The Ministry of Tourism Implemented a programme to distribute equipments to local bodies for the collection and disposal of garbage in main areas where both local and foreign tourists congregate and if not collected will spread diseases as well as is very unpleasant to the visitors.

This is an annual programme of the Ministry which is implemented as results of discussions with the local bodies which are unable to buy the equipment for lack of funds.

This year the Ministry has allocated Rupees Twelve Million for this project which was started in year 2005.
Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda approved the distribution of a Tractor and two trailers each to Puttalam Urban Council, Mahawa, Jaela, Hikkaduwa, Ella and Dambulla pradeshiya Sabas and the Negombo Municipal Council. Deputy Minister of Tourism Faiszer Musthapa handed over the equipment to the heads of local bodies at a simple ceremony held recently.

In the inaugural year in 2005 similar equipments were given over to Katharagama, Tissamaharama, Ambagamuwa and Attanagalla Pradeshiya sabas. The Chief Accountant of the Ministry W. Wimalasena disclosed that Rupees Eight Million has been set apart from the Ministry funds for the year 2008.  P.M.Leelarathne Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, George Michael, Addl. Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Vini Kariyawasam Chairman Hikkaduwa Pradeshiya Sabawa and K.G.Somathilaka Chairman Dambulla Pradeshiya Sabawa, participated at this simple ceremony.