|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Saturday, 3 July 2004 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Government wraps up laws against 'sili-sili' bags by Manjula Fernando The use of harmful plastics including certain 'sili sili' type bags in public places and for decorations will be officially banned shortly. Environment and Natural Resources Minister A.H.M. Fowzie is to present a Bill banning the use of plastic and 'sili sili' bags thinner than 12 microns. The project aimed at minimising the adverse environmental impact caused by hazardous plastic waste received the green light from the Cabinet this week. The proposed laws will accompany the introduction of a new import tax, 0.5 % cess, on all HS 39 variety of plastic and its products for two years from 2004. The decision followed a series of discussions between the Minister and plastics manufacturers. After ratification of the new law, use of the harmful plastic and its products as specified in the Act will be prohibited in all public places including forests open to the public, schools, religious sites and public playgrounds. The Cabinet has also approved a refundable loan of Rs.10 million to be credited to the Central Environmental Authority's Plastic Fund to carry out public awareness campaigns on the proposed Plastics Act. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
