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Sep.1 ban on polythene use to be reviewed

24 August 2017 07:56 am - 10     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Cabinet on Tuesday has decided to appoint a committee to revisit the implementation of the earlier envisaged September 1 ban on the import, production, sale and use of polythene, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister, Gayantha Karunatilaka said yesterday.

He told the weekly news briefing that however, there was no change in the decision to implement the ban on the use of polythene from September 1.

The committee to review the ban on polythene and make recommendations before January 2018 comprises the Secretaries of the Ministries of Finance, Industries and Commerce, Environment and the Director General of the Central Environment Authority and a representative of the Industrial Technology Institute.

The spokesman said they would listen to the concerns expressed by polythene manufactures, people engaged in polythene-related packaging and wholesale merchants, affected by this decision and propose alternatives.

“However, the government will follow a lenient policy on those found violating the ban until January 2018 when the committee recommendations are expected,” he said. (Sandun A Jayasekera)


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  Comments - 10

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  • johan Thursday, 24 August 2017 09:04 AM

    Yes Government must find ways to feed the workers if they want to implement the ban.Check with other countries where they use Polythene, similarly

    Lord Wolfstein Thursday, 24 August 2017 09:04 AM

    My company also operates restaurants and uses polythene bags and lunch sheets. Nevertheless, I support the new law on the ban of polythene. I blame the manufacturers for these awkward circumstances who have known for years that their products are detrimental to the environment and have not switched to environmentally friendly products. But that is the problem in Sri Lanka. Because of avarice, no producer voluntarily changes to a more cost-intensive product. It only goes with laws and hard penalties. Unfortunately, there is only one manufacturer of environmentally friendly products of this kind in this country, who can not deliver enough due to the high demand.

    ceylon Thursday, 24 August 2017 10:04 AM

    no one word.no decision.no implimentation.changung changing changing.what a mess. via DM Android App

    Gunasekera Thursday, 24 August 2017 10:29 AM

    Why can't the govern. make decisions after proper analysis like this and involve experts, rather than reacting to someone's advice and take drastic decisions overnight. In the polythene case, they should check and announce what are the alternatives available for people, and whether those are affordable. The polythene bags have become extremely important for people these days with the messed up garbage disposal system, to store the garbage for seven long days inside their kitchens. Then the millions of garment factory and office workers use polythene lunch sheets, what is the alternative, if they say banana leaf that would be biggest joke.

    Bronko Thursday, 24 August 2017 12:18 PM

    Just what we expected, this government have no guts to implement this ban like other countries.

    brainmaster Thursday, 24 August 2017 12:44 PM

    Weakness. Mistake. via DM Android App

    ajith ratnayaka Thursday, 24 August 2017 01:28 PM

    Until last month there was no indication whatsoever that there was going to be a total ban on Polythene In fact the all banks including state banks kept on granting loans for polythene industry. Several Trade exhibitions were held recently where in large scale polythene sheets/ bags making machines were displayed by foreign companies. Several local Investors have invested Millions on such machinery during the last few months. Suddenly the government has introduced a ban wef 1st September.Why can't leaders of this country take this kind of policy decisions in a more realistic and reasonable manner without creating problems out of the blues for the people ?

    amjed kaleel Thursday, 24 August 2017 02:00 PM

    Good move!!!But make sure to collect garbage on time.. If there are plastic bags at least can hold for few days so make sure to collect without delay on a daily basis..

    Aquarius Thursday, 24 August 2017 02:21 PM

    This type of spineless reaction from the government was expected. Not for the first time, many such decisions had to be pulled back due to "pressure" from those affected. Nothing will be implemented even if the whole country becomes an environmental disaster. Wake up and stand up to what you propose and provide the leadership to implement what is good to the country.

    DJ Thursday, 24 August 2017 07:49 PM

    First educate the policy makers on this issue. See how it's done in the developed world. There is no fining but a proper process which never came overnight


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