Avoid excessive use of polythene, WPC tells LG candidates

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Western Provincial Council (WPC) has cautioned the public and environmentalists to be vigilant about the excessive use of polythene by candidates prior to the Local Government Election on October 8. A spokesman for the WPC said that candidates should be made aware that polythene could pose a major environment threat to people since it could block waterways. "The water-clogged drains will help breed mosquitoes.

Provincial Council Environment Minister Udaya Gammanpila, an ardent environmentalist called upon all candidates and their supporters to refrain from using polythene in their campaigns even during the final stage.

He told the Sunday Observer that it was unfortunate that candidates were eloquent about starting proper garbage collecting systems in their areas during election time.

Minister Gammanpila said that he is awaiting new legislation to implement tough measures on the use of polythene, especially in the Western Provincial Council.

A Draft Bill in this has been prepared for Parliamentary approval, he said.

He said most mosquito breeding grounds have been created in the city and suburbs due to the indiscriminate use of large quantities of polythene.

The Central Environmental Authority has called upon the public to hand over unused plastic and polythene to waste collectors and obtain cash for such waste.