Keells Super (KS) has come forward to protect the environment, minimising the usage of polythene bags, by introducing its innovative reusable ‘Red Bag’ forshopping purposes. The Red Bags would be made available in every Keells Super outlet for Rs. 25 and it can hold up to 10 kilograms in weight and is waterproof. The bags come in convenient sizes and can be hand or machine washed.

Speaking at the Red Bag launch, noted Environmentalist Dr. Ms Ajantha Perera said that each person in the country throws away one shopping bag made out of polythene totalling 20 million bags per day. "Supermarket chains are the leading contributors to the ‘shopping bag’ threat. It is a great pleasure to see a supermarket has come forward to eliminate the threat for the first time," Dr. Perera said.

She added that environment safeguards are not enemies of development, but development should continue while preserving the environment. Director John Keells Holdings (JKH) Sumithra Gunasekara said the Red Bag initiative is another Corporate Social Responsibility by JKH.

Keells Supermarkets Senior Manager Nihal Senaratne said that supermarkets in many developing and developed countries have this type of bags in their outlets. KS has only taken a leaf from them.

He invited other supermarkets in Sri Lanka to introduce such preventive measures in a bid to save the environment.

BBC World Challenge winner Thusitha Ranasinghe also made a speech on the occasion and appreciated the KS initiative. Meanwhile, KS announced that it is willing to offer their customers many rewards of utmost value through an exciting promotion titled the ‘Bak Maha Vasi’ this Avurudu season.

There are special discounts on more than 300 products, Raffle draws and exciting Avurudu activities at all KS outlets.