Sri Lanka will ban the free distribution of polythene bags from 1 November and enforce strict new safety standards on plastic bottles used for drinking water and infant feeding, the government announced on World Children’s Day.
Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the measures are aimed at safeguarding the health of children and the public from harmful chemicals found in substandard plastics.
Speaking at a press briefing in Colombo on Tuesday (01), the Minister said reusable plastic bottles and food packaging will now be subject to mandatory Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certification, with enforcement beginning on 1 April 2026.
Manufacturers and importers must comply or face legal penalties under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act.
“These steps are taken meaningfully, for the future of our children. Scientific evidence has confirmed that chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates—commonly found in plastic baby bottles and water bottles—can cause hormonal imbalances, cancer, reproductive and brain development issues,” Samarasinghe said.
Laboratory tests conducted by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) and other agencies, including the Ministry of Health, Universities of Kelaniya and Peradeniya, and the Industrial Technology Institute, have found dangerous levels of these chemicals in commonly used plastic products.
Under new regulations, reusable plastic beverage bottles must meet SLS 1616 standards, while infant feeding bottles must comply with SLS 1306.
All approved products will be required to display the SLS certification mark issued by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI).
The CAA order, issued under Section 12(1) of Act No. 9 of 2003, will also apply to imported goods, which must be inspected upon entry to ensure compliance.
The CAA will issue a directive prohibiting the free issuance of “silage” polythene bags—typically given to customers in supermarkets and retail stores.
The decision follows consultations with the Central Environmental Authority, Ministry of Environment, and Attorney General’s Department.
The government says the aim is to curb environmental degradation and protect public health by reducing the use of single-use plastics.
