Deadline Date: May 29, 2026
The United Nations Development Programme is seeking grant applications to support the development of a sustainable municipal solid waste management system in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.
The focus areas, of this assignment include improving municipal solid waste management systems, reducing environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and developing integrated low-carbon waste solutions. It also emphasizes strengthening institutional capacity, improving waste collection and processing systems, promoting recycling and resource recovery, and ensuring environmental and social compliance in line with national and international standards.
Sri Lanka faces increasing challenges in municipal solid waste management due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and limited infrastructure for waste segregation, recycling, and disposal. These challenges contribute to environmental degradation and public health risks, while also impacting the country’s climate goals. The study aims to support the development of a sustainable, scalable, and integrated waste management system aligned with national development priorities and climate commitments.
The assignment requires a detailed baseline assessment of the existing waste management system, including waste characterization, collection coverage, transport practices, and disposal methods. It also includes the design of an integrated low-carbon solution involving material recovery facilities, organic waste processing methods such as composting and biogas, and treatment options for residual waste. The study further requires feasibility analysis covering technical, financial, institutional, and regulatory aspects, along with business models such as public–private partnerships.
Additional requirements include environmental and social compliance through ESIA and ESMP preparation, identification of regulatory approvals, implementation planning, stakeholder coordination, and limited site validation including surveys and geotechnical assessments. The selected firm will also conduct workshops, consultations, and field visits while working closely with government stakeholders and the project management unit.
Funding includes LKR 1,000,000 for waste audits and related expenses excluding labour costs, and LKR 5,000,000 for site investigations, surveys, and laboratory tests. The contract duration is 7 months, and the firm will report to the Project Coordinator under the Project Management Unit.
For more information, visit UNDP.
