeking potential for developing a proposal for a new bilateral call between National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC), China and NSF under the International Collaborative Research Programme (ICRP) in this area.
Representatives from the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Industrial Technology Institute, National Water Supply and Drainage Board and National Cleaner Production Centre joined the discussion with Prof. Wei and Dr Yawei Wang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Some other academics from University of Peradeniya, University of Moratuwa and University of Sri Jayewardenepura were also present. A detailed presentation was done by Prof. Wei on industrial waste management giving special emphasis to industrial wastewater treatment technologies.
Participants shared their views on common problems related to industrial waste management, common types of wastes to be managed in Sri Lanka. Focusing on sludge management and treatment in industrial zones was identified as priority need considering the severity of the problem. Follow up work is in progress.