The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has called on the public to bring reusable, eco‑friendly bags when purchasing books at this year’s Colombo International Book Fair, which opens on September 25, 2026, in order to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.

The appeal comes after observations that visitors at past book fairs have widely used plastic “sili sili” bags to carry books. 

Under Gazette Notification No. 2456/41 of October 1, 2025, issued under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, plastic bags with handles cannot be given free of charge to consumers. If sold, the price must be clearly indicated on the receipt.

The regulations are part of Sri Lanka’s broader effort to curb environmental damage caused by single‑use plastics and polythene. In addition to plastic shopping bags, the sale, free distribution, display, or use of single‑use plastic straws, stirrers, plates, cups, spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, and lunch sheets made of polythene are prohibited by law.

The CEA said it has already reached agreements with food vendors at the fair to ensure banned plastics are not used at stalls within the premises.

To raise awareness among vendors and consumers, the CEA, together with the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association, will implement a special program during the fair under the theme “Read with wisdom – Carry with wisdom.” (Newswire)

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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)

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