Campaigns mind the profusion of polythene

Authorities have commended the reduced use of polythene by political parties for their election campaigns this year.

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) said that it not yet received any complaints on the use of polythene campaigns.

The prohibition of polythene was laid down in the gazette notice No 1466/5 on September 1, 2017 under section 23W of the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980. It was declared that any political, social, religious, national, cultural or any other event or occasion, except for those held at home, cannot use any form of polyethylene or polypropylene products as decorations.

“We have requested the Elections Commission to inform all parties of this initiative on the day of the nominations and the police have been instructed to monitor the use of polythene during election campaigns,” the authority’s deputy director general of solid waste management, J. M . U. Indrarathne said.

The Environmental Police told the Sunday Times that they are monitoring the use of polythene.

“The higher authority is vested on the CEA to take legal action on any complaints,” an official said.

According to officials, overall, parties are using less polythene.

“We see a vast improvement in the reduced use of polythene during election campaigns in comparison to previous elections,” the managing director of the Centre for Environmental Justice ( CEJ) Dilena Pathragoda said.

But, he said, that there is still a 30% to 40% setback in promoting the initiative.

“During rallies and other political meetings people throw food packs and lunch sheets that is either distributed to them or brought by them. We would appreciate if they dispose of them properly,” he said.

He emphasised that to reach at least 90% of the people, parties must promote and focus on protecting the environment.

“We have not put up posters on walls everywhere like the opposing parties,” general secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna ( SLPP) Sagara Kariyawasam said.

According to him, some people in the party had used polythene despite the prohibition and they have been warned.

“Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election campaigns are environmental friendly. We have taken the initiative to promote a polythene free environment, and we have also encouraged people to follow suit,” he said.

The General Secretary of the United National Party ( UNP) Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told the Sunday Times that they have used fabric so far and will continue to do so.

“Posters will be put up like every other political party as there are no objections,” he said.

The party has prohibited the use of polythene and will continue to do.

Tilvin Silva, the General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), also said the polythene ban is not a hindrance because the party uses fabric banners. Party supporters also clean up after rallies and campaigns, he said.

“We will continue to work in a manner that is favourable to the environment and introduce policies that are environmental friendly,” he added.