Oversight Committee recommends green substitute for sili sili bags

Colombo, Nov. 15 (Daily Mirror) - The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has recommended that the Ministry of Environment take the lead in producing an environmentally friendly paper bag to replace polythene “sili sili” bags.

The proposal emerged during Committee discussions on the potential introduction of a fee for sili sili bags at the point of purchase. Committee members questioned whether such a charge would effectively curb polythene usage and sought clarification on how the fee amount had been determined. Officials responded that the relevant gazette does not mandate a charge for these bags.

The Committee convened in Parliament on November 10 and 12, 2025, under the chairmanship of MP Hector Appuhamy. The two-day meeting reviewed the financial and physical progress of the 2025 budget proposals of the Ministries of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Marine Resources, and Environment. Several annual and performance reports of affiliated institutions were also examined and approved.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and MPs Gnanamuththu Srineshan, Roshan Akmeemana, Chathuri Gangani, Susantha Kumara Nawarathna, Kitnan Selvaraj, Bhagya Sri Herath (Attorney-at-Law), Chithral Fernando (Attorney-at-Law), J.C. Alawathuwala, Sujeewa Senasinghe (Attorney-at-Law), and Upul Kithsiri participated in the sessions.