Municipal Solid Waste Management Practices and Challenges in the Southeastern Coastal Cities of Sri Lanka

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) has become a major challenge in Sri Lanka for post-conflict development activities. Many urban areas are facing severe problems managing 10 to 50 metric tons of per day. However, limited research been carried out identify the key issues and policy gaps MSWM. This studies existing complexities MSWM processes, practices, emerging challenges three highly congested south-eastern coast Lanka. A mixed method strategy using field observations, semi-structured interviews secondary data sources was employed collection. The study revealed that, although systems include all necessary elements, their effectiveness efficiency not satisfactory due poor or non-segregation at source generation; lack resources; absence regulation reduce generation control polluters; regular collection schedule; technical know-how initiatives. recommendations drawn from feasible solutions immediate measures required improve before related environmental public health social catastrophe. will also greatly contribute achievement developing sustainable cities.