Polythene ban has no impact on industry, sales intact: Small Industries Association

10 November 2025 09:30 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 11 Bookmark

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By Indika Sri Aravinda

Colombo, Nov. 10 (Daily Mirror) - The All Ceylon Small Industries Association says that the government’s decision to prohibit the free distribution of polythene bags, including shopping bags, has not affected the local polythene industry or its production.

National Organiser of the Association, Nirukshana Kumara, said that the move has instead allowed supermarkets and shops to gain additional profits. He also said that the decision is impractical, as many consumers still rely on polythene bags to carry their goods when shopping.

Kumara said that most shops continue to provide free shopping bags despite the regulation, resulting in no noticeable decline in the industry’s sales or production levels. He said around 1,200 industrialists and manufacturers under the Devalapura Police Division are currently engaged in the polythene production sector.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court recently heard a fundamental rights petition filed by the Environmental Justice Centre, seeking the implementation of a programme to reduce polythene use and to recover a levy on shopping bags starting from November 1, citing their harmful environmental impact.

Comments - 11

Dr. Dee esquire Monday, 10 November 2025 09:37 PM

It will only be a positive impact on the P

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Full stop Monday, 10 November 2025 10:06 PM

You cannot use of these bags unless you stop the production. You stop production. Everything will stop

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Ylg Tuesday, 11 November 2025 04:47 AM

Can't they make bio degradable bags?

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lion Tuesday, 11 November 2025 06:24 AM

Since they are not feeling the government attempt to reduce polyethene usage , government should increase the tax on material which are imported to produce polyethene.

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Mohan Tuesday, 11 November 2025 06:28 AM

Yes. Many shops still do not charge for them. But, many supermarkets charge. There should be some reduction. People need to remember to bring reusable bags when shopping. Also, people need bags to dispose household waste. Better to make them biodegradable.

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Adwani Tuesday, 11 November 2025 07:26 AM

Environmental Justice Centre made a foolish decision by giving extra bucks to Supermarkets, the cost of Bags have been already included in the sale prices of goods. EJC must study the product Polythene, it is very easier to destroy bags, since the product is Petroleum residuals.

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Simple logic Tuesday, 11 November 2025 08:06 AM

The same industrialists will have to carry their own bag or pay in a foreign country. Reducing the use of plastic is a national responsibility. Affordability to pay for them is secondary.

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Disgusted citizen Tuesday, 11 November 2025 08:10 AM

What's the point,the authorities should have made it mandatory for shops and super markets to provide cardboard paper bags for shoppers,why cannot this be implemented, and get rid of the manufacture of siri siri bags, Over to the authorities to strictly enforce this

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Winston Rohan Tuesday, 11 November 2025 08:31 AM

Now come on Government, you can do better, creat an infrastructure for an alternative which is bio friendly and implement it ASAP then completely prohibit polythene bags. I know it's easy said than done but get it right. What's happening now this is a ridiculous and hilarious move where production is as it is.

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mp Tuesday, 11 November 2025 09:06 AM

This ban cannot be much success depending on the items that vendors sell and at sales points. It is not possible sell fish/meat without using polythene bags, neither customers cannot carry them without polythene bags. Only big supermarkets may be successful. Even at Pola vendors cannot do this.

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Gerry Tuesday, 11 November 2025 10:04 AM

I was in Kong Kong over tge weekend and they charged 3USD an bag what a good idea. Keep charging at lest 5 or 10 Rupees per bag it the only way to stop the rubbish on the streets. Also charge companies like Coke for every plastic bottled found in the waters and sea front

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