Public urged to refrain from using plastic, polythene for Vesak decorations

The Government has requested the public to minimize visiting temples on Vesak Full Moon Poya Day this year and to commemorate this important day in accordance with the Amisa Pooja.

This request is being made to the public to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Therefore, the Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera requests the public to limit the use of polythene and plastic decorations for houses and other premises during this Vesak period.

The Minister of Environment has requested a report from the Central Environmental Authority on the expenditure incurred on the annual consumption of polythene and plastic products in the country and the import of plastics and polythene products.

According to information released by the Central Environmental Authority, the country spends Rs. 58 billion annually on the importation of polythene and plastics.

The amount of polythene and plastic imported to the country annually is 177,197 tons. But only 7.1 percent, or 12,636 tons is recycled. The remaining 92.09 percent is released into the environment.

The Minister urges the public to refrain from using plastic and polythene decorations as much as possible this Vesak season to prevent massive environmental damage caused by plastics and polythene.

The Minister also said that it is an act of gratitude to the Buddha to protect the environment on this auspicious day which commemorates his love for the environment.

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