by Ifham Nizam

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) yesterday said a gazette notification had been issued by the Environment Ministry banning the use of polythene packaging products for agrochemicals and single-use sachets.

According to CEA, Chiariman S. Amarasinghe this decision will come into effect from 31, March 2021.

The Extraordinary Gazette was issued on January 21, pursuant to Section 23W (1) (a) of the National Environmental Act, No. 47 of 1980 by Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.

As per the gazette, the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material for packing agrochemicals for any process, trade or industry, has been prohibited.

In addition, the following plastic items have also been banned by the gazette:

Sachets having less than or equal to a net volume of 20ml/ net weight of 20g (except for packing food and medicines).

Inflatable toys; except balloons, balls, water floating/pool toys, and water sports gear. Cotton buds with plastic stems; except plastic cotton buds used for medical/clinical

treatment. Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Executive Director Hemantha Withanage told The Island Sri Lanka is far behind other nations in taking actions to regulate single use plastics.

“The current government made an attempt to regularise the few single use plastic items here. However, this gazette has not been issued due to the pressure from big brand owners and the plastic manufacturers,” he said

Nearly 45 million yoghurt cups, sachets, shampoo packets are released into the environment a month without any recycling process, the CEJ study has revealed.

The CEJ recommends an immediate ban on single-use plastics such as lunch sheets, shopping bags, sachets, small plastic bottles and other selected items. Large plastic bottles, plastic containers, yoghurt cups and other recyclable items have to collected and recycled. Mandatory Extended producer responsibility is a must to resolve this issue.