Major supermarket chains in Sri Lanka will begin charging customers for single-use plastic shopping bags starting 1 November 2025, in line with the government’s efforts to reduce plastic waste.
According to Gazette No. 2456/41 issued on 1 October 2025, supermarkets are required to impose a small fee for “sili-sili” bags provided at checkout counters.
The new charges will be Rs. 3 for a medium-sized handle bag and Rs. 5 for a large handle bag.
Leading retailers, including Keells, Cargills Food City, Laugfs Super, SPAR, and Glomark, have jointly announced the measure, encouraging shoppers to bring their own reusable bags.
“The change is a small step that makes a big difference,” the joint statement noted, urging the public to support the transition to environmentally responsible shopping practices. (Newswire)