News
Campaigns told to shed plastic
View(s):By Minaza Hassan
Political parties are being reminded once again to not use plastic in their presidential election activities.
“We have already sent a letter to the Election Commissioner and all parties requesting not to use plastic or polythene in their campaigns,’’ said Central Environment Authority (CEA) Chairman U.D.C. Jayalal.
The CEA had previously issued a gazette prohibiting the use of polythene and plastic products as decorations in political events and other occasions.
Polythene decorations during a past election campaign. (file pic)
“By now, I believe most candidates are aware of the necessity to be plastic-free in their campaigns. But if anyone uses polythene, there needs to be repercussions from the public. People need to take note of their anti-environment policies in campaigning and question the kind of leader they would want,’’ said scientist and environmental activist, Dr. Ajantha Perera.
“This issue came up because we do not have a dump site, and at the moment we are also not recycling the plastic or polythene as much as we need to.’’
“Using posters in public places is also prohibited. However, this is seen to be practised regardless,’’ said lawyer and environmentalist Jagath Gunawardena.
Plastic is only part of a wider issue, said Mr. Gunawardena. “We should not be confined to being plastic-free, but adhere to the law and make it a pollution-free campaign.’’
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, who supports the candidacy of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, said, “Our campaigns are environmentally friendly, and we do not use plastic. As I was an environment minister as well previously, I have very strongly expressed my views on maintaining election campaigns that are environment-friendly.”
The National People’s Power’s Harini Amerasuriya said her party used a minimum of plastic and even requested those who came for their meetings to bring their own water as much as possible to avoid any plastic waste. “We ensure that we do a clean-up at the end of the meeting and try to recycle as much as possible,’’ she said.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman said, “Not only in this election but also in every election, we didn’t use any plastic in our campaigns. We use fabric for the flag, and we don’t need plastic or polythene for the campaign. Plastic is only used for cups.’’
He said police guidelines should be followed when using sound systems.
“All candidates have a responsibility to safeguard the environment and follow the rules and regulations. People always follow leaders, and so they have to be an example,’’ said Mr. Rahman.
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