November 01, Colombo (LNW): From today (01) onwards, retailers across Sri Lanka will no longer be permitted to provide shopping bags free of charge.
The new regulation, issued through a gazette notification by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), requires vendors to impose a fair and transparent charge for each polythene bag provided to customers.
Acting Director of the CAA, Samanthi Karunaratne, explained that the price charged for these bags must be clearly indicated on the customer’s bill, ensuring accountability and preventing arbitrary pricing.
The move aims to discourage the excessive use of disposable plastic bags and encourage consumers to shift towards more sustainable, reusable alternatives.
Traders have been urged to comply fully with the new regulation, with the CAA expected to conduct random inspections to ensure proper enforcement.
