Polythene ban by 2007

Irangika Range

POLYTHENE: The Government will ban the use of polythene by 2007 and popularise eco-friendly packaging among the public, Rural Industries and Self Employment Promotion Minister S.B. Nawinna said.

A trade exhibition was organised to display eco-friendly packaging at the Art Gallery recently. The exhibition was organised by the National Craft Council (NCC) to introduce eco-friendly packaging manufactured by the local craftsmen.

Nawinna said that polythene is destructive and harms the environment. Packaging manufactured utilising natural resources is the best adjustment for polythene and it is the world's trend today.

Local eco-friendly items have demand in the international market as well. Sri Lanka with its village based raw materials such as rush and reed, bamboo, jute, talipot, coconut, palmyra leaf, cane, rattan, hemp and banana can manufacture a range of packaging, " he said.

The Ministry will implement a project to eradicate polythene use in the country under the guidance of Laksala. Three projects to manufacture packaging utilising papers, talipot and coconut leaves have been set up in Kobeigane, Kumbukweva and Koongasyawelagama.

Many job opportunities have been created through the project and Laksala purchases all their products. It also manufactures eco-friendly packaging on requirements of government and private organisations. Chairman of the NCC Dammika P. Bandara said that 67 handicraftsmen participated at the exhibition representing all over the country. The aim of the fair is to introduce eco-friendly packaging and to provide direct market facilities for local craftsmen.

A series of exhibitions will be organised in each province providing more market potential for eco-friendly handicraft related and inherited to each province.

"The NCC have conducted two exhibitions in Galle and Kandy and the next one will be at Kurunegala in April. There are many talented craftsmen out of Colombo and the NCC is keen on protecting them by providing a platform to popularize their items among the local and foreign visitors," he said.