Polythene use banned from Jan. 1

24 December 2015 06:50 am - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The law on use of plastics and polythene bags less than 20 microns of gauge would be strictly implemented from January 1, on a Presidential directive, Mahaweli Development and Environment Ministry Director Anura Jayathilaka.

He said, this during an inspection of several shops and shopping malls in Colombo.

He said, laws would be enforced strictly from January 1 to minimise the use of polythene, which was a major threat to the environment and the health of the people.

“According to the Gazettee notification No. 1466/5 issued under section 23W of the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980, the use of polythene less than 20 microns in thickness will be banned. Violators will be charged in courts and fined Rs. 10,000 as a penalty or face two years imprisonment or both,” he said.
The legislation was brought in to combat the indiscriminate use of shopping bags and food wrappers in shopping malls and the home environment, resulting in its haphazard disposal polluting the environment.

Instead it was recommended that people use environmentally friendly paper bags, and jute bags for shopping purposes.

“However, the law to all intents and purposes was only on paper and died a natural death,” Anura Jayathilaka said.

The regulation was also Gazetted under the provisions of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Act No 09 of 2003 by Gazette numbered 1588/18 and dated February 11, 2009, he said.

According to the Act, the name and address of the manufacturer, date of manufacture, generic name of the product and Number of Environmental Protection License and other manufacturing details should be labeled on the packet or bundle of polythene food wrappers and garbage bag since August 15, 2009.

“We request shop and shopping mall owners to obey the rules and help to protect the environment by minimising the use of polyethene,” he said.

The inspection would be conducted in the Colombo City area and the Greater Colombo area as well.

The inspection was conducted yesterday under the supervision of CMC Chief Medical officer, Ministry of Health, and Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and with the support of the environmental Police. (Chaturaga Pradeep)

Video by Indika Sri Aravinda

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Comments - 13

Amila Thursday, 24 December 2015 12:50 PM

Great!

ANTON Thursday, 24 December 2015 01:03 PM

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL LOOSE THEIR JOBS ? HOW MANY FACTORIES WILL HAVE TO BE CLOSED ?

ANTON Thursday, 24 December 2015 01:12 PM

NOW OUR POLICE OFFICERS WILL HAVE TO BE EQUIPPED WITH MICROMETERS TO MEASURE THE THICKNESSES OF POLYETHYLENE BAGS.

ANTON Thursday, 24 December 2015 01:13 PM

CAN MANUFACTURE, BUT CANT USE EH ?

Bippity Boppity Boo Thursday, 24 December 2015 01:41 PM

Hurray! Good news for wild elephants too.

citizen Thursday, 24 December 2015 01:53 PM

they ban polythene but tax electric cars. Either protect the environment or dont. stop being on the fence via DM Android App

Dee Thursday, 24 December 2015 02:22 PM

Can we have the joint opposition and the hawkers protesting against this please? Also the col-5 temple party can come up with some creative cartoons on social media.

Real Peace Thursday, 24 December 2015 03:11 PM

Anton, there will be more factories making paper bags, hence no jobs will be lost. Also what about bags made with coconut and palmyrah trees? Great move by new govt. Sri Lanka is a progressive country now. No more jokes.

ANTON Thursday, 24 December 2015 03:35 PM

OK OK REAL PEACE, SOON WE WILL HEAR " BOOOTHAAAL PATHTHARAYEEEEEEE , BOOOOTHAAAL PATHTHARAYYYYYYYY "

G.M. Jayawardena Thursday, 24 December 2015 03:46 PM

At last one of the the impossibles is becoming possible.... good for the environment and the people... thanks to the authorities...

Lalith Thursday, 24 December 2015 03:54 PM

Govt need money to give all subsidies

Anushka Friday, 25 December 2015 12:01 AM

Use of bio-degradable bags will be a good option

Banda Friday, 25 December 2015 08:00 AM

Remember the motor cyclists who had to have his head lights on? Remember the lane law that applies only at certain times of the day? (Because there are no vehicles on the road at other times or was it that it is ok to break the law at other times!?) Remember the cost of 13 items including Koththamali, that were reduced in January? Remember the Rs 10 appe? Remember the "adu seeni T ekka"?This is all Bull S... by yahapalanaya and all politicians

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Polythene use banned from Jan. 1

Comments - 13

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