Sri Lanka bans single-use plastics including yoghurt cups, straws

14 February 2023 03:13 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 6 Bookmark

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Cabinet has decided to ban the importing, selling, using and distribution of 7 single-use plastic products effective from June 1st, 2023, Cabinet spokesman, Mass Media, Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

They are straws, mixers, yogurt cups and spoons, plates, cups, knives, forks, garlands and string hopper mats made of plastic.

“This is another step taken in the process to protect the environment. The production and use of plastic pose a huge threat to the environment. More than 50% of solid waste dumped at the roadside and at rubbish dumps are plastic products, he said.

The banning of these plastic products has been recommended by an expert committee appointed by the cabinet. (Sandun A Jayasekera)

Comments - 6

Prices for alternatives will be highter Tuesday, 14 February 2023 08:59 PM

This is unnecessary inconvenience for the public. Prices will only go up, and for very little benefit. Government must look for avenues to reduce costs for public, not cause more costs.

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Sammy Tuesday, 14 February 2023 09:04 PM

Plastic string hopper mats are not definitely single use. We have been using them multiple times and continue to.

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Erandani Dias Wednesday, 15 February 2023 12:31 AM

Don't know why they had to be imported when we had Sri Lankan factories manufacturing them, before being forced to shut down due to imports, Commission making middle men to blame. Hopefully this will help start up local manufacturring again

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Disgruntled Lankan Wednesday, 15 February 2023 08:17 AM

I doubt very much if the minister is aware of what he is talking about the single use of a string hopper mat. Give a suitable solution before banning. It will be like the fertiliser issue.

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Jef Wednesday, 15 February 2023 09:44 AM

Definitely plastics products use of plastic food container other throway items must be replace or ristric accordingly sri lanka have a huge problem due lacking in proper recycling and collecting used plastic items Public mostly burning or dumping government must take action to stop further harm done to the environment any plastic that are not environment friendly must be banned...

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Hanna Europe Wednesday, 15 February 2023 11:02 AM

A lot could be achieved If more collection points were established. Tourist, - we are used to seperate Garbage - need detective skills to find spots to get their plastic bottles collected, then the few collection points are overflowing. I am sure Sri Lanka people would also get Into the habit of seperating plastic to help Environment and sea Life.

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