Kataragama to become ‘Polythene Free Sacred Zone - 2030’

Colombo, July 17 (Daily Mirror) - The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has launched a five-year programme to make the Kataragama sacred city, sacred site and the surrounding areas of the Menik Ganga a plastic-free zone by 2030.

The “Polythene Free Sacred Zone - 2030” programme was launched in parallel with the 2026 Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya Perahera, with the aim of reducing plastic pollution caused by pilgrims and visitors throughout the year.

Thousands of devotees visit Kataragama annually, while large crowds gather during the annual Perahera season. Under the programme, steps will be taken to educate devotees, residents and traders on reducing plastic use and to strengthen raids against banned polythene products.

The initiative will also focus on reducing the use of plastic items used for religious offerings, promoting environmentally friendly alternatives, and introducing improved waste management methods.

The CEA said support from several government and private sector institutions has been sought to successfully implement the programme.

A pilot project carried out over the past two years had produced positive results, including replacing plastic garlands with natural garlands, introducing eco-friendly bags, reducing waste generation and directing collected waste for recycling.

The CEA said the programme aims to protect the environment by preventing pollution caused by improper waste disposal in Kataragama town, the sacred area and the Menik River.