Consumers wrapped in confusion over sili sili ban

By Nadia Fazlulhaq
With the ban on lunch sheets, shopping and grocery bags of less than 20 microns, in effect,consumers say they are left with few alternatives in the market, especially for lunch sheets. The Environment Ministry has decided to give a grace period of three months for consumers while suitable alternatives are being looked into.

The ban enforced from January 1 covers the manufacture, production and usage of thin polythene (thickness of 20 micron and less). Director (Hazardous Waste Management) of the Central Environment Authority (CEA), Jayawilal Fernando commenting on the grace period said only the average consumer would be entitled to this.

“In some instances restaurants, hotels, shops and supermarkets say they too are consumers. This is true but this grace period is only for individual consumers as their usage is low. But after three months the ban would be strictly enforced on them too,” he said.

Meanwhile three teams comprising CEA officers carried out some surprise checks in some areas to ensure that the ban was being enforced. “On Tuesday the officers toured wholesale shops, supermarkets and restaurants in Pettah and Battaramulla, while on Thursday and Friday they were in Nugegoda and Maharagama,” Mr. Fernando said.