The Government has issued a gazette banning the use and manufacture of polythene products of 20 microns or less.

According to the gazette, the manufacture of food containers, plates, cups and spoons made out of expanded polystyrene has been banned for in-country use, effective today (01).

Additionally, the sale, offer for sale, free-of-charge offer, exhibition and use of food containers, plates, cups and spoons manufactured from expanded polystyrene within the country has also been banned as of today (01).

Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Dr. Lal Mervin Dharmasiri stated that the polythene ban would come into effect today (01), as a measure of preserving the environment.

Director of the Sustainable Solutions Centre of the University of Kelaniya, Dr. U. P. K. Epa added that the decision of the Government to ban polythene was indeed a timely, much needed move.

However, polythene manufacturers and the President of the Recyclers’ Association, Anura Wijetunga stated that authorities had informed them that even though the ban was said to be implemented today (01), the enforcement would not occur till January 2018.

Meanwhile, President of the Canteen Owners’ Association, N. K. Jayawardana stated that adequate time was needed to gradually move away from the use of polythene.