Eco‑friendly bags urged at Colombo International Book Fair

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has called on the public to bring reusable, eco‑friendly bags when purchasing books at this year’s Colombo International Book Fair, which opens on September 25, 2026, in order to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.

The appeal comes after observations that visitors at past book fairs have widely used plastic “sili sili” bags to carry books. 

Under Gazette Notification No. 2456/41 of October 1, 2025, issued under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, plastic bags with handles cannot be given free of charge to consumers. If sold, the price must be clearly indicated on the receipt.

The regulations are part of Sri Lanka’s broader effort to curb environmental damage caused by single‑use plastics and polythene. In addition to plastic shopping bags, the sale, free distribution, display, or use of single‑use plastic straws, stirrers, plates, cups, spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, and lunch sheets made of polythene are prohibited by law.

The CEA said it has already reached agreements with food vendors at the fair to ensure banned plastics are not used at stalls within the premises.

To raise awareness among vendors and consumers, the CEA, together with the Sri Lanka Book Publishers’ Association, will implement a special program during the fair under the theme “Read with wisdom – Carry with wisdom.” (Newswire)

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