Beginning 1 November, Sri Lanka took a notable step toward addressing a persistent environmental problem in the country, the excessive use and careless disposal of single-use polythene shopping bags with handles. The government’s decision to direct vendors to mandatorily charge consumers for these bags marks a new phase in the country’s efforts to reduce plastic use and waste.
As expected, the new rule has sparked debate in markets across the country. Many consumers argue that shopping bags have always been provided free of charge and that it feels unfair to suddenly be required to pay for them. Some point out that the small cost, a few rupees per bag, is unlikely to deter those who are used to using polythene. They believe that those who are environmentally conscious will continue to bring their own reusable bags, while others will simply pay the additional fee without changing their habits. On the other hand, certain vendors have expressed discomfort in enforcing the rule, saying that it feels impractical to charge customers for something so minor, especially in small-scale retail settings.
These reactions are not surprising. Public resistance is common whenever a new regulation is introduced, particularly one that interferes with everyday habits. However, such discomfort is often temporary. When paper straws were first introduced as an alternative to plastic ones, many Sri Lankans dismissed them as impractical or unnecessary. However, today, paper straws have become widely accepted in restaurants and cafes across the country. Change, especially change that involves shifting public habits, takes time.
The new regulation should therefore be viewed not as an inconvenience, but as a start for behavioral change. Sri Lanka must start somewhere. For far too long, the country has grappled with plastic pollution, and blocked drains, polluted waterways and littered landscapes are everyday sights. Polythene shopping bags are among the most visible in plastic pollution. By attaching a price tag to what was once freely available, the government introduces a small but meaningful deterrent. Even if not everyone changes immediately, the act of having to decide whether to buy a bag or not is a start. Many high-end and reputed vendors are likely to comply with the new regulation strictly, both to maintain their credibility and to adhere to government directives. As these businesses set an example, their customers too will gradually adapt. Over time, such practices often trickle down to smaller vendors and markets.
The potential financial aspect of this initiative is also worth exploring. The small fees collected from bag sales could contribute to a broader environmental fund or an “environmental tax” system. These funds could then be used to support waste management programs, recycling initiatives and even community-based awareness campaigns. Such reinvestment would ensure that the policy not only discourages plastic use but also actively contributes to environmental protection.
However, legislation alone cannot change habits. Awareness-raising is critical. The government, civil society and educational institutions must work together to inform the public about why this change matters. People need to understand that plastic pollution does not disappear when the trash truck comes and that its impacts are extensive. Campaigns highlighting the long-term damage of polythene use and the benefits of reusable alternatives can help shift mindsets. The availability of affordable and convenient alternatives is also crucial. Cloth bags or other forms of reusable plastic bags can serve as practical replacements for single-use polythene. If such options are made accessible and promoted, consumers are more likely to adopt them willingly. Supporting local entrepreneurs to produce and market eco-friendly bags could also boost small-scale industries while promoting sustainability.
Ultimately, reducing polythene use is not merely about following regulations. It is about making conscious, personal choices. Every Sri Lankan has a role to play in protecting the environment. The law may act as a prompt, but lasting change must come from within the community. Each person who chooses to refuse a plastic bag, reuse an old one or bring their own is contributing to a cleaner, healthier nation. Although this measure has been met with mixed reactions from both consumers and vendors, it represents a necessary move in the right direction, and it should be strengthened through awareness, consistency and alternatives.