The government will make a key decision in two months regarding plastic products that affect children, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, said.
Addressing the media, Minister Samarasinghe said, world over, attention has been focused on the effects of everyday plastic exposure, causing cancer among children.
He further revealed that experiments conducted in the local market have reported high-risk situations in this regard.
Minister Samarasinghe said that as such, in coordination with several other ministries, it has been decided to take a stringent decision in the next two months.
“This decision will be jointly taken by the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, and the Ministries of Industries, Environment, Education, and the Consumer Affairs Authority,” he said.
Stating that not only will importers and manufacturers of plastic products be briefed on the impacts, he said they will be informed of the negative impacts to children and the guidelines to be followed during the production of such items.
Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe also said that a committee will be appointed to look into the matter, adding that those involved in the plastic products industry are encouraged to share their concerns and suggestions with the said committee.
He went on to note that, based on the report of the committee, the authorities will take the utmost measures to safeguard the children of the nation. (Newswire)
