The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has called on visitors attending the Colombo International Book Fair 2026 to carry reusable, environmentally friendly bags when purchasing books, as part of efforts to curb plastic waste.
The CEA said it had observed widespread use of plastic shopping bags, commonly referred to as “sili sili” bags, by visitors at previous book fairs for carrying purchased books.
The Authority highlighted regulations introduced under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2456/41 dated October 1, 2025, issued under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act. Under the regulations, plastic bags with handles cannot be provided to consumers free of charge.
Where such bags are sold, the charge must be clearly included on the customer’s bill.
The measures are intended to reduce the environmental impact of single-use polythene and plastic products.
The regulations also prohibit the sale, free distribution, display or use of several other single-use plastic and polythene items, including plastic drinking straws and stirrers, disposable plastic plates, cups, spoons, forks and knives, as well as polythene-based food wrappers commonly known as “lunch sheets”.
The CEA said it had held discussions with food vendors operating within the book fair premises and reached an agreement to ensure that the prohibited plastic and polythene products would not be used during the event.
The Colombo International Book Fair 2026 is scheduled to commence on September 25.
Throughout the event, the CEA, together with the Sri Lanka Publishers’ Association, will conduct a special awareness programme aimed at educating both vendors and visitors on reducing plastic use and promoting environmentally responsible practices.
Leave your comments
Login to post a comment
Post comment as a guest