COUNTRY PAPER - SRI · PDF file(SACOSAN VI) COUNTRY PAPER - SRI LANKA DHAKA | BANGLADESH JANUARY 2016. ... acts as the national body for monitoring and review of is mainly due to complementary

SIXTH SOUTH ASIAN CONFERENCE ON SANITATION(SACOSAN VI)

COUNTRY PAPER - SRI LANKA

DHAKA | BANGLADESH

JANUARY 2016

CONTENTS

SACOSAN VI | COUNTRY PAPER | SRI LANKA PAGE i

1. INTRODUCTION 01

1.1 COUNTRY PROFILE 01

1.2 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 02

1.3 THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND LEGAL INSTRUMENTS 02

1.4 BASELINE STATUS 05

1.5 COVERAGE DEFINITION 06

1.6 POLICY/ STRATEGY, INVESTMENT 07

1.7 MONITORING SYSTEM AND PARTNERSHIPS 08

1.8 PILOT-BASIS HEALTHY VILLAGE PROGRAMME 08

2. ACHIEVEMENT (2003 - 2015) 09

2.1 REFORM, POLICY CHANGE 09

2.2 INVESTMENT MADE 10

2.3 GOOD EXAMPLES (BEST PRACTICES) 11

2.4 SOCIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT 14

3. GAPS AND CHALLENGES 15

3.1 COVERAGE 15

3.2 HEALTH 16

3.3 EQUITY AND RIGHTS 17

4. FUTURE PLANS 18

4.1 SANITATION BEYOND MDGs 18

4.2 SUSTAINABILITY 19

4.3 OVERCOME THE BARRIERS 20

4.4 UNIVERSAL COVERAGE AND IMPROVING THE SERVICE LEVEL 20

CONCLUSIONS 21

REFERENCES 21

1. INTRODUCTION

SACOSAN VI | COUNTRY PAPER | SRI LANKA

1.1 Country Profile

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka which Social development indices of the country standout

is a tropical island located 6 degrees north of the among the regional countries and reportedly has

Equator in the Indian Ocean, has a population of achieved many of the Millennium Development Goals

20,477,597 people (2012 census) occupying a land (MDG), despite setbacks to economic and social 2 2 development in the past due to the conflict in the area of 65,610 km including 870 km of water bodies.

north and east as well as the devastating impact The average yearly temperature in Sri Lanka as a o caused by the 2004 Tsunami and inter-district whole ranges from 26 to 32 C. Sri Lanka is a water rich

resource disparities. The country has moved from a country with an annual average rainfall of nearly

low income to a low middle income country with the 2,000 mm. However there are regional variations and

per capita GDP at over 2000 US$. Sri Lanka ranks at 44 people in the dry regions suffer water shortages on an

in the world in terms of population density and the annual basis. The frequency of droughts has been

population stress is stretching the natural resource increasing, influenced by climate change. A drought in

base of the country. 2014 affected the intermediate zones as well.

Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation.

Annual population growth rate has dropped to about

1%. Male to female ratio is 94/100 and 25.8% of the

population falls below 15 yrs of age and 12.2 % is above

60 yrs. The country has a high literacy rate and life

expectancy and a low rate of infant mortality and

compares well with the developed countries.

The country is divided into 9 divisions viz Provinces,

administered by Provincial Councils elected by the

people. Within these Provinces there are 64 elected

local government bodies varying from cities to rural

areas comprising 23 Municipal Councils, 41 Urban

Councils and 336 Pradeshiya Sabhas. The 9 Provinces

are also divided into 25 administrative divisions

(districts) reporting to the Central Government.

PAGE 01

Figure 1: Sri Lanka Map with Provinces


1.2 Planning and Development Framework

1.3 The Institutional Framework and Legal Instruments

Sri Lanka’s sector planning and development 2020. Due consideration is given in planning and

framework is centered around the National Water monitoring to maintain the service levels,

Supply & Drainage Board (NWSDB) under the Ministry rehabilitation, environment protection and new

of City Planning & Water Supply (My of CP&WS). The developments.

NWSDB has the mandate for the development of My of CP&WS receives 2-3% of the annual budget for water supply, sanitation and sewerage services in the water supply & sewerage activities. Sri Lanka has urban as well as suburbs. The newly established successfully narrowed the access to sanitation gap Department of National Community Water Supply over the past several decades through efforts of also is playing a key role in rural areas. The Ministry multiple actors. The impressive coverage in sanitation acts as the national body for monitoring and review of is mainly due to complementary sanitation sector activities. The major water supply schemes and components being included in large scale sector piped water sewerage systems are operated by the projects in the past decade and this strategy has NWSDB and the septage treatment facilities are benefitted the rural areas. Rural sanitation is developed and handed over to local bodies for supported by many agencies including many civil operation. Sri Lanka has set national targets to societies. achieve universal coverage in water and sanitation by

Sri Lanka’s legal framework for sanitation dates back The Water Supply & Sanitation Sector (WS&SS) in Sri

to colonial era and the first piece of legislation was Lanka has had transformations through important

“The Sanitary Boards Ordinance No. 18 of 1892”. It institutional developments attended to during the

created bodies to provide a number of public health past five decades. In the early 1950s, government

services such as electricity, drainage, public established a separate Water Supply & Drainage

conveniences, markets, dairies, laundries and water (WS&D) department under the then Ministry of Local

supply in small towns. The Sanitary Boards consisted Government to bring greater dedicated focus on

of officials appointed by the Governor. Thereafter water supply and drainage. Previously it had been a

“The Local Boards Ordinance No. 13 of 1898” created sub-division under the Public Works Department. The

Local Health and Sanitation Boards for larger towns. WS&D department obtained technical capacity

Their composition and powers were similar to the through training of professional engineers and

Sanitary Boards. The Local Health and Sanitation Technical Assistants to design and construct both

Boards started functioning on 1st September 1899. minor and major water supply schemes across the

Sanitation was a subject assigned to local country, financed by direct budget allocations from

government system in the early 20th Century. Sri the treasury. In 1974 a statutory board was

Lanka’s impressive coverage is mainly due to the established under an act of Parliament to deal with

strong advocacy of the Public Health Inspectorate, to the accelerated advancement required in the water

regulate and enforce public and household sanitation and sanitation sector. The National Water Supply &

over the last century. At present Public Health Drainage Board was constituted in 1975 as the

Inspectors (PHI) are fielded by the Ministry of Health authority on the development and maintenance of

and Local Bodies to carry out a number of services water supply and sewerage in Sri Lanka with technical

including assurances of water quality and sanitation and administrative capacity.

standards.

PAGE 02


Establishment of the Ministry of Water Supply & implementation of large-scale sewerage projects

Drainage in 2007 demonstrated the commitment of planned for the major cities in the country. The policy

the GoSL to accelerate achievement of the national of the Government is to provide pipe borne sewerage

goals in the provision of water supply and sanitation. in cities where the population density does not permit

The ministry received the 3rd highest national budget environmentally sound on site sanitation systems.

allocation to its projects and programs up to 2012. The Under the My of CP&WS, the Department of National new government changed the Ministry to the Community Water Supply (DNCWS) was established Ministry of City Planning & Water Supply (My of on 19th September 2014. Before the establishment of CP&WS). The NWSDB is the implementing arm of the DNCWS, it was functioning as the National ministry and is responsible for almost all major Community Water Supply Trust since 2011. The key developments in the sector and delivers a piped water role of the Department is to ensure sustainable & safe supply service to around 35% of the population. drinking water supply and basic sanitation facilities (Another about 10% is covered by Local Authorities for the rural population through community managed and Community Based Organizations). 90% of the facilities.urban centers are supplied with piped borne water.

T h e N W S D B i s a l s o r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t h e

PAGE 03

1.3.1 The key Sector Institutions & Functional Relationships

Provision of water and sanitation has been one of the Ÿ Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local

highest social service priorities of the government Government - Assure standards and regulate

and current achievements are due mainly to this sanitation services and maintain public health.

thrust based on the clear roles assigned to the main Employs engineers, technical officers and public

actors and promotion of the commitment of the health inspectors for sector activities.

users. The institutional framework evolved over the Ÿ Ministry of Health - Regulator for water & food

past few decades to meet the challenges and to quality, hygiene education, sanitation and public

achieve the set targets for the sector. health services. Chairs national health based water

quality surveillance committee and water quality The respective roles of the institutions involved in monitoring regulating, supporting, providing and managing the

Ÿ Ministry of Education - Responsible for provision of water supply and sanitation sector services are water and sanitation services to schools and hygiene indicated below. Figure 1.3 presents the Institutional education. arrangement.

Ÿ Ministry of (Mahaweli Development) & The important roles played by the relevant sector Environment - Manage the environment and agencies in terms of their key areas of interest and natural resources of the countryresponsibi l i ty v iz planning, infrastructure

Ÿ National Water Supply & Drainage Board development and service delivery and human (NWSDB) - Implementing arm of the government resources development are provided in brief as and responsible for planning and development follows: Detail description of mandates for the major utilizing the national budget. Lead agency in the stakeholders is given separately. sector for technical guidance, overall management

Ÿ Ministry of City Planning & Water Supply - Sector and capacity building employ. Has 85% of the urban

Policy, coordination, budget allocation, monitoring and rural water supply development management

and review of progress. staff.


Ÿ Department of National Community Water Ÿ Civil Societies - Implement and assist specific

Supply (DNCWS) - Ensure safe drinking water programmes within the existing policy framework

supply and basic sanitation facilities for the rural Regulators at Macro levelpopulation through sustainable community

Ÿ Ministry of (Mahaweli Development) and managed facilities.

EnvironmentŸ Plantations’ Human Development Trust (PHDT) -

Ÿ Ministry of Policy Planning and Economic Affairs(Plantation mainly refers to tea and rubber

Ÿ Ministry of Finance plantations). Improve quality of life of the

Ÿ Ministry of City Planning & Water Supply plantation workers through improving human

Ÿ Ministry of Provincial Council and Local development indicators. Responsible for channeling Government funding for water and sanitation to the plantation

Ÿ Ministry of Healthsector

PAGE 04

Figure 2: Institutional Arrangements for Water Supply and Sanitation

Ministry of City Planningand Water Supply

Ministries of LG & PC,Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Education, Plantation

Industries & Environment and Renewable Energy

Policy, Budget Inter-Agency Coordination Resource Mobilization

Implementation review and Regulatory Control Monitoring

Programme ReviewProgress Monitoring

Service Provision and O&M

Provincial CouncilLocal Authority(PS/ UC/ MC)

NWSDB DNCWS

CBOs

Beneficiaries

Civil Society

NWSDB RSC

District Secretary

Divisional Secretariate

NWSDBRWS District

Unit

DNCWS CWSDistrict Unit

Service Providers(Public/ Private)

in the Rural Sector

SACOSAN VI | COUNTRY PAPER | SRI LANKA PAGE 05

Service providers:

Ÿ NWSDB with focus on urban water supply and them with the help of others

Sewerage development and operations Ÿ Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT),

Ÿ Local Authorities (Las), i.e. Urban Councils (UC), with schemes handed over to CBOs at the

Municipal Councils (MC) and Pradesiya Sabhas plantation estates for O&M. Subsidies are

(PSS) development and operations distributed to construct toilets to plantation

families.Ÿ Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

established to run rural schemes implemented by

Ÿ International Year of sanitation Ÿ Coordination and establishment of WATSAN

group Ÿ National Workshop on Sustainable Sanitation April

2008 Ÿ New focus on sustainable Sanitation

Ÿ Hosting of SACOSAN IV in Sri Lanka Ÿ Revised PHI manual including eco-san options

Ÿ South Asia Regional Conference in School WASH Ÿ Formulation of Draft National Sanitation Policy

2015 Ÿ UNICEF capacity building assistance

Ÿ Introduction of new strategies through various Ÿ Tsunami Recovery - initiate focus on eliminating

sector projects deficiencies in poor/unimproved sanitation

Sri Lanka has moved up the sanitation ladder in the past 50 years and has is close to achieving MDG target for

sanitation. In Sri Lanka over 90% of the people have access to improved sanitation.

The following table covers 25 years of sanitation improvement in Sri Lanka.

Important Milestones that Influenced Changes in the Sanitation Sector

Table 1: Baseline Data

1.4 Baseline Status

Source: UNICEF - Updated With National Census 2012

Year Improved Shared Unimproved Open Defecation

1990 68 2 14 16

1995 74 3 11 12

2000 80 3 10 7

2005 86 3 9 2

2010 87.5 2 8 1.8

2015 89.3 2 7 1.7


1.5 Coverage Definition

1.5.1 School Sanitation, Hygiene and Behavior Change

The National Survey for drinking water and sanitation the My of Health and the DC&S established a

was included in the national census on population and committee on monitoring MDGs represented also by

housing conducted by the Department of Census and key stakeholders. Ahead of the 2012 national Census ,

Statistics (DC&S) in 2012. The definitions adopted NWSDB and DC&S agreed on the adoption of the JMP

were those provided by the WHO/UNICEF Joint indicators for water supply and sanitation services for

Monitoring Programme (JMP) and the coverage is as the Census surveys. In Sri Lanka pit latrines are

shown in Table 1. DC&S also reports every 5 years on considered as unimproved sanitation. The MDG

the status of monitoring of the MDGs. In the water monitoring Committee reports the status every two

and sanitation sector, NWSDB in consultation with years to GLASS and JMP.

Sanitation and water supply services have been issues established by the Ministry of Education has been

in schools in Sri Lanka requiring focused attention. further strengthened and guided by Senior Teachers

The percentage of schools without adequate WASH and Public Health Inspectors. The important

facilities in 2009 was 45%. The problem of school consideration of good distance of sanitation facilities

WASH has been a concern and was also highlighted at from the source of water, has been stressed and

SACOSAN IV Colombo declaration. It drew the understood.

attention of the Ministry of Education and donors and Nutritional food served in school canteens, prepared

key partners to mobilize action and resources to and served under hygienic conditions along with

provide targeted attention for ameliorating the inculcation of good food and hygienic habits have had

situation. The concept of child friendly schools was attention with awareness raising among both

promoted by UNICEF and school Health clubs students and parents.

Table 2: Sanitation (Toilet/urines) Coverage in terms of Number of Schools 2013

Status of Coverage/ Provincial Schools

100% 75-99 % 50-74 % 25-49 % 1-24 % 0% Grand Total

1.Western 422 266 398 216 25 14 1341

2.Central 373 186 290 200 50 7 1106

3.Southern 542 278 309 264 87 33 1513

4.Nothern 324 228 354 251 55 17 1229

5.Eastern 479 87 158 137 82 31 974

6.North West 401 189 214 180 57 33 1074

7.North-Central 199 123 209 184 59 13 787

8.Uva 270 184 193 159 42 16 864

9.Sabaragamuwa 307 204 289 239 61 24 1124

Total Schools 3317 1745 2414 1830 518 188 10012

Government is now planning to have a 100% coverage in all schools by 2017.


1.6 Policy/ Strategy, Investment

Sanitation is currently a subject under the Local self financing of water and sewerage services though

Authority Ordinance (Municipal, Urban and Pradesiya promotion of innovative financing strategies.

Saba Act). The other statute is the Health Services Act Development of technical, financial and managerial

in which the health authorities are empowered with capacity of local authorities is considered key to

public health oversight. The policy addresses the efficient services in water and sewerage services.

issues related to improving on site as well as off site The environment policy of the government is to sanitation and for maintaining standards and provide septage treatment facilities for urban areas coordinating the efforts of all partners engaged in where the population density and the size do not improving sanitation. warrant implementing a pipe sewerage system. The

Piped sewerage facilities are to be adopted only in NWSDB who does project formulation has developed

densely populated areas where other options would criteria to select technical options for investment in

be inadequate. Ecological sanitation has been waste disposal. The criteria helps to decide on

promoted where it would be the best technical whether piped sewerage is the appropriate option by

option. Capacity building of the community evaluating risks to quality of life. Based on such

concerned has been recognized as an important evaluations the expected targets for pipe sewerage is

practical approach. Government will also promote shown below.

Table 3: Projected Targets for Sanitation through Piped Sewer

Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

% HH 1.92 1.98 2.01 2.15 2.25 2.52 2.83 3.09 3.3

Percentage Household Connected per Year


Sri Lanka in the year 2000 joined 188 countries to sanitation in line with JMP indicators.

become a signatory to MDGs and agreed to reach the The forum contributes to national efforts in 8 goals set out at the Kyoto Summit. Sri Lanka’s final implementing/ improving sanitation services in urban, report on MDG presented jointly by the Government rural and estate sectors for reporting on and UNDP, has recorded that Sri Lanka has achieved achievements. In order to reflect uniformity in the MDG goals in water and sanitation. The NWSDB national and international monitoring and reporting, established a forum for monitoring MDGs it has been proposed to have an independent national represented by key stakeholders in the sector body comprising key stakeholders to monitor WASH including the Department of Census and Statistics. In coverage based on agreed indicators . This idea will be 2013, an agreement was reached with DC&S to include strongly advocated in the SGD monitoring phase. the indicators for national survey for water and

Under the SACOSAN programme, a special pilot underserved village in to a Healthy Village by

project is under implementation in Badulla District in implementing a Total Sanitation programme. On

the Uva Province which is funded by the Government. completion of the project, this village will

The village has 77 households who presently do not demonstrate a “Sample Healthy Village” for others to

have proper drinking water supply and adequate follow.

sanitation facilities. It is expected to convert this

1.7 Monitoring System and Partnerships

1.8 Pilot-basis Healthy Village Programme

2. ACHIEVEMENT (2003 - 2015)


2.1 Reform, Policy Change

thEstablishment of a separate ministry for water and The Indian Ocean Tsunami of 26 December 2004,

sanitation viz the then Ministry of Water Supply & which devastated 70 percent of Sri Lanka’s coastline

Drainage (My of WS&D) and the National and killed an estimated 35,000 people, was

Coordination Forum on WATSAN under Government remarkable both for the magnitude of the disaster

leadership with the Secretary My of WS&D as the and for the unprecedented scale of the relief and

Chair, provided the platform since 2007 for all recovery operations mounted by a large number of

stakeholders in the sector for effective coordination. national and international agencies. The North and

The present Ministry of CP&WS has formulated the the East were additionally affected due to the 30

draft National Policy for Sanitation for approval of the years long conflict. The challenges faced during this

Cabinet of Ministers. A rights based approach has period in the provision of emergency and permanent

been adopted with commensurate responsibilities WASH services for temporary shelters and permanent

placed on the recipients. houses were met through a strong coordination

mechanism established with the participation of all The objectives of the draft sanitation policy for Sri stakeholders. The WASH coordination was facilitated Lanka include the following: by UNICEF was responsible for adaptation of number

Achievement of universal coverage by 2020 of technological aspects, institutional and policy

Promotion of appropriate fecal s ludge changes. The forum appointed a Sanitation Task management to protect environment Force (STF) to address the following challenges and Adoption of cost effective technology for to present recommendations: community based systems

Construction of temporary toilets to suit the Proper excreta disposal for major cities

ground conditionsRe-use/ recovery of nutrients from waste water

Septage management and environmentally Strengthening of local government for

accepted disposal environmental sanitation services

Decommissioning of temporary toilets Financing strategies and targets for piped

Control of flooding sewerage

Solid waste management Cost recovery from urban sanitation services

The outcome of the above focused on guidelines and Strategy for sanitation services in emergenciesdesigns for emergency WASH as well as regular

The three main focus areas identified for action are as development. Contribution to sanitation policy,

follows:strengthening local authorities for septage

1. Raising awareness and commitment among management, fecal sludge management guidelines

decision makers for improved sanitation and for were prepared in 2008 to build capacity of Local

mobilizing public support. Bodies.

2. Improving school sanitation services and

narrowing the gap of large number of schools

without adequate water and sanitation services.

3. Promotion of Total Environmental Sanitation

through local government agencies.

Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ

ŸŸ

ŸŸ

Ÿ

ŸŸ

Ÿ

ŸŸ

Ÿ

PAGE 09


2.2 Investment Made

The sanitation facilities provided since mid 1990s essentially consisted of a well designed septic tank. Major

investments and interventions since 2003, however accelerated the percentage of people using improved

sanitation facilities.

PAGE 10

Table 4: Government efforts in the provision of improved sanitation from year 2000 to 2014

Table 5: Investment - Ongoing Piped Sewerage Projects and Programmes

Table 6: Investments Proposed on Priority Piped Sewerage Projects

Projects Number of Toilets Provided Allocation (Rs. million)

CWSSP 1 (World Bank assisted) 71,000 186

CWSSP 2 (World Bank assisted) 27,000 113

ADB-3 83,000 436

ADB-4 38,000 479

ADB-5 2,000 53

AUSAID 3,000 57

TOTAL 224,000 1,324

WSSIP (World Bank - ongoing) 43,000 1,500

Location Connections Cost Rs. m

Ja Ela/ Ekala- Ratmalana/ Moratuwa WW Disposal Project 6,514 17,471

Kandy City Wastewater Management Project 12,600 22,591

Greater Colombo Wastewater Management Project Management Improvement

1,012

Global Partnership on Output Based Aid (GPOBA) Project 5,015 1,197

Jaffna Kilinochchi Water Supply and Sanitation Project 20,000 5,174

Greater Kurunagala Water Supply & Sanitation Project 4,000 13,248

Kataragama Wastewater Disposal Project 1,100 2,040

Total Expected 49,229 62,733

Large Scale Piped Sewerage Projects

Connections

Cost Rs. million

Total 8 Projects 93,800

119,171

Source: NWSDB

From the above table, a unit cost of investment on future projects could be derived to be Rs. 1.3 million per

connection or Rs.340,000 per capita, considering that the average household size is 3.7 persons per household.

Coverage in the piped sewerage sector is fraught with major challenges as it has to deal with existing population

and their living environment.


2.3 Good Examples (Best Practices)

2.3.1 Septage Management for Small Towns

Following three areas selected among many, are elaborated in the report under best practices:

Septage management in urban cities

Public Toilet management with private sector participation

School sanitation

Ÿ

Ÿ

Ÿ

Feacal sludge disposal, in the absence of a 5000 liters for the septage disposal. Fisher folks who

conventional waste collection and treatment system are living along the coastal areas are affected due to

is one of the biggest environmental challenges in high water table and their toilet pits are required to be

densely populated areas. The issue is affecting emptied once in three months. This is due to the lack

particularly the environmental safety of urban areas.. of technical knowhow of the people as well as UC on

the recommended standards by the SLSI on septic Chilaw is a town administered by an Urban Council tanks to be built in areas where the water table is high. with a population of 25,200 occupying an area of 6.4

sq km. total number of household is 9,547 according Under the Asian Development Bank assisted Dry Zone

the records at the UC. The town is in the North Urban Water & Sanitation Project Chilaw town has

Western Province bordering western coast. The been provided with a septage treatment facility. The

urban council’s sanitation functions include treatment system consists of a flow through pond

maintenance of public toilets, drainage, water quality system with an anaerobic, facultative and maturation

surveillance food quality and septage disposal. Up to ponds. The capacity of the facility is 39 M3 per day.

May 2015 the septage from overflowing septic tanks The facility is 10 km away from the UC limits and it is

were applied to coconut lands away from the UC area. design to run with a minimum inputs of 6 trucks per

The sanitation activities are managed under the Public day. According to the PHI there are 4 blocks of public

Health Inspector’s department where the records are toilets, since the town center is below MSL the public

maintained on water quality, water borne diseases, toilets require daily emptying of septage.

public toilets and records of the operation of gully The council is able to maintain the septage treatment trucks. The UC empty the septic tanks on request at a facility with the income received from the charges. It cost of Rs. 2,850 for the people living within the UC has been reported that the total truck loads produced limits and charge Rs. 6,840 for the people outside the in the year 2014 was 120 which is less than 1.2 % of the UC limits to empty the septic tanks using trucks. The households considering the number of household UC maintain two trucks of capacity 3000 liters and 9,547.

Figure 3: Septage Treatment facility at Chilaw


2.3.2 Private Sector Participation in Public Toilets Management

2.3.3 School WASH

The bus stand in Chilaw is a busy place as many of the general public. Opinion survey was positive as

commuters break their journey there. It active from as majority appreciated the facility and endorsed the

early as 4.00 am and the provision of a public tariff charge of Rs. 10 for up keeping the facility,

convenience with a high standard benefitted the maintained by the Urban Council of Chilaw.

In Vavuniya similar facilities were built under the Dry eligible private sector operators. The UC awarded the

Zone Urban WS&S Project funded by ADB and the contract to the best proposal, based on the capacity

Council took a decision to engage a private contractor of the organization and the lump sum paid to the UC

to operate, maintain and earn adequate funds to carry for a 3 year contract. The toilet block at the bus stand

out repairs as well. The Contactor was allowed to in Vavuniya is making a profit.

charge Rs. 10 per user. Vavuniya UC invited bids from

Education in Sri Lanka has a long history that dates system was brought about by its integration into the

back two millennia. The Constitution of Sri Lanka British Empire in the 19th century. Education currently

provides for education as a fundamental right. Sri falls under the control of both the Central

Lanka's population has a literacy rate of 98.1%, higher Government and the Provincial Councils, with some

than that expected for a developing nation; it has the responsibilities lying with the Central Government

highest literacy rate inSouth Asia and overall, one of and the Provincial Council having autonomy for

the highest literacy rates in Asia. Education plays a others. There are over 10,000 schools throughout Sri

major part in the life and culture of the country and Lanka to provide primary and secondary education

dates back to 543 BC. Sri Lanka's modern educational to children of school going age. In the recent past

Figure 4: Toilet blocks with well-equipped facilities


appalling condition of water and sanitation in nearly The authorities were convinced of the need to

20% of schools raised concerns of many and brought provide necessary basic facilities to schools. As a

to notice of the government and donors. A policy result more funds were made available to the schools.

decision was taken to incorporate water and In addition the donors too were convinced of the

sanitation in every infrastructure development in importance of providing WASH facilities. UNICEF

schools. Facilities were also build for differently able under its “child friendly school” programme provided

students and fro girls in view of their menstrual 1600 schools with the necessary facilities. The World

hygiene. Hygiene education has been promoted Bank funded TSEP also made its funding to be used for

through health and physical education as a part of the provision of basic facilities.

integrated primary curriculum and as a compulsory As a result of the implementation of WASH activities subject in the junior secondary sections. Over 70% of during the last few years the gap in provision of WASH children who sat the G.C.E (OL) Examination too facilities in schools has been reduced. In 2008 there offered health & physical education as a subject. were 1283 schools without a single usable toilet. By

In 2008 with the introduction of the School Health now it has been reduced to 74. This year Rs. 2,000

Promotion Program a fundamental change in the million had been allocated for providing wash

school health programme was brought about. Under facilities to 1,300 schools and used child friendly

this programme the school development society was designs for girls and boys separately.

made to take an interest in the provision of wash At the childrens’ day celebration held this year the facilities to school. Instead of an outside contractor theme was “sanitation first”. This signifies the constructing the toilets the school community importance the Ministry of Education attaches to the decided how it should be done. The sense of provision of WASH in schools. In the next years’ ownership being transferred to the school budget the allocation is Rs. 4,000 million for WASH in community brought about a big change in the school programme and provide facilities for all maintenance of these facilities. With the WASH schools with National Norms. With these funds MoE concept model designs were prepared for child intends to provide WASH to schools that do not have friendly toilets and provision of water in the toilets as toilets as well as upgrade the facilities in other well as wash stands in the classroom or near the schools, particularly the needs of those schools classroom. This facilitated the hand washing before where there are a large number of adolescent girls.taking the meals.

Figure 5: Hand washing facilities and sanitary facilities are well designed to suit the present requirement


Table 7: Achievement of Quality in Sanitation/ Technological Advancement

Improved Sanitation Facilities Unimproved Sanitation Facilities

Flush or pour-flush to:

- piped sewer system- increasing by 2% - septic tank - first choice according to SLS

Standards - pit

Ventilated improved pit latrine (VIP) Promoted

in rural agricultural areas.

Composting toilet - promoted as ecosan Public or shared sanitation Facilities

Bucket Latrines = eradicated

Flush or pour - flush to non sewer - reportedly not in use

Pit latrine without slab or open pit - not reported

Hanging toilet or hanging latrine - none

Pit latrines with slab - discouraged

No facilities or bush or field (open defecation) is 1.7%

2.4 Social & Technological Advancement

Sri Lanka’s sanitation sector evolved over the past 5 keeping with national standards set by the Sri Lanka

decades through improved on site sanitation and Standards Institution.

raised social and environmental standards. A major Rural sanitation was transformed by phasing out pit achievement in the 1980s was eradication of bucket latrines introduced as an essential component of latrines thereby relieving labour of the indignity of major water supply projects implemented through physically removing faeces. The replacement option multilateral and bilateral financing. Many better was the construction of septic tanks for households in technological options were introduced.

3. GAPS AND CHALLENGES


Sri Lanka has already achieved the MDGs and the the ground water table.

national goal is set for bridging the gap of less than 5. Provision of district level septage management

10% of the population. systems and capacity building in Local

Government agencies to maintain septage Sri Lanka’s challenges are mainly on the improvement management.of environmental sanitation. The safe disposal of

6. Adoption of Ecological sanitation and fecal sludge human excreta is the essence of the sanitation management where appropriate.challenge. The actions needed are:

7. Provision off site sanitation for small and medium 1. Improvement of the qual ity of l i fe by towns for improved environmental sanitation environmentally sound excreta disposal, solid where policy guidelines permit.waste management and drainage

8. Piped sewerage for major towns.2. Improvement of the status of school sanitation.9. Traditional approaches(Flush and forget ,Flush 3. The eradication of pit latrines and the

and store) are unable to cope with current issues management of septage from septic tanks.(population density).

4. Adoption of the Sri Lankan National Standards for 10. Policy reforms and implantation.the Septic tanks. The Local Authorities are advised 11. Strengthening of institutional co-ordination to strictly enforce SLS 245 for design of septic 12. Funding for bridging the sector gaps to meet tanks and taking account of soil conditions and

planned targets.

PAGE 15

SRI LANKA HAS ACHIEVED 91.3% OF SANITATION COVERAGE WITH IMPROVED SANITATION

3.1 Coverage

Figure 6: Updated Sanitation Coverage

Source: NWSDB


Actions Taken Ÿ Community Sewerage Treatment systems for

housing coloniesŸ Promoted environmental sanitation

Ÿ Resources and nutrient recovery reuse of water Ÿ Introduced urine diversion dry compost toilets in

introduced in the design of sewerage systems. agricultural areas

In line with the concepts of the Sustainable Ÿ Introduced fecal sludge management treatment

Development goals, Technologies which promote technologies in densely populated areas

integrated use of water resources, reduce the use of Introduction of septage treatment plants for town

water to transport waste, recover nutrient flows, centers along with co composting with organic

reduce export of waste, would be promoted over waste was a positive step taken towards re use

standard, technologies, currently being used.and recycle of nutrients.

Ÿ Constructed wetlands as a septage treatment

option

Figure 7: Evidence of Sri Lanka’s Ancestors Use of Toilets

3.2 Health

Sri Lanka is in the forefront in the Regions on tanks. This was an eye opener for both water and

successful eradication of Polio and malaria. After 2007 health authorities and action was taken to introduce

when an outbreak of viral hepatitis fever was water safety plans and water quality surveillance at

reported from Gampola no serious outbreak of water district level. PHIs are now fielded for water quality

borne diseases were reported. Nearly 200 had been surveillance and residual chlorine checks. Provision of

infected in Gampola due to consumption of water improved sanitation to people living in the catchment

from the water supply system where the chlorination areas was implemented.

was not properly done. The cause was due to water This was the first time that high incidences of the contamination due to improper disposal of excreta disease have been reported in the past decade. upstream of the river from poorly designed septic


Sri Lanka’s impressive achievements in the sanitation their household sanitation. Sanitations have been

sector is mainly due to the considerations matted out considered as a right in the sanitation policy which is in

to provide subsidies for low income families line with the response o Sri Lanka to monitor SDGs

throughout the country to build their own toilet. Rural beyond MDGs.

water supply sector development included sanitation Men and women have equal rights in Sri Lanka in revolving fund at district level to reap benefits by the terms of gender equality and equal opportunities to poor household to meet an affordable solution for advance and pursue individual goals in life.

Major challenges still exist in preventing water pollution and vulnerability of poor households getting affected

due to unimproved sanitation.

Table 8: Health Statistics on Notified Diarrheal Cases 2008 - 2015

Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2014 4th Qtr.

Dysentery 6,425 7,575 5,780 6,848 4,085 2,052

Typhoid 1,955 2,376 1,853 1,708 1,403 420

Food Poisoning 1,664 1,677 1,103 1,291 1,259 300

Viral Hepatitis 1,931 6,868 1,497 1,648 2,146 580

3.3 Equity and Rights - Gender, Equity and Rights in Sanitation

4. FUTURE PLANS


Main focus for the future is to meet the national goals in the medium term projections in the proposed water and

sanitation sector development by 2020.

Provision of pipe borne sewerage to major towns is considered under a master plan which includes 23 Municipal

Councils and 43 Urban Councils.

PAGE 18

4.1 Sanitation Beyond MDGs

Table 9: National Development Goals

Year 2015 2020

Safe water coverage (%) 94 100

Improved Sanitation 93 100

Access to Pipe Born Water 44 60

Pipe water connections (000)

1,600

3,000

Pipe borne Sewerage

3

7

Sri Lanka has already responded positively to join the desalination, water efficiency, wastewater

global efforts in mobilizing efforts in meeting SDGs treatment, recycling and reuse technologies.

and the Goal 6 and its sub targets are mainly taken up Sri Lankan professionals in the WASH sector are well by the Ministry of Water Supply & Drainage through trained with post graduate qualifications from the NWSDB. SDGs adopted by the government at a international institutes. Continues capacity building national workshop chaired by the President of Sri during post experience period is available to all of non Lanka. professionals as well. Major development in the

The relevant goals for sanitation are; sector is financed by bi lateral and multilateral

agencies. 6.2 by 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable

Actions so far in the environmental sanitation options sanitation and hygiene for all, and end open

include re use and recycle technologies. defecation, paying special attention to the needs of

women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.6.7 (b) support and strengthen the participation of

Sri Lanka is planning to achieve this goal by 2020 local communities for improving water and

sanitation management6.7( a) by 2030, expand international cooperation

Sri Lanka an island with a high population density and capacity-building support to developing

exerting pressure on natural resources and countries in water and sanitation related activities

threatening sustainable use of the resource base as and programmes, including water harvesting,

well as the environment due to human and other

Provision of safe water and adequate sanitation to achieve universal access to water & sanitation by 2020


waste. Addressing these issues is given high priority Sewerage master plan to be under taken through

by the government. The rural sanitation sector has foreign assistance will be the future direction in

always promoted a community based/managed achieving the total environmental sanitation

projects and programmes. eliminating deficiencies of onsite sanitation.

4.2 Sustainability

A p p r o a c h e s a n d m e c h a n i s m s t o a d d r e s s Ÿ Introduce Best Practice in the Management of

sustainability should be inbuilt from the beginning of Environment for Improving Public Health through

the policies, strategies and programmes. Sanitation local government system.

and water is equally considered in major project and Ÿ Raise awareness of sustainable sanitation issues,

development components cover full cross section of link with global warming, and showcase sanitation from conventional sewerage treatment to innovative, location specific solutions in different replacement of pit latrines from rural areas. parts of the country. IYS used as the platform for

Ÿ Collective behavior change is an essential highlighting the role of local government and

component in supporting long term sustainability. address sanitation gaps.

Ÿ Technical failure of latrines has proved to be a key Ÿ Provide feacal sludge management guidelines for

factors in coverage slippage, and therefore a local authorities and provide technical support

combination of strengthening the supply chain through partnerships.

and increasing technical capacity support at the Ÿ Construct eco sanitation facilities in selected

lowest level is required to ensure people move up Urban local authority for demonstration purpose the sanitation ladder. and public awareness.

Ÿ The need to think beyond latrines as communities Ÿ To introduce environmentally sound technologies

move up the sanitation ladder is required to ensure and practices for sustainable sanitation services.total sanitation (including liquid and solid waste

Ÿ To build capacity of the environmental management).

professionals in public and private sector on the Ÿ Behavior change should be the focus of all design construction and operation of ecological

programmes to ensure sustainability. Therefore sanitation option and constructed wetland.basic latrines should not been seen as a hindrance

Ÿ To explore opportunities for research and field to sustainability at the early stage of programmed

base trials on appropriate sanitation technologies.interventions, as long as the focus has been placed

Ÿ To develop a national plan of action for household on behaviour change, ideally at the community

centered environmental sanitation in line with level.

national policies.Ÿ Long term post triggering follow up and

Ÿ Promote innovative decentralized environmental promotion strategies should be planned and

friendly sanitation technologies and approaches.implemented, responsibility for these need to be

identified. Ÿ Final approval of the National Sanitation Policy by

the Cabinet of Ministers.Ÿ Incentives, both financial and recognition, has

proved to support sustainability.


4.3 Overcome the Barriers

4.4 Universal coverage and Improving the Service Level

Apart from difficulties in mobilizing large scale Ÿ preparatory work undertaken to address gender

financing for achieving national targets there are no issues in projects and programmes to improve

cultural or social barriers to bridge the gap in sanitation.

sanitation coverage. However, promoting social Ÿ quotas, targets, design features included in the

acceptance of waste management sites which are project to address gender inclusion and facilitate

planned in the vicinity of communities posing women's involvement and/or ensure tangible

difficulties and project are delayed as a result. Social benefits to women.

approach and safeguards to built into projects more Ÿ mechanisms to ensure implementation of the significantly. Gender action plan is an important gender design elements.element for overcoming barriers as women is the Ÿ adopt gender monitoring and evaluation hose hold care giver and hygiene educator for the indicators in targeting SDG goals.younger generation. Empower women in areas

SDG targeting and monitoring in the WASH sector where sanitation issues are causing health impacts.

with an independent expert panel has been mooted

in many forums to overcome discrepancies in

reporting progress.

Sri Lanka has a national goal to achieve universal Section 2.3 explains the current policy and

coverage in Sanitation by 2020. Table 4.1 refers to technology used for sustainable environmental

national goals and 100 on water and sanitation is sanitation. Achieving universal coverage require

targeted by 2020. Sanitation service improvement is a following tasks to be attended continuously.

continuous process in Sri Lanka as it requires climbing Ÿ Replace un improved sanitation facilities.

the sanitation ladder and provides next higher level Ÿ Provide technical and financial support to upgrade

facility in terms of technology and quality of service. sanitation.

Complete removal of direct pit latrines and improve

Ÿ Improve sanitation to achieve environmental technology in water logged areas Proper disposal of

sanitation.excreta along the coastal belt and high water table

areas posing a challenge at present and solutions are Ÿ Provision of priority pipe sewerage.being implemented. The Sri Lanka Standards

Ÿ User commitment to up keep, meet cost of Institution has recommended in SLS 245 the options

operation and ensure sustainability. available for the design and construction of septic

Ÿ Ensure adequate water availability for hygiene.tanks. Obviously the first choice of the household in

Sri Lanka is the septic tank for excreta disposal. The Ÿ Government commitment to mobilize resources quality of design although strictly regulated at and Investment to achieve Sustainable present some of the tanks build in the past had not Development Goals. been designed properly and subject to overflow with

varied interval requiring emptying using gully

emptier.

CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES


Ÿ The SACOSAN platform is a great opportunity to

address this common issue to developing

countries in the region. The findings, lessons leant

and recommendations for policy and legal issues

would be useful to share with the regional

countries.

Ÿ Sector targets in the SDG goals as pointed in the

goal 6 is important in reaching the universal

coverage.

Ÿ Strong institutional and legal framework will

strengthen the coordination among centralized

and decentralized institutions responsible for

sanitation.

Ÿ Strengthening local government sector to achieve

the standards in environmental sanitation is a

priority.

Ÿ Introduction of septage management for onsite

sanitation and sewerage tariff for sustainable off

site sanitation.

Ÿ Central Bank Annual Report 2014

Ÿ Demographic and Health Survey, Department of

Census and Statistics, 2012

Ÿ Population and Housing Census DC&S 2012

Ÿ Ministry of Education Services Survey of WASH

Facilities

Ÿ Sri Lanka Water & Sanitation Overview, ADB (2014)

REGIONAL CENTRE FOR SANITATIONRural Water and Sanitation Section

National Water Supply & Drainage BoardPO Box 14, Mt. Lavinia, Sri Lanka

Tel: +94 11 2605349Fax: +94 11 2622753

Email: [email protected]: www.sacosan.lk | www.nwsdbrws.org

Ministry of City Planning and Water Supply“Lakdiya Medura”,

No.35, New Parliament Road , Pelawatta,Battaramulla.Sri Lanka

Tel:+94 11 2177240, 2177241Fax: +94 11 2177242

E-mail: [email protected]: www.mwsd.gov.lk

SACOSANREGIONAL CENTRE FOR SANITATION

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND NETWORKING

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COUNTRY PAPER - SRI · PDF file(SACOSAN VI) COUNTRY PAPER - SRI LANKA DHAKA | BANGLADESH JANUARY 2016. ... acts as the national body for monitoring and review of is mainly due to complementary