OPERATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVET SECTOR IN ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENTIN SRI LANKA

Abstract

The large scale participation of the Private Sector ill development activities ill SriLanka was evident only since late 1970s, With the opelling up 01 the economy in1977 the Private Sector has been rccognised as the "engine of economic growth",Currently the Private Sector is the largest emplover.

In the field of environment the National Environment Action Plan which is theenvironment policy framework of the country has included severalrecommendations relating to the private sector. Among them, the need to makeavailable concessionaire finance to small fanners. encouraging private sectorinvestment in forest plantations and renewable energy projects. issuing. ofenvironmental protection licences through certified private licensed institutions,establishment of a separate fund for environment management activities,environment entrepreneur awards and making privatisation programmesenvironmentally sound are very important. National policies such as forestry(1995). wildlife (2000). Coastal 2000. Biodiversity Action Plan (1999) haveclearly rccognised the Private Sector involvement in envirournerual management.

However. so far the actual participation of the Private Sector ill environmentrelated uctivitic-, is very limited. Hence. provision of various incentives,promotion of environmentally friendly ventures, revision of policies wherenecessary. Banking facilities etc. need to be provided by the government to attractthe Private Sector investment in cuvironmerual management.