The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) says its active intervention has reduced nationwide polythene consumption from 26 million units to 16 million.

CAA officials noted that the program will continue with the introduction of alternatives to polythene, aimed at further minimizing environmental impact.

They stressed the importance of remaining vigilant in responding to public demands for stricter regulation of food and beverage standards and price control.

The remarks were made during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (14), held to review progress of projects under the 2026 budget allocations for the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, and to discuss the 2027 pre‑budget. (Newswire)

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The National Election Commission has requested candidates contesting the 2024 Presidential Election to refrain from using plastic and polythene during their campaigning activities.

The Election Commission said the request has been made considering a request made by the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, and the ban introduced in September 2017.

The National Election Commission made the announcement following the acceptance of nominations by Presidential candidates today. 

A total of 39 candidates handed in their nominations to contest the Presidential Election scheduled for September 21 this year. (Newswire)

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The principal of a school in Nawalapitiya, who was found to have forced school students to eat the polythene and paper used to wrap their lunch, has been transferred, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha informed the Parliament today. 

It was reported yesterday, that the principal of the Rambukpitiya Central College had forced a group of students to consume the polythene and paper as the school was being maintained as a polythene-free zone.

Delivering a special statement in Parliament, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha announced that the principal has been transferred to the Gampola Zone with immediate effect.

Stating that the decision was taken after inquiring in this regard from the Central Province’s Education Director, yesterday itself, he said an on-site investigation has been conducted by the Pasbage Divisional Director of Education and that the principal in question has been transferred for the convenience of the inquiry.

“From among the group of Grade 11 students who were forced to eat the polythene and paper, two had been admitted to the Nawalapitiya Hospital after falling ill soon after the incident. The other five students who faced the incident have, however, reported to school today (23),” the minister said. 

The Education Minister further revealed that a complaint had also been filed at the Nawalapitiya Police in this regard yesterday. (NewsWire)

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