More plastic products banned from June 01

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Sri Lanka would ban several more plastic products from June, Cabinet spokesman Bandula Gunawardane told the post-cabinet press conference yesterday.

He said the ban had been imposed in keeping with a proposal by the Minister of Environment.

From June 01, the production, importation, sale and use of single-use plastic straws and stirrers, single-use plastic plates, cups (except yoghurt cups), knives, spoons (including yoghurt spoons) and forks, plastic flower garlands and plastic string hopper trays will not be allowed in Sri Lanka, Gunawardane said.

The minister said that banning these items were recommended by a panel of experts, appointed in August 2021, to study the effects of plastic waste on the environment and wildlife.

Sri Lanka banned non-biodegradable plastic bags in 2017.

The minister said there have been many reports of elephant and deer deaths due to the consumption of plastic waste as food.