A groundbreaking Rs. 56 million project to recycle over 10,000 tons of fiberglass waste clogging Sri Lanka's fishery harbors, ports, and coastlines kicked off with a machinery purchase agreement signed on 09th February at the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources.

Funded by the 'Clean Sri Lanka' National Program, the initiative targets abandoned boats many remnants of the 2004 tsunami and daily waste accumulation of about 20 tons, which have long threatened the environment and fishing industry. The new facility in Beruwala aims to transform this hazard into valuable resources within six months.

Deputy Minister Ratna Gamage highlighted the urgency at the signing ceremony: "There is over 10,000 tons of fiberglass waste accumulated in fishery harbors across the country. Boats left over from the tsunami and the approximately 20 tons of daily accumulating waste pose serious problems for the environment and the fishing industry. Under the 'Clean Sri Lanka' program, we are bringing a sustainable solution to this issue. Our goal is to install this recycling machine in the Beruwala area within the next six months and convert this waste into useful products."

As explained by Mr. Ajith Edirisinghe, Chairman of the C-Nor Foundation, this modern machine, with a capacity of 500 kilograms per hour, chops fiberglass parts into small pieces, pulverizes them, and mixes them with cement to produce products such as block stones, paving blocks, and curb stones. Tests have confirmed that blocks made by replacing about 30% of sand with this fiber powder are lighter in weight and stronger than ordinary blocks.

Also present were Ministry Secretary Dr. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa and Engineer S.P.C. Sugeeshwara, Additional Secretary to the President for the Clean Sri Lanka Program. This effort marks a key step in Sri Lanka's push for cleaner coasts and a circular economy.