• Environment Min. defends ‘sili-sili’ bag charge citing conscientious polythene use in the future by consumers 

In the wake of opposition from certain traders to the decision requiring them to charge customers for plastic shopping bags, the Ministry of Environment stated that the move is only an initial step towards a more sustainable approach – including the introduction of a tax on polythene use in the future.

The Environment Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody said that the initiative should be viewed as a starting point rather than a complete solution. “A tax will be imposed on this in the future. Then, traders will definitely have to charge money. Our goal is to reduce the use of polythene, which has become a disaster. This programme was introduced as a beginning.” 

He added that while merely charging a small amount will not completely stop the use of polythene, it however will encourage consumers to be more mindful. “When we buy goods, if we buy 12 types of items, we usually get five or six polythene bags. But now, because of this decision, it will be limited to at least two bags. So, in that sense, we will be able to reduce the use.”  

With effect from 1 November, traders are required to charge consumers for plastic shopping bags with handles, commonly known as ‘sili-sili bags’. The measure follows an extraordinary gazette notification issued by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) on 1 October, under the CAA Act, No. 9 of 2003. According to the directive, traders are prohibited from providing bags made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear LDPE, free of charge. The price of each bag must be clearly displayed at the business premises and included in the bill issued to the customers.

The regulation aims to curb the excessive use of polythene bags, which have become a major contributor to environmental pollution. However, several traders have opposed the move, claiming that it could inconvenience customers and lead to additional operational costs, particularly for small-scale businesses.