Dialog Launches Island-wide ‘e-Kunu Programme’ for Responsible E-Waste Management

Photographed left to right: Vipula Gunarathne, Head of branding and communications, Cleantech (PVT) ltd, Zev Pestonjee, Manager Environment & Sustainability, Cleantech (Pvt) ltd, Kasun Thennakoon, Senior Manager- Circular Economy Services, Cleantech (PVT) ltd, Rukitha Nanayakkara, CEO, Cleantech (PVT) Ltd, Asanga Priyadarshana, Group Chief of Risk and Compliance, Dialog Axiata PLC, Asith De Silva, Senior Manager - Social Innovation, Dialog Axiata PLC, Ashini Pothupitiya, Specialist - Sustainability Execution, Dialog Axiata PLC, Akila Lakshan- Executive Operations Engineer- Sustainability and CSR

Dialog Axiata PLC, launched the e-Kunu programme, one of its product responsibility initiatives, aiming to transform e-waste management in Sri Lanka, by responsibly collecting and recycling electronic waste from Dialog Customer Experience Centres island-wide.

Building on the success of Dialog's National "mWaste" Project, which began in 2008 and later became part of the National E-waste programme in 2014, e-Kunu goes beyond mobile waste to encompass a wide range of electronic items. From mobile phones and laptops to chargers, batteries, printers, and more. e-Kunu establishes an end-to-end disposal chain, adhering to local and international standards regulated by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) of Sri Lanka and in accordance with the Basel Convention for the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal.

The initiative aligns with Dialog's commitment as a responsible corporate citizen, to promote sustainable waste management solutions and protect the environment. By educating customers and the public on the hazards of improper e-waste disposal and encouraging responsible recycling, Dialog aims to reinforce its environmental responsibilities, in compliance with ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems standard, for which the company gained certification in 2021. Further, this initiative aims to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 13: Climate Action.

e-Kunu is a collective effort that relies on the active participation of customers, employees, and the public to create an environmentally conscious community. Dialog signed a MOU with Cleantech (Pvt) Limited with the aim of leading the way in responsible e-waste management and set a positive example for other companies, while fostering a sustainable future for Sri Lanka.

The public can dispose of their e-waste at any Dialog Experience Centre island-wide. More information on e-Kunu can be accessed via – https://dialog.lk/e-kunu