"The government and the Central Environment Authority are very much thankful to five leading supermarkets for their volunteer support and effort taken to reduce the usage of polythene and for introducing a re-usable bag for the consumers. Countries such as the USA, Bangladesh, Ireland etc has imposed a total ban of usage of polythene. Thus this step initiated by these 5 leading supermarkets and the CEA focus on making our Island a safer, cleaner place for the future generations." Said Udaya Gammanpila, Chairman of the Central Environment Authority at a press conference yesterday, where under the patronage of the CEA five supermarkets launched a campaign from August 1st to completely deter the use of plastic shopping bags by their customers.

The leading five super markets namely, Keels Super, Cargills Food City, Arpico Supercentre, Laugfs Sun un and Magna offer eco-friendly alternatives to customers and will start charging customers who opt to use plastic bags at check out counters at all their outlets.

The environmentally friendly alternative for carrying purchases are the reusable, water proof, non-woven bags that many super markets offer customers, such as the colourful bags offered by Arpico Super Centre (Blue Bag), Cargills Food City (Green Bag), and Keels Super (Red bag). These bags were introduced to the market last year and are now available to customers at a nominal cost at check out counters of all supermarkets. These bags eliminate water seepage and can store meat and other frozen products. Moreover, they come in convenient sizes and can be machine or hand washed. The price is Rs.40 upwards. Keels Super will offer Nexus points to the customers who use these bags and Cargills Food City, Magna and Arpico will launch promotions for those who utilize this bag. Thus has financial benefits apart from the environmental benefits.

Commenting on the initiative the Chairman further said that one of the objectives of the National Policy on Solid Waste Management in Sri Lanka is to ensure the environmental accountability and social responsibility of all waste generators, waste managers and service providers. The policy also recognizes that solid waste will be managed in accordance with the 3R principle, with special emphasis on waste preventive approaches. Also he added that the CEA has proposed the Treasury to implement a levy on eco-unfriendly products.