Dialog Axiata has partnered with the Central Environmental Authority to relaunch its e-Kunu electronic waste management programme, enabling the public to dispose of various electronic items responsibly at Dialog outlets nationwide.
Dialog Axiata and the Central Environmental Authority have joined forces to expand electronic waste collection services throughout Sri Lanka. The partnership was formally established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Monday at the CEA headquarters, with CEA Chairman Tilak Hewawasam and Dialog Chief Executive Officer Supun Weerasinghe representing their respective organisations.
The relaunched e-Kunu programme allows customers to hand over electronic waste at Dialog outlets across the country. The initiative accepts a broad range of items, including mobile phones, laptops, chargers, cables, lithium-ion batteries, AA and AAA batteries, hard disks, routers, landline phones, CDs, DVDs and set-top boxes. Once collected, the waste will be transferred to registered e-waste recyclers and disposal operators for environmentally sound processing and recycling.
The partnership reflects growing international concern about electronic waste management. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, the world generated approximately 62 million tonnes of electronic waste in 2022, though only 22.3% underwent formal recycling. Industry projections suggest this figure will reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, making electronic waste one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally.
The launch event, attended by Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody, and senior officials from both organisations, underscores the government's commitment to sustainable waste management practices. The programme aims to improve access to safe disposal facilities while promoting responsible consumer behaviour regarding electronic waste.
