The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has urged the general public attending this year’s Colombo International Book Fair to bring a suitable, environmentally friendly reusable bag when purchasing books, as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste.
The CEA said it had observed extensive use of plastic shopping bags, commonly known as “sili sili” bags, by visitors to carry books at book fairs held in previous years.
Under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2456/41 dated October 1, 2025, issued under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, plastic bags with handles must not be provided free of charge to consumers.
If such bags are sold, the amount charged must be clearly indicated on the customer’s bill, according to the regulations.
The measures are aimed at reducing environmental damage caused by single-use polythene and plastic products.
The sale, free distribution, display or use of several other single-use plastic and polythene products has also been prohibited under the law, including:
* Single-use plastic drinking straws and stirrers
* Single-use plastic plates, cups, spoons, forks and knives
* Food wrappers made using polythene as a raw material, commonly known as “lunch sheets”
The CEA said it had also held discussions with the relevant parties at food outlets operating within the book fair premises and reached agreement to ensure that the prohibited plastic and polythene products are not used in any form.
The Colombo International Book Fair 2026 is scheduled to begin on September 25, and the CEA, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Publishers’ Association, will conduct a special awareness programme targeting both vendors and visitors throughout the event.
