A Gazette Extraordinary has been issued suspending the free distribution of plastic shopping bags to consumers from 1 November, 2025.

The regulation, announced by Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon, states that traders are prohibited from issuing plastic bags made of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) free of charge when selling goods.

The directive further requires that if such bags are sold, the price must be clearly mentioned on the bill provided to the consumer.

Commonly known as “sili-sili bags,” these plastic shopping bags of any dimension with handles will no longer be distributed free from the effective date.

The measure is part of the government’s broader efforts to reduce plastic usage and promote environmentally sustainable practices.