Strict plastic ban to be enforced at Sri Pada

By Pavithra Mangala

Colombo, Feb. 16 (Daily Mirror) - Strict regulations will be enforced under the ‘Samanola Siri – Haritha Wandana’ national mission to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of Sri Pada from the harmful impact of plastic and polythene, Additional Secretary to the President (Clean Sri Lanka Project) S.P.C. Sugeeshwara said.

Addressing a media briefing today (16), he said the programme is being implemented under the Clean Sri Lanka Project with the objective of protecting Sri Pada and its surrounding environment from decades of plastic pollution.

The initiative, which commenced in November, was temporarily suspended due to Cyclone Ditwah. It will recommence on February 19 at 6.00 a.m. from Nallathanniya.

Sugeeshwara said all garbage, including plastic and polythene waste left behind by pilgrims at the Sri Pada site, will be collected and removed as part of the programme.

He warned that severe environmental degradation at the sacred site could have disastrous consequences for the entire country.

“A massive amount of waste has accumulated at Sri Pada over the past 40 to 50 years. The main watershed of the central hills is under serious threat due to improper waste disposal by pilgrims. The damage caused to this highly sensitive region is grave, with large mounds of garbage piled up,” he said.

He urged devotees to take back all plastic and polythene items they bring and to remain vigilant against activities that harm the environment.

The government and private sector will jointly implement strict regulations to minimise environmental pollution during the current pilgrimage season, he added.

Sugeeshwara further noted that all government institutions will implement short-, medium-, and long-term programmes aimed at restoring Sri Pada to the pristine ecological condition it maintained a century ago by the end of 2028.

Special inspections will be carried out at the main entry points at Nallathanniya and Palabaddala in Ratnapura. Plastic bottles will be restricted, particularly towards the summit, while alternative measures such as reusable bottles and regulated water distribution systems have been introduced.

A formal waste management system will also be implemented through the relevant Pradeshiya Sabhas throughout the pilgrimage season. Shop owners have been instructed to use environmentally friendly packaging.

Meanwhile, SSP Manoj Perera, Director of the Police Environmental Protection Division, said the law would be strictly enforced against those violating the plastic ban and environmental regulations.

Special police teams have been deployed to monitor and prevent pilgrims from carrying plastic items and engaging in environmentally harmful activities.