News
Use of polythene packaging material for some products banned
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.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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