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Eco-friendly biodegradable bag launched

Published

5 years ago

2021/07/23

By Ifham Nizam

Environment Ministry yesterday(22) launched a new biodegradable bag to be used in places of worship to reduce the use of polythene and plastic. Ministry officials have calculated that more than 50 tons of polythene and plastic are collected annually at the Kataragama Sacred Area alone.

The use of garlands made of natural flowers and oil paper has been encouraged instead of plastic and polythene garlands as well in Kataragama

Speaking at the event Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that polythene and plastics had become a major environmental problem. “Therefore, we have banned five products made of polythene and plastic, including sachets since 31 March 2021. Last week five Cabinet papers were tabled to ban eight more products.”

Minister said that from January next year, his Ministry would ban all shopping bags, especially bags without handles.

“That’s why this eco-friendly bag is being introduced. The Ministry hopes to implement this programme in all major religious places,” Amaraweera said.

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Financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces – PM

Published

12 mins ago

2026/03/4

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya stated that the necessary financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces. She emphasized that these funds must be utilized effectively for school development and requested that relevant authorities submit proposals to address existing shortcomings in school infrastructure.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a cordial meeting with Muslim women in the Wellawaya area on 1st of March.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister met with the Chief Sanghanayake of the Uva Wellassa region and the Chief Incumbent of Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Most Venerable Galtemwatte Nandarathana Nayaka Thero, and briefed him on the current progress of the new education reforms.

She further stated that, while ensuring due recognition for vocational education, steps are being taken to develop 50 vocational training centers equipped with modern courses, covering all 25 districts of the country. She also noted that new education reforms will be introduced for Grade 6 starting in 2027, and that the printing of new textbooks will be entrusted to the Educational Publications Department of the Ministry of Education.

The occasion was attended by Uva Province Governor Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardhana, Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene, local government representatives, the Buttala Divisional Secretary and the District Secretary.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Free 14 day visa extension for visitors unable to depart Sri Lanka

Published

5 hours ago

2026/03/4

Priyan

The Department of Immigration and Emmigration has decided effective from 28th February 2026, to grant a free fourteen (14) day visa extension to all tourists who are unable to leave Sri Lanka due to flight cancellations.

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Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrives in Colombo

Published

7 hours ago

2026/03/4

Priyan

The Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrived at the Port of Colombo for replenishment purposes on 02 Mar 26. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The ship is a 48.9m long Offshore Patrol Vessel which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Nafiu Mohamed.

Meanwhile, the ship’s crew is scheduled to visit several tourist attractions in the city of Colombo, during their stay in the island.