බුක් ෆෙයාර් එකට සිලි බෑග් තහනම් - තමන්ගේ අසුරන අරං එන්න

The Central Environmental Authority requests the public attending the Colombo International Book Exhibition, which commences next Friday (25), to bring an eco-friendly, reusable bag to carry the books they purchase. R.S.P., Director General of the Central Environmental Authority, observed that in previous years, a large number of 'sili sili' bags and other plastic bags were used to carry books at this book exhibition, which attracts a large number of consumers.

Kapila Rajapaksa stated.

Through the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2456/41 dated October 1, 2025, the Consumer Affairs Authority has declared that 'sili sili' bags should not be given free of charge to any consumer. If such bags are sold, the amount charged must be clearly stated on the bill provided. This law has been implemented to prevent environmental damage caused by the use of single-use polythene and plastic products.

Therefore, the Central Environmental Authority requests the public to contribute to the national responsibility of protecting the environment by minimizing the use of polythene bags and using reusable eco-friendly bags when purchasing books. Furthermore, the sale, display for sale, free distribution, or use of single-use plastic straws, plates, cups, spoons, forks, and knives, as well as locally produced polythene lunch sheets, have been completely prohibited by law.

The Central Environmental Authority has taken steps to discuss with relevant parties and reach an agreement to ensure that these prohibited materials are not used in any way at the food stalls located within the book exhibition grounds. In collaboration with the Book Publishers' Association, a special awareness program is planned for September 25, 2026, the opening day of the exhibition, to educate vendors in charge of book stalls and food stalls, as well as the visiting public. This program will be implemented under the theme "Read Smart, Carry Smart" with the aim of holding the exhibition in an eco-friendly manner, preventing environmental damage caused by polythene and plastic.