Polythene hazard continues

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is highly concerned over the use of polythene material and plastic signboards by political parties in their Provincial Council election campaign. The CEA officials during their recent visits to the North Western and Central provinces have observed it that certain politicians and their supporters were extensively using polythene material and plastic boards for their campaigns.

CEA, Chairman, Udaya Gammanpila told the Sunday Observer that a gazette notification was issued in October 2006 following Cabinet approval to stop manufacturing polythene papers which are less than 20 microns in order to mitigate environmental pollution. However, according to our on the spot investigating teams in these two provinces, individuals and groups of people are still using polythene papers, both less than and more than 20 microns for their campaigns.