As plastic pollution has become a major global issue as well as in Sri Lanka, the Environment Ministry has decided to ban the use of five single-use plastic products and certain plastic products imported from overseas, Environment Ministry Secretary Anil Jasinghe said.

Addressing an event held in Negombo after participating in a newly opened material recovery facility in Negombo, he said the decision was taken to reduce releasing plastic waste to the environment.

Single-use plastic products have a bad impact on the environment. With the decision to reduce single-use plastic products, the ministry would consider the product essential. If it is essential, we have to grant the permission; otherwise, it will not.

Accordingly, plastic cups, spoons, plates, forks, garlands, and string hopper mats will be banned starting in June.

Also said the Ministry will be controlling the import of plastic pellets as there are more existing stocks in the country than is required. "Anyone can import pallets, and it is a waste of the dollar resources. If these items come as renewable, the foreign exchange will not go out of this country," Dr. Jasinghe said.  

He said the ministry is looking forward to curb the importation of plastic pallets and encouraging them to promote green products.

"With the ban on the above plastic items, it will encourage those who are waiting to start this industry using environmentally friendly materials. This will help the lives of the people. People not using plastic spoons, plates, and forks at home. But people used to use them outside, such as at picnics and throw them into the environment," he said.

He further said the minister has to control the importation of certain plastic products from other countries depending on market demand and other factors.

While taking these measures, the ministry is trying to have as much as possible of a plastic-free and plastic-waste-free environment, Dr. Jasinghe said. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)

Pix by Kithsiri de Mel