The solid waste management for sustainable development: a case study of Hambantota Municiple council area in Sri Lanka

The study explores the importance of Solid Waste Management (SWM) for Sound Environmental Development (SED) in Hambantota Municipal Council (HMC) area in Sri Lanka. Data for the study was collected using integrated research tools including Semi-structured interviews, self-completion questionnaires, focus group discussions and non-participatory observations. The ‘Random Sampling Method’ was used to select households and business population while ‘Purposive Sampling’ was used to select respondents for the interviews and focus groups. The study revealed that lack of awareness, little synergy between local authorities and the community and challenges of limited resources, facilities and funds and illegal dumping for proper SWM process were the dominant problems in SWM. In this regard, the paper suggests an integrated SWM process, with awareness programmes and cooperation between authorities and community for the process. Implementing SWM in to Development policies for Sustainable Development, has been further suggested.