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Restrictions on computer, mobile phone imports
Restrictions are to be imposed on the import of used computers and mobile phones in a move to prevent Sri Lanka from becoming a dumping ground for e-waste, Environment and Renewable Energy Minsiter Susil Premajayantha said. He said that the plan was to ban import of computers and mobile phones used for more than three years, but a technical committee report would decide whether to reduce it further to two years.
The move might increase prices of computers and mobile phones, but Minister Premajayantha said the benefits would be more as the computers or mobile could be used for a longer period and the amount of e-waste reduced. The minister said the restrictions would be gazetted within two months and effectively implemented.
Talks were being held with computer and mobile phone importers to obtain their cooperation while the Customs would be told to prevent individuals from bringing in old items. “Some countries are trying to use Sri Lanka as a dumping ground for e-waste. We won’t allow this,” he pledged.
Central Environmental Authority (CEA) Director Saranga Alahapperuma said they hoped to get companies to offer discounts on new mobile phones if the old ones were surrendered.
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