Use of polythene and polystyrene banned

By Chathuri Dissanayake

The Government yesterday decided to impose a ban on the use, sale and production of polythene, including commonly used lunch sheets from September this year, following a proposal presented by the expert committee appointed to develop a national action plan on the management of polythene use and minimising its environmental impact.  

The recommendations given by the committee include immediate, medium- and long-term measures to be taken by the Government to effectively manage the use of the product. According to recommendations, the use of polythene as decorations in all events has been banned. Further, prevailing regulations for the prohibition of the use, sale and production of polythene equal to or less than 20 microns is to be imposed without revision. 

The Cabinet has decided to allow the use of polythene less than 20 microns for essential activities only on the approval of the Central Environmental Authority, while the sale, importation and production of lunch sheets has also been banned. 

Products made of polystyrene are also banned while the sale of processed or cooked meals packed in polythene containers has been banned as well. The burning of polythene and plastic in open places has also been prohibited following recommendations. 

The committee has suggested the introduction and promotion of biologically degradable polythene and plastics and promoting the use of paper, cloth or reed bags or biologically degradable plastics for customers when purchasing items in stores to change current usage patterns. 

To help transition and promote the usage of biodegradable plastics, tax concessions will be granted to import machinery used in biologically degradable plastic productions as a midterm measure, while a cess tax of 15% will be imposed on the importation of plastic raw material and goods. As a long-term measure, the committee has recommended a complete ban on recycled plastic products. 

No media suppression under Independent Media Regulation Bill: Deputy Minister 

A discussion has been started with regard to media rights and standards and there will be no media suppression through this dialogue, the Deputy Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training Karunaratne Paranavithana said.

Responding to a question raised by a journalist at the cabinet media briefing held at the Department of Government Information yesterday, the Deputy Minister said that discussions are being held with media institutions and general public regarding the draft bill.Paranavithana said that some people are trying to create an opinion that this Media Regulatory Act will lead to suppression of the media. He said false rumors are circulating in society pertaining to the dialogue. The Deputy Minister said the goal of the bill is to create a regulatory body with representatives because when it comes to democracy and media the government alone cannot intervene. He pointed out the necessity to regulate media in a democratic manner. He said the draft bill is being prepared with the contribution from all the members of the parliament and a ministerial sub-committee has been appointed to proceed with the preparation of the proposed draft bill.