Sri Lanka Plans to Ban Single-Use Plastics to Combat Plastic Waste Crisis
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka is taking a significant step towards addressing its escalating plastic waste problem by introducing a new law that will ban the use of single-use plastics. This move comes after the country witnessed the devastating impact of plastic waste on its wildlife, with approximately 20 elephants and numerous other animals losing their lives due to ingestion or entanglement over the past decade.
Aside from the harm caused to wildlife, plastic waste also contributes to the city’s drainage system becoming clogged, leading to frequent flooding. Furthermore, it serves as a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes, triggering an epidemic of diseases like dengue fever. Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, Sri Lankan officials aim to promote responsible plastic usage and raise public awareness.
Under the upcoming legislation, the sale of single-use plastic items such as cutlery, glasses, and steering wheels will be prohibited. However, authorities acknowledge the challenges associated with implementing this ban in practice. In 2006, Sri Lanka passed a law banning the use of ultrathin plastic bags and food wrappers, but manufacturers openly disregarded it. Previous attempts to raise awareness have also proved ineffective in solving the problem. Therefore, it is imperative to cultivate knowledge about environmental conservation and encourage the production of more eco-friendly alternatives.
In 2017, Sri Lanka closed down a garbage dump in Colombo after a catastrophic collapse that claimed over 30 lives and caused extensive damage to hundreds of homes. Subsequently, the use of plastic bags was banned. Nevertheless, compliance with this restriction was not taken seriously. Manufacturers found ways to circumvent regulations by increasing the size of the packaging beyond the minimum requirement. Additionally, due to the economic crisis the country has been facing since late 2021, Sri Lanka has been unable to allocate a budget for proper garbage collection.
A study conducted in 2020 by the Center for Environmental Justice in Sri Lanka revealed that nearly 15 percent of municipal waste consists of single-use plastics. With a population of 22 million, Sri Lanka generates over 1.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, much of which ends up in canals, rivers, and the Indian Ocean. Shockingly, the United Nations estimates that the country only recycles 3 percent of its plastic products, significantly lower than the global average of 9 percent.
Efforts to combat the plastic waste crisis in Sri Lanka are crucial for the preservation of its natural environment and wildlife. By implementing a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics, coupled with raising awareness and promoting environmentally friendly production practices, the nation aims to safeguard its ecosystem for future generations.
Related News:
1. Sri Lanka’s Plastic Waste Crisis: Urgent Action Required
2. The Impact of Plastic Waste on Sri Lanka’s Wildlife Ecosystem
3. Solutions for Sustainable Waste Management in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, June 27 – Sri Lanka will soon enforce a law banning single-use plastics in a bid to tackle the city’s overflowing plastic waste that has killed around 20 elephants and thousands of wildlife over the past decade .
Plastic waste apart from killing animals also causes the drain to become blocked until it floods the city. and cause an epidemic of dengue fever Because it is a source of water for disease-carrying mosquitoes to use as a breeding ground. Sri Lankan officials said they want to raise awareness about the responsible use of plastic. The law will soon ban the sale of single-use plastic items such as cutlery, glasses and steering wheels, but he admits the problem is practicality. Authorities passed a law in 2006 banning the use of ultrathin plastic bags and food wrappers. But the producers openly ignored it. Authorities have repeatedly tried to raise awareness but have failed to solve the problem. It is important to cultivate knowledge about the environment. so it will change the production to be more environmentally friendly
Sri Lanka closed a garbage dump in Colombo in 2017 when a mountain of garbage collapsed. It killed more than 30 people and damaged hundreds of homes. Soon after, authorities banned the use of plastic bags altogether. But there was no serious attachment. As for the order that prohibits the sale of products in small packages, manufacturers have avoided it by producing packages larger than the minimum required by law. In addition, the economic crisis that has occurred since the end of 2021 has left Sri Lanka without a budget for garbage collection.
A 2020 study by the Center for Environmental Justice in Sri Lanka found that almost 15 percent of municipal waste is single-use plastic waste. 22 million Sri Lankans produce more than 1.5 million tons of plastic waste annually to end up in canals, rivers and the Indian Ocean The United Nations or United Nations assesses that Sri Lanka recycles only 3 percent of its plastic products, less than half of the global average of 3 percent. 7.2.-Thai News Agency
see more news
related news
#Sri #Lanka #seeks #solution #plastic #waste #problem #Thai #News #Agency #MCOT
