The Central Environmental Authority has urged the public to refrain from using polythene and plastic products for Vesak decorations and dansals, warning that the use of several single-use plastic items remains prohibited under Sri Lankan law.

The Authority appealed to all Sri Lankans to celebrate Vesak in an environmentally friendly manner by avoiding plastic-based decorations, lantern materials and disposable items commonly used at dansals.

The CEA noted that during the Vesak season, polythene and plastic products are frequently used for Vesak lanterns, decorative items, entertainment equipment and charitable food distribution activities.

It pointed out that single-use lunch sheets, cups, plates, spoons, forks and wrapping materials made from plastic and polythene continue to be widely used despite existing regulations banning many such products.

The Authority said several single-use plastic items, including expanded polystyrene food containers, plastic straws, cups, plates, spoons, forks, knives, stirrers and plastic garlands, have been banned under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2341/30 dated July 19, 2023.

It further noted that polythene food wrappers and lunch sheets were already prohibited under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2034/34 issued on September 1, 2017.

The CEA stressed that the sale, free distribution, display or use of these banned items is a punishable offence under the law.

In addition, the Authority reminded the public that under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2034/37 of September 1, 2017, the use of polythene or polypropylene products for decorations at political, social, religious, national or cultural events is also prohibited.

The CEA said these regulations were introduced to protect both people and the environment from the harmful impacts of plastic pollution. Improper disposal of plastic and polythene waste has led to contamination of waterways, rivers and oceans, while animals often suffer injuries or death after ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste.

The Authority also warned that microplastics entering food and water systems pose growing environmental and health concerns.

Accordingly, the CEA called on the public to adopt eco-friendly alternatives and ensure that Vesak celebrations are conducted in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.

The annual National War Heroes’ Day commemoration ceremony will be held on 19 May, 2026, at the National War Heroes’ Monument at Battaramulla.

The event will be held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The event is scheduled to begin at 2.45 pm.

Sri Lanka brought the war to a successful conclusion on 18 May, 2009. Although the war-winning government held a combined armed forces parade, President Maithripala Sirisena discontinued the practice in 2016.

Two suspects, accused of arranging two fake sureties to secure bail for former Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, the late Kapila Chandrasena, have been further remanded.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered that the two individuals, along with the person who introduced them to Chandrasena’s legal team, be further remanded until 20 May.

The order was issued by the Colombo Additional Magistrate, consequent to a request made by the Keselwatta Police.

Political sources said that a thorough investigation was required to ascertain the circumstances under which the court registrar accepted two unknown sureties without consulting the relevant Magistrate. Sources said that arranging fake sureties had been going on, not only in Colombo, but all over the country, regardless of some efforts made to arrest the situation.