Ban on polythene from Jan 1

by Rukshana Rizwie

The blanket ban to restrict indiscriminate use of polythene bags at groceries and retail outlets will come into effect from January 1, 2016. The directive is aimed at minimizing the effect on public health and protecting the environment.

The use of polythene bags with less than 20 microns will be prohibited from January 1.Violators will be fined up to Rs.10 000 or face imprisonment according to a Presidential directive.

The Gazette notification No. 1466/5 issued under section 23W of the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980 states that the use of polythene of less than 20 microns in thickness will be banned.

During a Committee Stage debate earlier this month , President Maithripala Sirisena said the ban would come into effect from January 1, while the ban on asbestos would be effective by 2017. Though the law was not enforced, the Regulation was brought into effect in January 2007, when the President was the Environment Minister.