The Cabinet has approved a series of strict measures to minimise the use of polythene and plastic within the Sri Pada environmentally sensitive zone during the annual pilgrimage season.
Sri Pada, which attracts large numbers of pilgrims for nearly six months from December each year, falls within a protected ecosystem governed by the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance. Authorities have identified waste management in the area as a growing environmental concern.
Under the new measures, the sale and carrying of single-use plastic items—including sachets, high-density polythene bags, food containers made of expanded polystyrene, straws, cutlery, cups and plates—will be prohibited. Pilgrims will also be barred from carrying disposable plastic water bottles smaller than one litre.
The disposal of plastic waste and pollution of water sources within the zone will be banned, while business operators will be made responsible for managing waste generated by their sales activities. Vendors must transport plastic waste outside the sensitive area and hand it over to local authorities for final disposal.
The measures will come into effect from the 2025 pilgrimage season, following approval of a proposal by the Minister of Environment. (Newswire)